Here’s the deal…
When it comes to our health, our bodies expect certain inputs in order for us to function, let alone thrive, and the absence of them not only affects how we feel but oftentimes leads to long-term ill health and chronic disease.
And, let’s get one thing straight…
When I say our bodies, I actually mean our biology, made up of our cells, genetics, evolution, etc.
The Evolutionary Mismatch Between Biology and Modern Life
The challenge we all face and cannot escape is that there is an evolutionary mismatch between our body (biology) and the modern world in which we live…
There are many examples of this. Most notably, in our working environments.
We only have to take a look at how most modern workplaces involve, at least to some level, sitting at a computer all day or for an extended period of time, staring at screens, being indoors, predominantly working alone, or if there is some kind of interaction with others, it’s superficial, which all ultimately ends up draining our energy!
Why This Drains Our Energy
Why is this the case? 🤔
Why does this working environment drain our energy, which can result in tiredness, feeling lethargic, low mood, aches, pains, discomfort, and overall not feeling great, or ourselves?!
Well, from a biological standpoint, it’s because when we spend too much time in this environment, we’re not giving our bodies the RAW materials or certain inputs that it needs…
We’re Indoors When We’re Meant to Be Outside
Firstly, as alluded to, most modern jobs have become increasingly more intellectual and less physical, which means, for the most part, we are indoors.
This goes against our biology, because we are designed to be outside, not indoors, for most of the day, where we get a plethora of benefits, including exposure to natural light (ideally sunlight), which regulates our circadian rhythm. This is vital for all bodily functions and helps signal to the body when it’s day and when it’s night.
We’re designed to get natural light during the day and be in darkness at night. It’s not that hard to understand when you think about it. We need light in the day and darkness at night to sleep.
Artificial Light and Sedentary Living Confuse Our Systems
When we’re indoors for prolonged periods, we’re mostly stationary, on our devices and staring at screens. This not only confuses our circadian rhythms from a light perspective, because we’re surrounded by artificial lights, but staying stationary, often sitting, restricts energy in our bodies, causes aches and discomfort, and drains our mental capacity.
Ultimately, we just don’t feel good.
Yet, this is what many of us do every day. Even those of us who are our own bosses, our work still involves sitting at a device for too long!
Your Body Is Designed to Move
Think of it like this:
Our bodies are designed to move. When we move, we create more energy in the body. When we don’t, energy gets trapped. Energy is much like water; it has a flowing, natural state. But it requires movement to activate it.
This doesn’t mean always pumping weights at the gym or doing any kind of extreme sport…
It means taking regular movement breaks throughout the day and increasing our overall amount of time moving.
This could look like taking a nice 10-minute mindful walk around the block. Or stretching for 20 minutes during a lunch break. This is where practices like Qi Gong and Yoga really come in well. 🧘♂️
Being more active in a general sense throughout the day is greatly undervalued in my opinion, and something I’m a massive advocate for, because it’s what our bodies expect from us!
We Need Real Connection Too
Working alone is another issue, because we require connection with others. We’re a social species. Even if we have people around us, we could be sitting at a desk, with our heads in our screens, not engaging with our co-workers. And even if we do, it’s mostly all superficial.
We end up working with people we may not like or get on with, which all has a role in our health, because we don’t connect deeply with anyone at work.
And, let’s be honest, most of our lives are spent in the workplace (or at work), whatever “work” looks like for us!
Other Essential Inputs We Often Miss
This is just three ways our bodies (biology) don’t get the RAW materials that it needs to function at their best, especially in the modern workplace.
I could go on and on about the other inputs that our bodies expect from us, from certain nutrients, vitamins and minerals from food (which is the primary reason food exists), to the importance of sleep and rest, the quality of the air we breathe, and living with purpose…
You get the gist!
The Modern World Isn’t Built for Our Biology
However, the modern world, especially the workplace, isn’t really well designed to give our bodies what they need to thrive. There is this mismatch.
The more I think about how we can potentially solve this mismatch, the more I can sometimes become a little bit depressed by it, because I realise that there’s not that much we can do.
We Can’t Turn Back Time
Hear me out,
I’m all for personal agency and responsibility. And from this perspective, there is something we can always do (i.e., take more movement breaks throughout the day, etc.).
However…
The modern world is the modern world. We can’t change the modern world.
We can’t all suddenly go back to how life “used to be”, working in the fields again, being outside all day, getting natural light, moving our bodies, and having a laugh with our coworkers, doing the work that we used to do.
Technology and the advancements of the world we live in today have come too far.
And… should we even want to go back? 🤔
Moving Forward with What We’ve Got
Each generation has its own challenges and tribulations, and has to learn to live with what they’ve got and how things are at the time. It’s only in hindsight that we can begin to compare, which sometimes I think is a pointless act.
Instead, I would much rather use what we’ve got available to us today to create a better emerging future for ourselves and future generations.
I think this mindset is a better way to find more peace in the moment, rather than fighting reality.
I continue to learn this the hard way.
What We Can Do Right Now
My point is:
The modern world is the modern world, and it’s not going to change all of a sudden.
Instead, it’s about finding a way, individually and collectively, on how we can meet the demands of the modern world with what our body (biology) expects from us if we want to thrive as a society and be in a better state of overall health and well-being.
Many simple lifestyle changes can play a big role, as well as looking at how we can change the structure of how we work and our overall work environments.
The latter is more of a society conversation, but it’s by having them that we make progress.
If not, the rise of ill health and chronic disease will only continue to rise.
Biology Doesn’t Negotiate
It’s crazy the number of people I speak to who feel tired, lethargic, have no energy or motivation.
And yes, there are changes we can always make on a personal level. It also requires a societal change.
Because if we think that we can outdo our biology, just put our foot to the floor and think working more is the answer, then we’re very much mistaken.
Your Body Needs These Inputs, No Exceptions
At the end of the day, when it comes to our health, our bodies (biology) require certain inputs, and we’ve explored some of them here.
These inputs are:
- Air (Breath)
- Sleep & Rest
- Nutrition
- Movement
- Light & Darkness
- Detoxification
- Connection
- Purpose
Minus air to breathe, we may be able to go for a short period without some of them (just think intermittent fasting).
However, on the whole, if we limit any or many of these inputs for an extended period and don’t give our body what it needs, we’d better be prepared for illness and chronic disease.
Sorry, I didn’t make the rules. That’s just the reality of what it means to be human.
Which is why I deeply believe health is the most important.
Do you?
Key Takeaways on Evolutionary Mismatch
- The Core Conflict: Modern life, particularly office work, creates a mismatch with your biology. Your body expects outdoor environments, natural light, and physical activity, but instead gets prolonged indoor time, artificial light, and sedentary hours, which drains your energy.
- Light and Movement are Crucial: Your system is designed to be outside during the day to regulate your body clock (circadian rhythm) with natural light. Staying indoors and sitting for long periods confuses this rhythm and causes energy to stagnate, leading to aches and a low mood.
- Connection is a Biological Need: You are a social species requiring genuine connection. Many modern work settings involve working alone or having only superficial interactions, failing to meet this fundamental need for well-being.
- Actionable Steps Forward: While you cannot turn back time, you can make small, impactful changes. Integrate regular movement breaks, prioritise getting outside for natural light, and consciously build meaningful connections to bridge the gap between modern demands and your biological needs.
- Non-Negotiable Health Inputs: Your body requires certain inputs to function correctly, including quality air, sleep, nutrition, movement, light, connection, and purpose. Consistently neglecting these essentials will eventually lead to ill health and chronic disease.
FAQs for Evolutionary Mismatch: Why You Feel Drained by Modern Life
What is evolutionary mismatch?
Evolutionary mismatch refers to the conflict between your body’s ancient biological needs, shaped over thousands of years, and the environment and lifestyle of the modern world. This gap is a primary reason you might feel drained, lethargic, or unwell despite living in a world of convenience.
Why does sitting at a desk all day make me so tired?
Sitting at a desk drains your energy for several reasons. Your body is designed for movement, which creates and circulates energy. When you are stationary, that energy becomes trapped. Additionally, being indoors under artificial light disrupts your natural body clock, further contributing to fatigue and discomfort.
How can I combat the negative effects of my office job?
You can start by integrating simple habits into your day. Take short, 10-minute walks outside to get natural light and move your body. Incorporate stretching breaks. Prioritise genuine social interactions, even if brief. These small actions help give your body the inputs it biologically craves.
Is it really possible to feel better without a major life change?
Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to quit your job and live in the wilderness. The key is to find ways to meet your biological needs within your current life. Focusing on small, consistent lifestyle adjustments like daily movement, better light exposure, and real connection can make a significant difference to your overall energy and well-being.
What are the most important ‘inputs’ my body needs?
Your body has several non-negotiable requirements to thrive. These essential inputs are clean air (breath), adequate sleep and rest, proper nutrition, regular movement, natural light and darkness cycles, detoxification, meaningful connection with others, and a sense of purpose.
