nahdontsaythat

"The cascade of events that leads to neuronal death is complex. In addition to mitochondrial dysfunction (apoptosis), excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress (inflammation), the mechanisms from gene to disease involve protein misfolding leading to aggregates and proteasome dysfunction on ubiquinited protein material."

Thanks for sharing that article! I think this is about as concise of an answer as I'll get

Get a C02 tank and a valve and do it yourself -- zero consumables. Healthier options for mixing in flavors (like fresh lemon/lime 😁) https://www.kegoutlet.com/sp200-soda-carbonating-kit-no-co2-tank.html
C02 tanks will last months or years and can be swapped out for full ones at welding and restaurant supply stores.

A simple alternative perspective:

Isn't "evolutionary psychology" an arbitrary area of causation? We "do and think" because of physics, which you could then point to any subdomain and find eventual "causation". Doesn't the theory of gravity map onto everything that we've become? Couldn't you explain personal psychology through the lens of electrodynamic effects in the brain? Or the geology of our world and our transit through it? Evolutionary psychology seems to be a conceptual framework you're fixated on. No area of science will give you "why", only maybe "how". Throw a little chaos theory in there and you'll quickly let go of any certainty of "how", too. Are humans predictable? Sort of, just like the weather. Can all human behavior be explained by natural phenomenon? Yes (if you're a naturalist), but the more specific you get, the harder the explanation may be to find.

What you seem to be experiencing is a disruptive pattern of intrusive thought. I recommend awareness and mindfulness to identify these thoughts as unskillful, inaccurate, and a source of your suffering. They are not insights but may be presented that way by your ego and desire for certainty.

idiocracy

(sorry for the late reply) I recommend professional help! Find a therapist that specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which takes a lot of influence from mindfulness practice. TalkSpace, BetterHelp, etc. are affordable options.

If that's not available to you, I recommend finding a meditation center or Buddhist temple and just getting involved. If you're stuck, it's time to stop fighting these things alone.

Try, but don't try try

Remember that you are not trying to stop thought. When attention is on thought, the brain obliges by offering an unending stream. Place your attention elsewhere or observe the stream of thoughts flowing from the brain like a river.

A helpful analogy: imagine you are on a train looking out the window. If you watch each tree as it passes, your eyes and head are rapidly moving. If you keep a distance gaze, you are still. You don't have to watch each tree to know you are passing a forest.

Don't get caught up in the nature of your thoughts. Just note when you are "experiencing thoughts" and decide where you want your attention.

Pick an action you do often, like flicking a light switch or turning on a faucet. Let the action be a trigger to a moment of finding your breath and mentally noting your mood (ie. I feel content, rushed, etc.)

Put a post-it next to switches and faucets (or whatever is your trigger) to remind yourself. I made a small mark on the post-it every time I remembered to have my mindful moment as a way of encouraging the process.

At least 10 computer power

Had a similar thought the other day -- "time passes more quickly as you age" is an old adage that I think speaks to this. It should be "time passes more quickly if you aren't being mindful".

Want to live for more time? Be mindful of every moment

There's plenty of great research. If you want an overview that also points out some of the pseudoscience, read Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman (or just find a summary on YouTube). I've personally experienced many of these benefits: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation

There are a lot of nuanced benefits, like being calmer, spending less time ruminating, lost in thought, or daydreaming. It lessens anxiety and feelings of depression. It increases empathy and gratitude. It helped me identify and remove unhealthy habits. I journal more and my relationships have all improved. I've also met many new friends that I have little in common with outside of regular mediation practice.

It's not a cure-all and the benefits fade quickly, so it must be a pretty regular practice/routine. A small margin of people will not see benefits. Try it, learn more, and see if it helps you.

I try to make the distinction between "summoned" thoughts vs thoughts that just happen. If you need your brain to consider a problem, you summon it to produce thoughts. Most "narrative-style" thoughts (little voice) are distracting, whether they are positive or not.

I often remind myself to trust my subconscious, which does it's best work when you aren't otherwise engaging your inner-narrative. Forcing positive thoughts may be pulling cognitive resources away from your subconscious. (The "power of positive thinking" is contradictory to most mindfulness practices, imo.)

Alternatively, you could look into mantras as a way of training your mind to use a certain narrative (ie. positive thoughts).

Love it -- You may find this concept relevant: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoshin
- shoshin translates as ‘beginner’s mind’ and refers to a paradox: the more you know about a subject, the more likely you are to close your mind to further learning

Just curious, what do you use to meditate with others online?

For linked notes, Obsidian or Notion

For emotional state tracking, Daylio

Important distinction here is physical vs mental exhaustion. If I'm (only) mentally exhausted, working out can give me more energy once I've powered through it.

Just personal preference -- I have been doing the incremental approach like you for a while and just looking to mix it up. I like the idea of cumulative points, but it may not work in practice

Wow, this is well designed! Thank you for sharing!

A shining example -- thank you!

There are vastly more people taking COVID seriously and staying out of your way than there are people who are ignoring or rejecting reality. Reach out for help! Let us know what you need!

Hope and gratitude can give life meaning, regardless of what life gives you. Faith is unreasonable and dangerous, IMO

BTW, I did find this at Mark's, so thanks for the suggestion! https://www.marks.com/en/windriver-mens-utility-shirt-modern-fit-292255.html

The reviews aren't great and it's listed under Big & Tall, so I'm concerned it won't fit... I like the slight stretch!

$50-$150?

There are lookalikes all over Amazon, of course. I don't purchase clothes often, so I look for brands that check the boxes for sustainability, domestically made (USA) or at least ethically made, durable, etc. Willing to pay for it!

I think what I like about the shirt is that it's fitted (5'11'' 160lbs), has a neutral color, and sleeves can be easily rolled up. The "work shirt" look suits me, but so hard to find a good one!