[[Mark Rippetoe]] has this quote about the [[Deadlift]]: > The deadlift also serves as a way to train the mind to do things that are hard. I believe the same is true for the [[Sauna]]. I find that I am able to conjure a form of aggressiveness in my mind. Aggressiveness that helps me move forward and endure the heat. Like a silent battle shout. It's a mental game. Kind of like [[Meditation]] where I choose to let the thoughts of surrendering pass by. I also find that [[Good posture]] matters. If I slouch I feel less inclined to fight the heat. I am sure this carries over to many other areas of life. I think this is why a [[Kneeling chair]] and [[Standing desk]] can be more useful than most people think. It's easy to fall into [[Learned helplessness]] as a defensive mechanism. You want a stress-resistant brain. One example in my life is when I am trying to understand messy and confusing code. To what extent am I able to push through and understand the code? Should I complain about the [[Programming style]] or focus on the task at hand? What does [[Stoicism]] say about that? I'd even claim that physical stress is required for [[Stoicism]] to succeed. > If your expectations are always those of someone content to live without physical challenge, then when it comes time for mental, moral, or emotional challenge you fail to meet it because you are out of practice. Meeting and overcoming obstacles are skills that can be honed, as opposed to talents with which we are born. The best way to prepare for the inevitable shit that life occasionally hands us all is to live in a way that prepares you for it. If you can treat personal tragedy like a heavy set of 20 squats, you'll do better than someone who has never met any challenge. Intentionally placing yourself in the position of having to complete a task when you don't know if you can is the single best way of preparing to be in that position unintentionally.