[Book Sip] "Healthy Aggression" Is Needed to Protect Yourself

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with readers and create a point of connection with the book. Here, we introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from books.

According to statistics showing that 80% of modern people suffer from chronic fatigue, stress relief has become an essential factor for survival in contemporary life. The Japanese psychiatrist who authored this book advises people not to endure stress any longer, but to take proper "rest." However, the author diagnoses that most people do not truly understand what genuine rest is. In other words, the "art of rest" is necessary. The author analyzes people who, due to "social demands," strive to meet the expectations of those around them and therefore fail to rest properly, and presents solutions for them.

The difficulty in managing stress lies in the fact that we are often unaware of our own stress responses. Because these are natural bodily reactions, unless we consciously check whether we are stressed or tired, it is hard to realize that we need rest. The fact that it is difficult to recognize stress hides the reason why we are unable to "rest properly." - From "Part 1: The Real Way to Rest, as Told by a Psychiatrist to Those Who Are Tired but Cannot Rest"

We cannot live without being connected to others or to society. When social relationships are lacking, anxiety increases and both physical and mental health deteriorate. Furthermore, being socially excluded and suffering from unwanted loneliness inflicts destructive damage on a person's life. In today's world, where community-centered lifestyles are gradually disintegrating, loneliness may be one of the greatest "enemies" humanity must confront. Even if it is not for the purpose of avoiding loneliness, it is natural for us to wish to "become a better version of ourselves within society." - From "Part 1: The Real Way to Rest, as Told by a Psychiatrist to Those Who Are Tired but Cannot Rest"

There is always fluctuation in things that are natural and healthy. Stability is not a fixed state. When something is too rigid, it is more likely to break or collapse when faced with a strong impact. Adjusting flexibly to changes in the environment, swaying appropriately, and repeatedly moving back and forth within a certain range?this is actually a healthier and more natural state. - From "Part 2: The Key to Healing Body and Mind Lies in 'Natural Swaying' and the 'Autonomic Nervous System'"

Think of a ball. Even if it is dented by an external force, its elasticity allows it to return to its original round shape. This elasticity is called resilience. However, if the elasticity is lost or the external force is too strong, the ball will remain dented. An experience that causes such a great shock and continues to exert a strong influence afterward is called "trauma." - From "Part 5: The 'BASIC Ph' Story, Where You Can Discover a New Self"

It is very important to appropriately express aggression in order to live in society. "Healthy aggression," which is not direct violence but a controllable level of excitement, helps us protect ourselves from dominant opponents, assert our will during negotiations, and take on challenges. Anger acts as a "pushing force" against those who cross the line and is an essential emotion for establishing healthy boundaries with others. - From "Part 6: Let's Aim for a Way of Life in Harmony with the Body"

The pain of the desire for recognition is related to the suffering of always having to prove "my own value." A strong desire for recognition may be evidence of always having been evaluated by others according to certain values. Moreover, to some extent, everyone forms human relationships by judging "whether this person is valuable to me." In a human society where "mutual aid" is fundamental, this may be inevitable. However, there also exists communication in which such judgments are unnecessary. Relationships that are "non-judgmental" are extremely important for feeling a sense of stability. - From "Part 6: Let's Aim for a Way of Life in Harmony with the Body"

There is the self (the human) who fulfills social roles and creates value for others, and the self (the person) who steps away from assigned roles and simply exists as a living being. Both are "oneself," and being able to move back and forth between the two is what constitutes a healthy state. Therefore, what is truly important may be the ability to step away from one's social roles, even if only for a moment. - From "Part 6: Let's Aim for a Way of Life in Harmony with the Body"

A Book for Those Who Don't Feel Rested Even After Resting | Written by Suzuki Yusuke | Sideway | 212 pages | 17,000 won