Why it matters
He describes cortisol as anabolic to visceral fat and catabolic to muscle: it adds fat and takes muscle away. Over seven years of scans, he’s watched clients’ visceral fat rise and fall as they moved in and out of stressful periods, while eating all the right foods.
Work is a common source: he points to sustained conflict in people’s jobs and professions. His view is that you can’t trade health for success. The two have to be built together.
Good stress
Dr. O’Mara calls these stress hormetics: short, deliberate stresses that work in your favour.
- HeatSauna
- ColdCold plunge
- LightSunshine
What to do
- 01
Fix the source
His advice is blunt: “kill the lions and tigers.” Solve the problem behind the stress, or move on to greener pastures.
- 02
Sprint when cortisol is up
A short, all-out effort raises cortisol, then brings it below where it started. Sprints, push-ups or a sled push all work.
- 03
Take work outside
He suggests spending more time outdoors, and working outdoors when you can.
- 04
Don’t drink it away
Alcohol is one of the five drivers. In Dr. O’Mara’s words, it “does not improve human performance.”
Optimize your health, optimize your wealth. You got to do it together.