Adaptogens
The adaptogens niche focuses on natural substances used to help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. This includes exploring various adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola, holy basil, and ashwagandha, and their benefits in managing stress, fatigue, and enhancing mental clarity. It also covers lifestyle integration, dosing guidelines, and potential interactions with other medications or supplements.
All Articles
Is Being a “Loner” a Mental Illness? The Science
Choosing solitude is not automatically a mental illness. The video’s core idea is that humans are biologically wired for connection, and that regular, meaningful relationships can calm the nervous system and improve mood. The speaker also flags that persistent “I don’t want to be around anybody” patterns can sometimes point to underlying drivers like trauma, abuse, avoidant attachment, or avoidant personality disorder, which deserve curious, nonjudgmental exploration. Research on loneliness and social isolation supports the idea that disconnection can affect mental and physical health, but context matters: preference, safety, and functioning are key.
Mastering Cortisol for Better Energy and Sleep
Most people hear “control cortisol” and assume it means nonstop stress reduction. The presenter’s perspective is different, cortisol is not the enemy, timing is. The goal is high cortisol soon after waking to support morning and daytime energy, then very low cortisol in the evening to protect early-night deep sleep. He prioritizes bright light exposure, hydration, and exercise early in the day, and he explains why caffeine and cold exposure stop boosting cortisol once you do them regularly. That tolerance also explains why some people can drink afternoon caffeine and still fall asleep, yet still experience subtle sleep disruption. He also highlights lesser-known tools, licorice root can strongly raise cortisol, and grapefruit can slow cortisol breakdown by inhibiting enzymes. Because these can interact with medications and certain conditions, he emphasizes caution and individualized decision-making with a clinician.