The Drop №. 75 with Chase Hobby

VRB’s weekly list of things to read, watch, listen to, and try that have helped us live better and be better. Brought to you this week by Chase Hobby.

Cold Water Swimming

Listen to the Cold Water Swim Cure. Cold water can have outsized physical and mental effects on the body, from reducing inflammation to reducing depression caused by inflammation to improving conditions from diabetes to migraines. How long do you need to be in the water to get these benefits? How cold does the water need to be (hint: not as cold as you may think)? Do you get the same benefit from a cold shower as with an ice bath or cold-water swim? Find out here. Not included: the will to get up in the morning and jump in the cold tub.

Why Diets Fail

Watch this insightful episode about diets. This 14-minute episode from the Netflix series, Explained, gets beyond calorie counts— marketing, food environments, genes— to learn why diets are often unsuccessful and how to change the way you approach them. “Human physiology is set up to make sure that we maintain our weight, and physiology doesn’t like being fought.” If you’ve ever found yourself paleo, keto, carnivore, or receiving packages from Weight Watchers, this is for you.

George Washington’s Farewell Address

Read this powerful announcement from George Washington. After his second and final term, George Washington announced his decision not to seek a third term and offered this farewell address designed to inspire future generations and also to warn of the forces most likely to threaten the fledgling republic. Chief amongst those threats were geographic sectionalism and political factionalism. Washington feared that petty factionalism carried the seeds of the nation’s destruction. If that sounds familiar, or if you find yourself talking politics at Thanksgiving or frequently posting about politics on social media, consider giving this a read.

Decision Razors

Try using these "razors" - rules of thumb that simplify decision-making - to make your next choice. Humans are wired to take shortcuts in our decision-making. These shortcuts can lead us astray—but when used appropriately - can be extremely valuable. Check out this long list of powerful decision-making razors to help you make better decisions faster.