I got sucked into the consumerism vortex

I had an epiphany this past week. I was starting to fall for every new gadget that was being marketed to me on my timeline. Like a junkie looking for the next fix, I was excited about what this next gadget would do for me. But I realized the synthetic can have power, but probably not as much as the source—the genuine. Let me explain.

I believe in doing whatever it takes to be in our best health. I had a friend recently share their disdain for supplements and why we should be getting our nutrients from the source. I found myself agreeing with him, but somehow arguing internally. Why? I think because I lost my health through one of my fateful trips to India, and without supplements I am not sure I would be alive today.

So I believe in interventions and all the technology we can find to help us in the short term. But when we begin to rely on it, then it becomes a drug that we are addicted to just like anything else.

Over the last few years, I have been testing out as many gadgets as I can find: red light therapy devices, sauna, cold plunge, supplements, vagal stimulating devices for relaxation, breath work (well, that is free actually). I could go on and on with the many gadgets that I have bought and used.

Some I found no use in, others I can’t live without. But at the end of the day, health doesn’t come from technology—it comes from living in harmony with the rhythms of nature. No vitamin D supplement or red light device can replace the benefits of getting outside in the sunshine. No device to calm the nervous system can compete with walking or hiking in a forest. No supplement to relax the muscles can compete with a few minutes of deep breathing. No coffee, stimulant, sleep aid, or device can replace a good night’s sleep.

I had a friend tell me that at times she thought all this stuff I talk about and try out feels overwhelming and maybe even like quackery. I can see that. Though I do see value in some of the technology, I can very much see how easy it is to think you have to be rich and have lots of time to get healthy. Neither of those are true.

Health is easier than what you’ve been told (perhaps even by me) - more on that below

Why Nature Still Owns the Market on Health and Healing

The most reliable daily health intervention isn’t a gadget or the newest technology or trend, it’s getting outside and getting the benefits directly from the source - nature. Sunlight, fresh air, time in nature, and a simple walk deliver the biggest bang for your buck - and time.

Why it works (and what to do):

• Set your body clock with morning light. Bright outdoor light during the day—and less at night—strengthens circadian rhythms linked to better sleep timing and quality. Aim for 15–30 minutes of outdoor light within two hours of waking. [1][2][3] 

• Trade screens for green. We recently canceled most of our TV packages to do all we can to realign with a natural circadian rhythm. Nature exposure lowers stress physiology and improves mood; even brief forest or park time can reduce sympathetic activation and cortisol. Schedule two 20–30 minute “green breaks” weekly to start. [4][5][6] 

• Walk like it matters (because it does). More daily steps consistently link to lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Practical target: 6,000–8,000+ steps most days; add brisk intervals. [7][8][9] 

• Breathe better air. Time outdoors and ventilating indoor spaces reduce exposure to indoor pollutants that impair cardiometabolic and respiratory health. Open windows when outdoor air is reasonable; use cross-ventilation. [10] We open a window every day to let fresh air in.

• Bring nature to you (then still go out). Views of trees/sky and daylight at home or work correlate with better sleep, well-being, and cognitive function—helpful on packed days. Position your desk near a window; add a short outdoor loop after lunch. [11] 

What this outperforms:

• Red-light panels, wearables, and sunrise lamps can assist, but they can’t replicate the intensity, spectrum, and timing cues of real daylight or the multi-system effects of nature plus movement. Use technology as a complement and for insights (alarms, eight sleep, whoop), not a replacement to what nature offers freely. [1][2][3][4][5] 

I’d love to hear about your outdoor health practices. 👋

I write this newsletter each week because I feel my best when my body, mind and soul are all healthy. I want the same for you. If you feel like you’ve seen something valuable here, please do me a favor and forward this newsletter to a friend or let me know what you think by replying or texting me - (310) 879-8441

I think happy couples make the world go round. I also believe men can do more to lead and love in their lives. In light of that, I have found the following four books to be the 4 books every man should read and every woman should want their man to read.

• Good Energy - What makes for a Healthy Body and Mind?

• The Masculine in Relationship - How to Win the Trust, Lust and Devotion of a Strong Woman

• The Man’s Guide to Women - The Science of Happy Relationships

• The Desire of Ages - Leadership in a World of Cowards

Here are a few other links to things that have changed my life:

Whoop - Track your HRV and REM Sleep

Function Health - Optimize Your Health via 100+ BioMarkers

Here are a few topics I think you’ll love if you haven’t checked them out before:

How to Breathe for Better Health

How to Supercharge Your Sleep

The Power of the Sauna

-Jared

P.S. - This newsletter does not provide medical advice. The content, such as graphics, images, text, and all other materials, is provided for reference and educational purposes only. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to be applicable to any specific individual's medical condition.

Footnotes

1. Didikoglu A, et al. PNAS (2023): Associations between light exposure and sleep timing/quality; daytime light supports circadian alignment; nighttime light disrupts it. 

2. Obayashi K, et al. Sleep (2024): Greater daytime light and lower nighttime light linked to better objective sleep outcomes. 

3. Stevenson S, et al. (2024): Higher morning/daytime light associated with better sleep and less depression/anxiety. 

4. Queirolo L, et al. (2024): Forest immersion reduces stress and improves autonomic balance in stressed adults. 

5. Qiu Q, et al. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2022): Meta-analysis—forest therapy lowers systolic/diastolic blood pressure and cortisol. 

6. Bettmann JE, et al. (2025): Systematic review/meta-analysis—nature exposure improves cognitive and brain function and reduces mental distress. 

7. Inoue K, et al. JAMA Network Open (2023): More daily steps associated with steadily lower all-cause mortality. 

8. Banach M, et al. Eur. J. Prev. Cardiol. (2023): Each +1,000 steps/day ≈ 15% lower all-cause mortality; +500 ≈ 7% lower cardiovascular mortality. 

9. Ding D, et al. Lancet Public Health (2025): Dose-response analysis across outcomes confirms health benefits rise with step count. 

10. Nassikas NJ, et al. Annals ATS (2024): Expert workshop—ventilation and reducing indoor source pollutants are key for health; indoor air often more concerning than outdoor. 

11. Soga M, et al. BioScience (2025): Meta-analysis—window views of nature associated with better health and well-being outcomes.