The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 7,209 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 01-11-2025


Top reviews from the United States

RJ
5.0 out of 5 stars A symphony of science and storytelling.
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
This book offers a thought-provoking exploration into the modern paradox of comfort and its impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Easter challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with comfort and the consequences of an overly cushy lifestyle. Through engaging storytelling and insightful research, he delves into the benefits of discomfort, whether it's physical challenges like cold exposure or mental discomfort through practices like mindfulness. Easter's writing prompts readers to reflect on their own habits and encourages them to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and resilience. With its blend of science, philosophy, and practical advice, "The Comfort Crisis" is a compelling read that invites readers to step out of their comfort zones and into a more fulfilling life.
Roni Yagel
5.0 out of 5 stars Most lessons learned for daily life
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
Very interesting and full with lessons that need to be implemented in our daily life, some easily and some very difficult, if not impossible, to implement for an average Westerner.
The detailed and lengthy description of the Alaska trip was, to my taste, boring and unnecessary.
J. Cox
4.0 out of 5 stars My thoughts
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024
Ok, here goes. The author did an excellent job exposing the reader to a vast gamut of people that expouse not being comfortable, but exposing oneself to deliberate discomfort. I totally agree with all the interviews here...these discomforts help us to grow and be more resilient.

But I did wanted to add my two cents here, and I'm sure I'll receive flack. Page after page in this book, the theory of evolution is preached. I respectfully disagree wholeheartedly. Just take this as an example... the eagle. While the eagle was "evolving" at some stage in its primordial past, wings were "evolving" or forming. So were its eyes and talons. So tell me, how the n
heck did it fly or see to catch prey...Unless... It was a fully functioning and developed creature. The point is, it couldn't.

Folks, we DO have a creator.

But thanks again Michael for the excellent read and page turner.
C. Dyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
This was such an inspiring, enlightening, thought-provoking read. Great insights, loved the Alaska trip as a spring board into his research, which was all relevant and fascinating. Describing it to someone else is difficult.

The idea of misogi made me reflect on my own life. I was describing this concept to someone who said maybe my last several months working hard through past trauma and related issues is a kind of misogi.

I'll take that, it's inspiring. I'm thinking about the next one. As for "what the heck is misogi?", you have to read the book.
David J. Leach
5.0 out of 5 stars Impactful read on the benefits of pushing ourselves...
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
"Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter is a thought-provoking exploration into the modern paradox of comfort and its impact on our overall well-being. Arguably, it was the most influential book I've read in quite some time. After reading it, I sent copies to all my young-adult-aged kids and several friends - one of whom was so impressed, that he bought a case of the books and passed them out to his team at work!

Easter challenges the prevailing narrative that an excessively comfortable lifestyle leads to happiness and fulfillment. With a blend of scientific research, personal (oftentimes humorous) anecdotes, and cultural observations, he makes a compelling case for embracing discomfort as a path to growth, resilience, and a more meaningful life.

"We are living progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, under-challenged, safet-netted lives. And it's limiting the degree to which we experience our "one wile and precisous life," (as poet Mary Oliver put it."

"But a radical new body of evidence shows that people are at their best - physically harder, mentally tougher, and spiritually sounder - after experiencing the same discomforts our early ancestors were exposed to every day."

"Comfort Crisis" is a refreshing and timely reminder that true fulfillment often lies outside our comfort zones.

Highly recommend!
Sandpiper
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this!
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
This is a great book and very insightful into what is happening in our culture today and why we are so emotionally fragile. A must read for new parents - your kids will thank you!
Travis Herod
5.0 out of 5 stars You NEED to read this book. yes….YOU.
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2023
Came across this book completely by accident, through a minor reference in a Facebook post on a Ruck page. I have been interested in rucking for a while. But never did anything about it. Saw this book referenced in passing, and as I was about to board what was probably my 5th flight in the last 2 weeks, I needed something to read, so on a complete whim, downloaded it.

I don’t mean to be dramatic here, but…..this book can literally be life changing, if you let it. It says, and explains all the things I’ve known, thought, and been feeling as I get older, softer, and admittedly, more comfortable.

The cool thing is, no matter what challenge you are facing. No matter where you are in life, there is SOMETHING here you can take away. Want to end substance abuse? Want to improve personal and professional relationships? Want to stop killing yourself slowly, with food? Thinking about getting off the couch? Feel like something is missing spiritually? Feel lost in your urban, suburban hell of a life? This book doesn’t fix ANY of that. BUT…it explains why you feel the way you do, why we were not meant to live the way we do, and hopefully, motivate you to do something about it.

Will I do a 33 day caribou hunt in Alaska. No. (I’ve done a few multi week moose, and caribou hunts up there 3 decades ago when I was younger, this brought back great memories!)

Will I carry a big boulder a long way underwater? No.

Will I get my ass off the couch, throw my ruck on, and get moving? Yes

Will I spend a LOT more time, in quiet, without electronic distractions, in nature? Absolutely.

As I enter the midway point of the 3rd quarter of the game of life, this book gives me hope, that I can put a lot more meaning unto the remaining bit. I only wish I had been able to read this 30 years ago.
Ethan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
Phenomenal book! This has helped me turn over a new leaf of discipline fueled by the knowledge I have gained from this book.

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