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    • Investing in mental health, financial gains, and personal relaxationCertified wellness coaches can improve mental health for youth, Apple Card rewards bring financial benefits, and prioritizing relaxation contributes to overall well-being

      Investing in mental health and wellness for youth is crucial, and certified wellness coaches can make a significant difference. Meanwhile, maximizing rewards on daily purchases with a credit card like Apple Card can bring financial benefits. Additionally, the importance of idling and living life at a slower pace, as advocated by Tom Hodgkinson and ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi, can contribute to overall happiness and well-being. These seemingly unrelated topics emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health, financial gains, and personal relaxation in our daily lives. For more information on California wellness coaches, visit ca wellness coach.org. To calculate potential earnings with Apple Card, visit apple.co/cardcalculator. And for potential income from sharing your home on Airbnb, go to airbnb.com/host.

    • Exploring the ancient philosophy of DaoismDaoism invites us to live in harmony with nature, find peace through meditation, and embrace the mystery of the Tao

      Daoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, offers a calming and steady contrast to the fast-paced, demanding modern world. With origins dating back over 5000 years, Daoism has influenced Chinese culture significantly, contributing to practices like meditation, feng shui, qigong, and Chinese medicine. The Tao Te Ching, a famous text attributed to Laozi, emphasizes the importance of gut knowledge over intellectual knowledge and offers advice on living a prosperous and happy life. Despite its influence, the true nature of Daoism, like the elusive Tao itself, remains a mystery. The text warns that the Dao that can be named or written about is not the real Dao. Instead, it encourages us to look inward and live in harmony with the natural world. Daoism invites us to slow down, be present, and find peace in the quiet moments of life.

    • Living in harmony with nature and moderation are key principles for a fulfilling lifePractice moderation and live in harmony with nature to lead an authentic and fulfilling life, avoiding extremes and overloading oneself.

      Learning from the discussion about Daoism is that living in harmony with nature and not overextending oneself are key principles for leading a fulfilling and authentic life. The concept of wu wei, or non-action, encourages individuals to go with the flow of life and avoid forcing things to happen, allowing for a more natural and healing experience. Authenticity and self-realization are highly valued in Daoism, with enlightened individuals known as zhen ren. To achieve this level of freedom and balance, Daoists advocate for moderation and avoiding extremes, such as not pushing oneself beyond 80% capacity and respecting the value of long life. The analogy of not overfilling a vessel illustrates the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to life, as overloading oneself with too many activities or commitments can lead to energy loss and eventual burnout. By practicing moderation and living in harmony with nature, individuals can lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.

    • Balancing yang and yin energiesEmbrace a childlike heart for joy, flexibility, and time affluence. Don't overload yourself, allow for rest and reflection.

      Finding balance between yang and yin energies is crucial for living a fulfilling life according to Taoist philosophy. This balance can vary from person to person and may require both outward action and inward reflection. Rushing ahead or standing on tiptoes to appear better than others can lead to instability and energy loss. Instead, Taoism encourages leading from behind and maintaining a childlike heart, characterized by joy, flexibility, and excitement for learning. This childlike heart is linked to the modern concept of time affluence, which emphasizes valuing and making the most of available time. Additionally, the idea of an empty vessel being useful due to its emptiness highlights the importance of not overloading oneself and allowing for rest and reflection.

    • Embrace a watercourse way of livingAdapt and flow with life's changes, seek support, and find joy in new experiences for a more fulfilling life

      We can all benefit from embracing a more open and curious mindset towards life, similar to the way water flows freely and adapts to its surroundings. This approach can help us find joy in new experiences and better navigate life's challenges. Additionally, seeking support from wellness coaches or communities can be valuable in fostering better mental health and overall well-being. Embracing this watercourse way of living can lead to a more fulfilling and happier life. Furthermore, there's a growing need for wellness coaches to support the mental health of young people, with nearly half of California's youth struggling. These coaches can help children and youth build essential skills to improve their mental well-being. And for those who travel often, considering becoming an Airbnb host can be a great way to earn extra income while also making a difference for travelers. Ultimately, Taoism's metaphor of being like water encourages us to adapt and flow with life's natural changes, making it a powerful reminder for us to live more fully and joyfully.

    • Cultivating our inner selves like tending a gardenFind what works best for you in self-cultivation practices, remain patient and adapt to obstacles, and flow with life's challenges to become stronger and more authentic.

      Self-cultivation practices, such as qigong and meditation, are like tending a garden where we plant and grow the seeds of our desired self. This process requires finding what works best for us and not comparing ourselves to others. The watercourse way metaphor illustrates this by comparing our lives to water, constantly moving and adapting to various circumstances. When faced with obstacles, instead of expending energy trying to force our way through, we should remain calm and patient, allowing the energy to grow naturally. This approach leads to greater happiness and authenticity, as we flow with life's challenges and maintain our true selves. Water, despite its yielding nature, has the power to carve through mountains and create change over time. By embodying the watercourse way, we can persevere through obstacles and become stronger for it.

    • Embracing Taoist principles for personal growthThrough consistent effort, Taoist principles like wuwei and persistence can lead to personal growth and enlightenment. Embrace authenticity, adaptability, and inner peace in modern life.

      Following the principles of Taoism, such as wuwei (non-action) and persistence, can lead to personal growth and enlightenment. This process may not be apparent right away, but is built on years of consistent effort. The Beatles' sudden fame is an example of this - their early struggles and perseverance paved the way for their success. In our own lives, we have the power to free ourselves from societal and cultural constraints and embrace our authentic selves. Flexibility and adaptability are essential in applying these principles in modern life. Even in challenging situations, such as a cancer journey, maintaining a sense of self and inner peace is crucial. Ultimately, the choice between being right and having harmony in relationships and life is a personal one.

    • Seeing challenges as opportunities for growthEmbrace challenges with curiosity and flexibility to foster personal growth and resilience, aligning with Taoist principles. View difficult situations as opportunities for growth, leading to improved well-being and happiness.

      Embracing challenges with a childlike curiosity and flexibility, rather than fear and frustration, can lead to personal growth and resilience. This approach aligns with Taoist principles, such as going slowly and maintaining openness in communication. Instead of seeing difficult situations as obstacles, try to view them as opportunities for growth, just as muscle growth comes from tearing and rebuilding. In a world that's constantly moving faster, intentionally slowing down can help improve well-being and happiness. The concept of post-traumatic growth supports this idea, as it suggests that adversity can lead to positive outcomes, such as increased appreciation for life and strengthened relationships.

    • Embrace the concept of 'manzo' for a joyful and graceful lifePracticing 'manzo' can reduce stress, prevent accidents, and bring joy in our fast-paced modern world

      Embracing the concept of "manzo" or going slowly can lead to a more joyful, healthier, and graceful life. This idea, deeply rooted in Chinese culture and Taoist philosophy, encourages us to be grounded and rooted, rather than rushing and being in a rut. By practicing this principle, we can reduce stress, prevent accidents, and live more in the moment. The ancient wisdom of manzo can help us dance through life, finding joy and happiness even in the simplest moments. This concept, which has stood the test of time for over a thousand years, is more relevant than ever in our fast-paced modern world. So why not try incorporating manzo into your daily life and see the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being?

    • Exploring ancient wisdom for modern happinessIncorporate gentle practices like forgiveness, observing rest days, and adopting a river's perspective to enhance your existing life for increased happiness. Prioritize physical and mental health for overall well-being.

      You don't have to drastically change your beliefs or lifestyle to find happiness. Instead, you can incorporate ancient wisdom and practices into your daily life in a gentle and experimental way. This was the main message of the recent Happiness Lab mini-series, where various happiness practices from throughout history were discussed. These practices, such as forgiveness, observing a rest day, and adopting a river's perspective, can be applied to your own life to see how they positively impact you. It's important to remember that these practices are not a total upheaval, but rather a way to enhance your existing life. As the Happiness Lab team continues to work on the next full season, they encourage listeners to stay happy and apply these lessons in their own lives. Additionally, taking care of both physical and mental health is essential for overall happiness. Cities like San Diego offer beautiful environments and experiences that can help recharge and revitalize you. And, for those interested in making a difference in the lives of young people, becoming a certified wellness coach can provide the opportunity to help children and youth build essential skills for improved mental health and well-being.

    Recent Episodes from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    The Power of Awe... and Where to Find it

    The Power of Awe... and Where to Find it

    Awe reduces stress, helps us forget our minor worries and makes us feel more connected to the people around us. We all need more awe in our lives - but surely it's not that easy to find awesome experiences on your average Tuesday?

    Actor Tony Hale explains how everyday awe helps ease his anxieties, while UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner shows us how to find awe in music, art, scenery... even in a walk around our block. And Dr Laurie explores the things that give her a sense of awe with the help of Mike Menzel - who built a space telescope that lets us see billions of years into the past.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Tame Stress

    How to Tame Stress

    Dr Laurie is stressed, and it's harming her health. Constant worry and stress is bad for our bodies and our minds, but how can we break the cycle and relax? It turns out scientists have learned a lot from one of America's most stressed-out communities - caregivers.  

    Hollywood star Steve Guttenberg talks about the toughest chapter of his life - caring for his dying dad - and Dr Elissa Epel explains why some caregivers suffer badly from stress, while others seem to find ways to live with the awful situation they find themselves in daily.  

    Further reading:

    Steve Guttenberg - Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero.

    Dr Elissa Epel - The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How I Stopped Fearing Boredom

    How I Stopped Fearing Boredom

    Dr Laurie HATES boredom! Since childhood she's found it so painful that she'll do anything to avoid being bored. She'll watch crappy TV. She'll find extra work to do. She'll snack. But boredom is actually an incredibly useful tool to boost our happiness and creativity.  

    With the help of leading boredom experts, Dr Laurie learns how to embrace doing nothing and finds that in the midst of tedium our brains can come up with the most amazing breakthrough ideas. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Fight Perfectionism

    How to Fight Perfectionism

    Holding yourself to impossibly high standards is self-defeating and makes for a miserable life. Can Dr Laurie Santos find ways to tackle her constant perfectionism so she can perform better and have more fun? 

    She hears from researcher Thomas Curran about a worrying growth in perfectionism in society, and asks "recovering perfectionist" Jordana Confino how to tackle the nagging voice in your head telling you to always push yourself and work harder.  

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    My Personal Struggle to be Happy (Coming June 3)

    My Personal Struggle to be Happy (Coming June 3)

    Sometimes the happiness teacher flunks her own class. In a deeply personal new season, Dr Laurie Santos opens up about the things she really, really struggles with. Things like crippling perfectionism, chronic stress and a paralyzing fear of death. 

    With the help of world-class experts, a Hollywood star and a host of normal people who grapple with the same issues, Dr Laurie will face up to her own happiness demons and try to defeat them. 

    Coming June 3, wherever you get your podcasts. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Happiness Through Generosity : Liz Dunn on The TED Interview

    Happiness Through Generosity : Liz Dunn on The TED Interview

    Liz Dunn is a regular guest on The Happiness Lab, but in this extended interview with TED's Chris Anderson she take us on a deep dive into her research. It shows that by increasing our generosity and by giving to others we can significantly boost our own happiness. 

    Listen to more episodes of The TED Interview wherever you get your podcasts.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unlock Your Hidden Potential with Adam Grant and Maya Shankar

    Unlock Your Hidden Potential with Adam Grant and Maya Shankar

    A chance to hear a recent episode of A Slight Change of Plans in which Maya Shankar asks psychologist Adam Grant about his new book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things". They talk about how to filter out unhelpful feedback, the benefits of imperfectionism, and why we need to give soft skills more respect. 

    Listen to more episodes of A Slight Change of Plans  wherever you get your podcasts. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Five Tips to be Happier at Work (Dr Laurie at SXSW)

    Five Tips to be Happier at Work (Dr Laurie at SXSW)

    Work is a worry. Are we paid enough? Should we be getting promoted quicker? Is artificial intelligence about to replace us all? 

    Speaking at SXSW 2024, Dr Laurie Santos argues that because of all our career woes we often neglect our happiness. She walks through her top five tips for improving our workplace wellbeing - which will not only make us feel better, but might even cause our salaries to rise!  

    Suggested reading from this episode:

    Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN by Tara Brach

    Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

    Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

    The Truth About Burnout: How Organizations Cause Personal Stress and What to Do About It by Christina Maslach

    The Business of Friendship by Shasta Nelson

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    Tame Those Devices: 10 Tips to Achieve Digital Balance

    Tame Those Devices: 10 Tips to Achieve Digital Balance

    Technology is amazing! We can make video calls, find facts in an instant and watch movies on our phones. We take all this for granted, but have we let our screens and devices take over too much of our lives? 

    To mark Digital Wellness Day on May 3, we hear from Amy Blankson (author and "chief evangelist" at the Digital Wellness Institute) about her ten tips to tame our devices at home and in the workplace. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Grow After Adversity

    How to Grow After Adversity

    Karen Guggenheim was devastated by the death of her husband, Ricardo. She was alive, but dead to the world around her. Slowly she put her life back together and found growing happiness. To share her insights with others in need, Karen started the World Happiness Summit

    Karen's campaign to spread global happiness is just one example of "post traumatic growth". Clinical psychologist Dr Edith Shiro (author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma) has worked with many people who have recovered from trauma and grown as a result. She explains how we can give ourselves the best possible chance to experience post traumatic growth.

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    Related Episodes

    How to Be a Better Ally

    How to Be a Better Ally

    You might detest bigotry and injustice, but have you done anything to address these problems? There are many reasons we stay silent and inactive when we know we should intervene to defend the rights of others. We look at the psychology underpinning our reluctance to act and the ways in which we can match our moral beliefs with concrete actions.

    Featuring James Barr and Dan Hudson, co-hosts of the podcast 'A Gay and a Non-Gay'.

    WARNING: This episode talks frankly about discrimination, hate crimes and sex.

    For an even deeper dive into the research we talk about in the show visit happinesslab.fm

    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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    Nerd Out! The Happiness of Being a Fan

    Nerd Out! The Happiness of Being a Fan

    Really love a TV show; a boyband; a sci fi movie; or a celebrity? We're often too embarrassed to admit adoring some things for fear that we'll be seen as frivolous or childish - but we may be missing out on the happiness benefits that geeking out can bring.   

    Dr Laurie Santos explores the joy of fandom with Benedict Cumberbatch obsessive Tabitha Carvan, YA author Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Star Trek actor (and geek-vangelist) Wil Wheaton. 

    For Further Reading:

    Tabitha Carvan - This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch 

    Wil Wheaton - Still Just a Geek

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    Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Yoga of the Mind

    Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Yoga of the Mind

    We often think of yoga as a physical exercise - but a centuries-old Sanskrit text, The Yoga Sutras, share teachings intended to improve both the body and mind. The author, Patanjali, makes clear that the poses and stretches are only part of picture - we also need to be kind, contemplative and grounded.  

    Jessamyn Stanley (yoga teacher and author of Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance) takes Dr Laurie Santos through Patanjali's text - saying its lessons "can be applied in every circumstance, no matter who you are or where you are".

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    Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Trauma of Troy

    Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: The Trauma of Troy

    In Virgil's epic poem, The Aeneid, few Trojans survive the destruction of their city at the hands of their Greek enemies. A prince, Aeneas, leads a band of those fleeing Troy - but the journey is fraught with deadly storms and hungry monsters.  

    But Aeneas takes a positive view of the struggles he and the other Trojans face, telling them to be proud of their resilience and courage. With the help of MIT classics professor Stephanie Frampton, Dr Laurie Santos explores how The Aeneid can be read as a tale of post-traumatic growth and how we can sometimes emerge happier and stronger from tragic events.  

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