It’s cool to think that someone has supernatural strength beyond the realm of mere mortals. As much as I’d like, I can’t burn intensely forever. Sometimes I need to rest.

Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been learning how to punch without breaking my hand. My phone book that I taped to a tree got a little soggy in the rain lately, but it makes it easier to see my progress. As you can tell, I do more damage with my left hand than my right.

When I first started punching, it really hurt! Even though I didn’t hit very hard, I still ended up with bleeding left hand and a bruised right. Due to my injuries, I had to rest before I could try again. Every day I’m getting a little bit better and can withstand hitting a little harder, but I still need to rest.

Getting to My Ideal State

In my last post, I wrote about an emotional, chemical, and psychological state that I hope experience. There were several people who commented, letting me know that such a heightened state is possible, but I also need time to rest and regroup.

Trying to learn more about the chemical reactions within my body, I came across several examples of glandular exhaustion: eating sugar all the time leading to insulin resistance, drinking too much caffeine leading to adrenal fatigue, even chronic stress leading to hypogonadism.

Do I need to be “on” all the time? Or do I simply need to be responsive to the right situation? The question reminds me of Arthur Jones, who observed the strength of lions and gorillas, despite them spending most of their time resting. When those animals needed to do something, they always responded with great intensity (often because their life depended on it).

Does Resting Allow for Intensity?

Arther Jones took his animal observations and came to the conclusion that many bodybuilders were working too often, but not intense enough, limiting their muscular growth. Is resting necessary to have such intensity? Professor Robert Sapolsky thinks so.

Professor Sapolsky’s primary research revolves around the differences in hormonal responsiveness of monkeys in Kenya, according to their social status. Sapolsky found that dominant monkeys normally have lower stress levels than subordinates, but became more stressed than subordinates in risky situations. Once again, the most responsive animals are the ones that also rest the most. Sapolsky believes that the responsiveness is indeed linked to rest.

In his book, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, Sapolsky tells that acute stress is beneficial to a creature because it produces immediate energy that allows them to respond to a dangerous situation. On the other hand, the once beneficial effects of stress begin to wear on the creature and he gets weak. Zebras don’t get ulcers because they aren’t perpetually stressed. They have time to rest.

As I look for ways to naturally increase my energy, creativity, and intensity, I have to remember that rest will help me in the long run. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts and concerns with me!