Summary of "7 Underrated Habits for a Better Life (and 7 Overrated Habits Too)"
Summary of Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from 7 Underrated Habits for a Better Life (and 7 Overrated Habits Too)
Overrated Habits and Concepts
Goals
- Goals are overrated if people get too attached to them.
- The real value lies in the process and behaviors (e.g., exercising, eating better), not the exact goal outcome.
- It’s okay and even recommended to quit or adjust goals when they no longer serve you.
- Goals should serve you, not the other way around.
Self-Care
- The concept is important but often confused with self-indulgence (e.g., expensive trips, “bed rotting”).
- Real self-care is about discipline: doing things good for you even when unpleasant (paying bills, exercising).
- Self-discipline is a form of self-love; indulgence is not self-care.
Romance
- Overrated as a primary relationship focus; often mistaken for love, respect, or trust.
- Romance can derail relationships if prioritized over foundational elements.
- Romance is a supplement, not the core of a healthy relationship.
Politics
- Overrated as a source of meaning or happiness.
- Creates unrealistic expectations and can cause disappointment and mental distress.
- Excessive news consumption is harmful to mental health.
- Replacing news with historical context can provide perspective and reduce anxiety.
Cold Plunges
- Overrated due to limited and low-quality scientific evidence.
- Maintenance and practical issues (cleaning, noise) make it less appealing.
- Feel-good effects may be due to adrenaline and endorphin release, not long-term benefits.
Gratitude
- Depends on the individual; very helpful for those prone to taking things for granted.
- Less useful or superfluous for people who are naturally grateful.
- Gratitude exercises are tools, not universal solutions.
Underrated Habits and Concepts
Friendship
- Underrated compared to romantic relationships.
- Social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
- Good friendships are crucial for mental health and happiness.
Dancing and Music
- Underrated physical and emotional interventions.
- Dancing elevates mood and mental wellbeing, comparable to pharmaceutical interventions in some studies.
- Music helps with focus, happiness, and managing ADHD symptoms.
Saunas / Heat Exposure
- Underrated with strong evidence supporting benefits for longevity, heart health, immune response, and relaxation.
- Sauna use is practical and enjoyable.
- Heat exposure promotes a beneficial stress response in the body.
Journaling
- Properly rated but often underappreciated.
- Effective when it involves asking difficult, introspective questions rather than superficial prompts.
- Helps clarify thoughts, track progress, and revisit past insights.
Religion / God (as a practice)
- Underrated in terms of community, mental health, longevity, and social benefits.
- Community aspect is especially valuable in modern society’s crisis of connection.
- Selection bias complicates causality, but religious communities often provide social support.
“It Depends” Habits and Concepts
Therapy
- Highly effective for many but not all; results depend heavily on therapist quality and fit.
- Important to try multiple therapists to find a good match.
- Requires active participation and ongoing self-reflection outside sessions.
- Therapy is not a permanent fix; some people may worsen or not benefit.
Purpose
- Important to have some sense of purpose but not everything must feel meaningful all the time.
- Trying to make every moment purposeful can cause misery.
- Life involves mundane tasks that don’t feel purposeful, and that’s okay.
Psychedelics
- Promising therapeutic tool for severe mental health issues under clinical supervision.
- Less evidence for benefits in healthy individuals or for microdosing.
- Risks exist, especially for people predisposed to certain mental illnesses.
- Should be approached with caution and awareness of potential negative effects.
Key Takeaway
No single habit or practice works for everyone or all the time. The best approach is to experiment, find what works for you, use it while effective, then adapt or switch when it stops serving you. Personal development is an ongoing, individualized process without a final answer.
Presenters / Sources
- Mark Manson (Host, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* Podcast)
- Drew (Co-host / Guest on the episode)
Note: The discussion references various scientific studies, meta-analyses, and personal experiences shared by Mark Manson and Drew.
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
