Up in the Air

While reading Up in the Air I was often baffled and bored.  The story just never quite captured my attention, and while generally I will read anything and find redeeming moments, I couldn't find many here.  This isn't meant as a criticism of the book choice, because I'm sure some people enjoyed it, it was just difficult for me to follow, in part because Ryan, the main character, was often incoherent due to his drug use and the medical problem he disclosed at the end. 

Ryan's profession does seem to sum up the sad state of affairs that has come about due to our world's current obsession with business and what one does for a living.  When so much emphasis is placed on what one does rather than who one is, it creates an invalidation of personality and the unique aspects contained within each person.  We are all more than our job description.  

The inability Ryan had to recall details, including the fact that in the past he had worked with the woman he was currently hooked up with, illustrates what happens when adrenal overload begins.  Adrenal overload has a variety of causes including not getting enough sleep, extreme stress, drug use, and anything else that causes the body to dip into its adrenal glands for fuel on a regular basis.  The balance between cortisol and adrenalin, once thrown off, is difficult to re-stabilize.  Adrenal overload causes a variety of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, inability to focus, and forgetfulness. 

Again, the book was difficult for me to stay focused on.  In order to engage my attention I began to make a running list of his symptoms that pointed to adrenal fatigue as well as things that are listed as contributing to it, a few of which are listed above. This is what the endocrine system looks like, courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_glands

 A great book that discusses adrenal fatigue is Tired of Being Tired by Jessie Lynn Hanley and John Lee.  The book is discussed on Oprah.com here:  5 Ways to Bring Yourself Back from Burnout