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I think it\u2019s fair to say that human beings have got it pretty good. Compared to most of our evolutionary history we have never been richer, safer, or lived longer lives. Yet, despite that, more of us are struggling with our health than ever before. What\u2019s going on? This is the question that my guest today has spent years trying to answer.\n\xa0\nDr Anders Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, a globally renowned speaker with his own TV series exploring the human brain and he is also the author of multiple bestselling books, including his latest two\xa0The Happiness Cure\xa0and\xa0The Attention Fix.\n\xa0\nHe believes we can start to understand the struggles of modern life by looking to the brain, where our emotions are created. The brain did not evolve for intelligence, creativity or even happiness. Its sole purpose is to help us survive and reproduce \u2013\xa0to make it to tomorrow, alive. We have inherited the evolutionary defence mechanisms that kept our ancestors hyper alert, fearful, and able to evade danger.\n\xa0\nThe trouble is that modern life has evolved at a pace our genes and brains have been unable to match. So today, these incredible survival skills that once helped us, now show up as unwanted feelings like chronic anxiety, distractibility, an urge to overeat, under exercise and even gamble. We often see these as mental health failings \u2013\xa0something broken that needs to be fixed, says Anders. But when you look at them through the lens of evolutionary psychology, these behaviours all start to make perfect sense.\n\xa0\nWe no longer live on the Savanna: we live in a world of abundance and super-stimulation \u2013 and, if we want to thrive, we need to work against our brains\u2019 natural instincts.\n\xa0\nEasier said than done? Perhaps, but this conversation contains some excellent practical advice to get you started.\n\xa0\nAnders is someone who really wants all of us to learn how exactly our brains are wired -\xa0\xa0so we can more easily understand ourselves and our daily behaviours. He is passionate, knowledgeable and a brilliant communicator. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with him,\xa0I hope you enjoy listening.\n\nSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts\xa0https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to\xa0https://fblm.supercast.com.\n\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttps://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore\nhttps://drinkag1.com/livemore\nhttps://www.calm.com/livemore\n\n\nShow notes\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/381\n\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.