Dr. Shimi Kang says the benefits of sufficient sleep along with appropriately implemented play activities can’t be overstated. Kang presented at last week’s Alltech One Conference in Lexington. The doctor, author, and social entrepreneur said never has so much convenience led to so much sleep, play, and nature deprivation. Kang advocated for turning the societal ship around.
“It’s a cultural shift of making being busy not a symbol of being important, being sleep deprived not a symbol of busy ambitious. If you’re saying you’re resting, that doesn’t mean you’re lazy or not ambitious. You’re taking care of yourself. That’s a wonderful way to use your time,” said Kang.
Kang said too many people have too much on their plates. She noted the mental health crisis is real, adding one in four people on the planet has a diagnosable mental health issue.
Kang said what used to be some seemingly ideal-looking people on magazine covers has turned into many more within the social media realm.
“All of that slowly gives these messages that we’re not good enough, rich enough, good looking enough, smart enough, won enough awards. And we see the comparison culture rising, comparing our lives to other peoples’ fake filtered lives,” said Kang.
Kang argues in favor of less focus on measuring up early in life. She says school children in Finland don’t undergo testing until age 13 or 14. Kang said there’s no benefit in evaluating early whether that’s in sports or school. She noted it’s important to build a “play” mindset early, adding that B plus students do better in life. Kang added it’s about moving the focus away from performance and who you are on the outside, to effort and character, who you are on the inside.
