Go Wild

Book summary

John J. Ratey, MD, is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ratey has become one of the world's leading experts on the brain-fitness relationship in areas such as ADD, Autism, Aging and Cognition. He is the author of numerous books and articles in neuropsychology that have been translated into many languages.

By reconnecting with the lifestyle of our wild ancestors, it is possible to lead more fulfilling lives. While modern civilization aims to ensure our safety, our physical well-being has been compromised. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and even severe illnesses such as cancer has increased due to unhealthy diets and a sedentary lifestyle. However, it is not difficult to embrace a more natural way of living. Any individual who wishes to get active and connect with nature can accomplish this. Take a wild run. Do you have access to a nearby mountain or forest trail? If so, you have a direct route to happiness waiting for you. Engaging in trail running not only triggers the release of endorphins, known as the happiness hormone, but it also allows our bodies to operate in their natural state. Our minds and bodies are capable of ensuring our safety as long as we are paying attention. For instance, running in the rain prompts our bodies to instinctively adapt their movement patterns to the conditions: the movement of our feet will change, and our overall balance improves.

"Getting older is unavoidable, but falling apart is not."

"Just as anxiety can feed on itself, so can courage."

"The body was designed to be pushed, and in pushing our bodies we push our brains too."

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