For thousands of years, our ancestors survived against all odds—facing brutal environments, relentless predators, and a never-ending need to fight for survival. They were masters of resilience, attuned to nature, and fiercely independent. Fast forward to today, and we live in a world of unparalleled comfort. Modern conveniences surround us, making life easier, safer, and more predictable. But while these conveniences are designed to help us, they’re also creating a slow, insidious crisis—a Comfort Crisis—that is weakening our bodies, dulling our minds, and making us vulnerable to the very things our ancestors would have fought off instinctively.
We’ve gone from fierce hunters and gatherers who ruled the jungleto passiveconsumers of convenience—many of us incapable of enduring hardship or surviving without modern comforts.
In my strong opinion, our ancestors didn’t endure countless hardships—many beyond what we could even imagine—just so we could trade our birthright of strength and resilience for the convenience of plastic containers, Wi-Fi signals, and fast food. The real predator of today isn’t a wild animal or a natural disaster; it’s comfort. And if you let it, comfort will slowly but surely weaken you until it’s the very thing that takes you out.
The Plastic Predicament: A Toxic Convenience
Plastics are everywhere. From food containers and grocery bags to the very packaging that wraps our produce and meats, plastic has become the cornerstone of modern convenience. But as easy and useful as plastic is, it comes with a hidden cost: it’s poisoning us slowly.
Plastic in Your Body: The Threat of BPA, Phthalates, and Microplastics
Most plastics contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates—endocrine disruptors that mimic hormones and interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance. Even plastics labeled “BPA-free” are often just as dangerous, using alternative chemicals like BPS and BPF, which have been shown to have similar effects on hormone disruption, fertility issues, and metabolic problems.
Worse yet, our bodies are now burdened with microplastics—tiny particles of plastic that have been found in human blood, organs, and even 100% of tested placenta and testicle tissue. These microplastics are absorbed through our food, water, and air, silently causing inflammation, damaging cells, and contributing to long-term diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions.
The convenience of plastic is not only wreaking havoc on our endocrine systems and overall health, but its impact on the planet is something we’re all too familiar with. Personally, I make every effort to avoid plastic, especially within my own home, where I try to limit its use as much as possible.
It’s tempting to stick with plastic because it’s everywhere. But every time you use plastic, you’re choosing comfort over health. Take the harder path, just as your ancestors did. Here’s how:
Ditch Plastic for Glass or Stainless Steel: Glass and stainless steel containers are excellent alternatives for storing food and water. These materials don’t leach chemicals, even when heated, and they last longer than plastic.
Buy in Bulk, Avoid Packaging: Shop at bulk stores where you can use your own containers. Avoid products wrapped in plastic, especially when it comes to fresh produce, meats, and dairy.
These changes might seem inconvenient at first, but remember, it’s not about what’s easy—it’s about what keeps you strong and healthy.
Wi-Fi and EMF: The Invisible Predator
Wi-Fi, smartphones, and constant connectivity have become indispensable in our modern world. We rely on these technologies to work, communicate, and even relax. But the invisible threat of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by Wi-Fi, cell phones, and other wireless devices is slowly degrading our health.
EMFs and Your Brain: Breaking the Blood-Brain Barrier
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to EMFs can weaken the blood-brain barrier—a protective shield that prevents toxins from entering your brain. When this barrier is compromised, harmful substances can infiltrate your brain tissue, leading to cognitive decline, memory problems, mood disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. EMF exposure also contributes to oxidative stress—a condition in which free radicals damage cells, leading to chronic inflammation and disease.
Our ancestors didn’t deal with this. Their days were spent in nature, grounded to the earth, free from invisible radiation and constant notifications. Their bodies were in sync with natural rhythms, the rise and fall of the sun. Today, we’ve traded that natural life for the ease of wireless technology, but at what cost?
How to Fight Back Against EMF Exposure:
Turn Off Wi-Fi at Night: One of the simplest ways to reduce your EMF exposure is to turn off your Wi-Fi router at night. This gives your body a chance to recover from constant EMF exposure while you sleep.
Go Wired: Whenever possible, use hardwired connections instead of Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables not only provide a more stable and faster internet connection but also drastically reduce your exposure to EMFs.
Processed Foods: A Chemical Cocktail on Your Plate
Convenience foods are a hallmark of modern life. From pre-packaged meals to fast food, it’s easy to grab something quick and easy without thinking twice. But what you may not realize is that most processed foods are packed with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and chemicals designed for long shelf life, not nourishment.
The Hidden Dangers of Processed Foods
Processed (and obviously) ultra-processed foods are filled with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and synthetic additives like flavor enhancers, colorants, and preservatives. These chemicals disrupt your metabolism, impair digestion, and contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Additionally, many processed foods are made with low-quality oils like soybean, canola, and corn oils, which are highly inflammatory and can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
But the problem goes deeper than just ingredients. Processed foods are devoid of essential nutrients. They lack the vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that your body needs to thrive, leaving you nutrient-deficient even if you’re consuming enough calories.
Our ancestors didn’t have this issue. Their food was fresh, nutrient-dense, and straight from the earth. They hunted for meat, fished for their protein, and gathered wild fruits and vegetables. They didn’t rely on convenience; they relied on nature.
Take the Harder Path: Eat Like Your Ancestors
Shop Local, Buy from Farmers Markets: The best way to ensure your food is nutrient-dense and free from harmful chemicals is to buy from local farmers markets. Talk to the farmers and ask how they grow their produce or raise their livestock. Are the animals grass-fed and grass-finished, or are they grain-fed with corn, soy, and hormones? Choose food that’s raised and grown the way nature intended.
Cook Your Own Meals: Cooking from scratch might take more time, but it’s the surest way to know exactly what’s in your food. Use whole, organic ingredients, and avoid processed, pre-packaged options.
Prioritize Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished Meat: Your body thrives on high-quality animal protein, especially when it’s raised naturally. Grass-fed, grass-finished meat is more nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory compared to grain-fed meat that’s pumped with antibiotics and hormones.
Eating like your ancestors may take more effort, but it’s a path that leads to true nourishment.
Personal Care Products: What You Put On Your Skin Matters
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and what you put on it matters. Many commercial personal care products are loaded with toxic chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that can disrupt your hormones and increase your risk of cancer, reproductive issues, and immune dysfunction.
Our ancestors didn’t have these synthetic products. They used natural oils, herbs, and plant-based ingredients to care for their skin and hair. Today, we have access to an abundance of “beauty” products, but many are filled with chemicals that poison us slowly over time.
DIY Personal Care: Another option is to make your own personal care products using ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, and shea butter. Homemade products can be just as effective as store-bought ones but without the toxic additives.
Choosing natural, chemical-free personal care products may be more expensive or time-consuming, but your body will thank you in the long run.
Air Pollution: The Silent Killer
Air pollution is a modern-day enemy that we often overlook. While we tend to think of air pollution as an outdoor issue, the reality is that the air inside our homes can be just as, if not more, polluted. Indoor air pollution comes from cleaning products, furniture, and even cooking, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals into the air we breathe.
Our ancestors didn’t live in sealed, climate-controlled homes filled with synthetic materials. They lived in open environments, breathing fresh air from forests, mountains, and oceans. Their bodies were constantly exposed to the natural elements, not trapped indoors with artificial pollutants.
Purify Your Air:
AirDoctor Air Purifying UnitsInvest in an Air Purifier: I use and recommend the AirDoctor, an air purifier that removes harmful pollutants, VOCs, and other airborne toxins. Running an air purifier can drastically improve your home’s air quality and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Ventilate Your Space: Make sure your home is well-ventilated. Open your windows regularly to let in fresh air, and avoid using air fresheners or harsh cleaning products that release toxins into the air.
Breathing clean air may require some extra effort, but it’s a necessary step toward reclaiming the vitality your ancestors lived with.
Sedentary Lifestyles: The Comfort of Inactivity
One of the most dangerous aspects of modern life is the sedentary lifestyle. With cars, elevators, and desk jobs, many of us spend the majority of our days sitting down. Our ancestors, on the other hand, were constantly on the move—hunting, foraging, building, and running. Their bodies were lean, strong, and resilient because they had to be. Movement wasn’t optional; it was essential for survival.
Sitting for long periods is linked to obesity, heart disease, and even mental health issues. Yet modern comfort has made movement optional, leading many to trade physical strength for the ease of staying still.
How to Reclaim Your Body:
Move Regularly: Make it a priority to move throughout the day. Even simple actions like walking, stretching, or taking the stairs can add up. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement each day to keep your body strong and your mind sharp.
Challenge Yourself Physically: Don’t shy away from physical challenges. Lift weights, hike, swim, or engage in activities that push your body to its limits. Embrace discomfort—it’s where growth happens.
Chronic Stress: The Comfort of Being Always “On”
In today’s world, we’re bombarded with constant stress from work, notifications, and the never-ending demands of modern life. Chronic stress weakens our immune systems, disrupts our hormones, and leads to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Our ancestors experienced stress, but it was a different kind of stress—the kind that forced them into action, to fight or flee. Once the danger was over, they rested. Today, we never fully turn off. We’re always “on,” always connected, always worried about the next thing.
How to Combat Modern Stress:
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help lower stress levels and bring a sense of calm and clarity. Take time each day to disconnect and tune into your body.
Reconnect with Nature: Spending time in nature can reset your body’s stress response, calming the nervous system and boosting mental health. Make it a habit to spend time outside, walking in the woods, hiking, or simply sitting by the water.
The Big Picture: Don’t Let Comfort Take You Out
The Comfort Crisis is real, but it’s one you can overcome. Modern life may offer conveniences, but those conveniences come with a price: your health, your resilience, and your primal strength. The good news? You have the power to take back control.
Your ancestors didn’t survive for thousands of years only for you to become a fragile, dependent version of them. They fought, they thrived, and they passed down their strength to you. Don’t let modern comforts be the thing that takes you out. Choose the harder path. Choose to live differently. Choose to embrace discomfort, because that’s where your true strength lies.
You’ve ruled the jungle for millennia—don’t let comfort be what defeats you.
Kyle Smith
Kyle Smith is a CHEK Certified Holistic Health & Lifestyle Coach, entrepreneur, adrenaline enjoyer, and passionate advocate for intentional living.
