Human photography essay

Ever since I started powerlifting again, my mood is far less sensitive and more stable?

Ever since Covid hit, I’ve been gymless for many months. Just got a new membership, and hit the deadlift, squat, heavy dumbell press. After quarantine my strength is still surprisingly good! Max 455 deadlift before COVID, and I just did 415 (pretty easy), squatted 3 plates and a 10 on each side (felt easy), and 100 pound dumbell with good effort.

Since this week powerlifting again, I’m less agitated easily. My mood is far more balanced and zen-stoic calm.

I read a theory from Nassim Taleb about testosterone:

The higher your testosterone, ironically your mood is *less* variable, and cortisol (stress) affects you less.

Then the theory:

If you desire to have a more stoic and zen calm in life, increasing your testosterone (via natural methods like powerlifting and consuming more fatty red meat like beef) is massively advantageous!

ERIC KIM

Photographer, blogger, street photography educator, artist-publisher. Human-generated essays from the pavement, the camera, the body, and the real world.