Chris Bailey, a man committed to productivity experiments, decided to reproduce the lifestyle of a caveman in a 21st century context. His aim was to discover the effect this would have on his energy and output. His findings were described at alifeofproductivity.com.
One month as a caveman
During the month of April, the experiment incorporated the following features:
- Diet. This consisted mainly of meat and unprocessed vegetables; there were no processed foods, sugar or alcohol.
- Sleep. Bailey slept on a yoga mat on the floor.
- Work. He got a minimum of two hours sunlight per day, regardless of the weather conditions.
- Movement. Just like ancient hunters in search of food, he walked an average of nine kilometres every day.
- Going barefoot. The only concession here was a switch to barefoot running shoes mid-month.
Results
Bailey admits to having suffered mood swings in the first few days of the experiment. At the end of week one, however, he began to notice several changes for the better. In the weeks which followed he experienced a considerable increase in his energy levels and a general sense of wellbeing – both physical and mental. Walking nine kilometres per day led to greater social contact and the effects of his healthier diet began to show very quickly. The two major findings can thus be summed up as follows:
- More energy. A combination of better eating habits – which led to shedding three kilos – and more time spent outdoors led to increased energy and psychological equilibrium. This in turn meant better focus and more effective productivity.
- Less stress. The frantic pace of modern life leads to considerable mental stress. We are better equipped to cope with the pressure if we engage in physical activity, enabling us better to channel our stress and even employ it as a useful weapon.
The author concludes that although we cannot control evolution, we can adjust to and work with it in such a way as to benefit ourselves and thus lead more contented lives.
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