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    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring Opportunities for Earning and Personal GrowthApple Card offers daily cash rewards, Airbnb turns homes into income sources, Express Employment Professionals helps job seekers, Unfuck Your Anger provides anger management strategies, adaptability and openness to new possibilities are key

      There are various opportunities for earning and making the most of your resources. Apple Card offers daily cash rewards of up to 3% on purchases, while Airbnb can turn your home into a potential source of income. Express Employment Professionals can help job seekers find employment in any industry, and Unfuck Your Anger by Faith Harper provides strategies for managing anger and frustration. These resources can help individuals optimize their financial situation and manage their emotions effectively. Additionally, the discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptability and being open to new possibilities, whether it's turning your home into an Airbnb or finding a job through Express Employment Professionals. Overall, the conversation highlights the potential for growth and improvement in various aspects of life.

    • Understanding the Power of AngerAnger is a normal emotion that can be harnessed for good when acknowledged and addressed constructively, rather than ignored or suppressed.

      Anger is a normal and sometimes helpful emotion that should not be ignored, despite the potential for harm. Anger is the body's response to create change and protect itself. Ignoring it can lead to it resurfacing in unexpected ways and causing more harm than good. Anger can be a powerful force for good when harnessed and used strategically, as demonstrated by historical figures like Rosa Parks who used her anger to fuel her involvement in social justice movements. It's important to acknowledge and address anger in a constructive manner rather than suppressing it, as suppressing any emotion ultimately leads to it resurfacing in unhealthy ways.

    • Managing Anger EffectivelyRecognize underlying causes, respond with kindness, listen to body, and understand biology of anger to channel it productively

      While anger can be a natural response to injustice or stress, it's important to manage it effectively to avoid getting stuck in cycles of anger and to create meaningful change. Anger can be scary for ourselves and those around us, and it doesn't lead to productive action on its own. Instead, recognizing and understanding the underlying causes of anger, and responding with kindness and patience, can help us get more done and create positive change. It's essential to listen to our bodies and identify whether our anger is based on reality or past traumas, and if so, work through it rather than just reacting. The biology of anger can provide insights into how to use it productively, and understanding its purpose can help us channel it in more effective ways.

    • Exploring opportunities for extra income and job searchesUnderstanding emotions originates in the body's perception of threats and getting curious can help reduce stigma. Our bodies send more messages to the brain than vice versa, and acknowledging emotions allows for better management.

      There are opportunities to earn extra income by hosting on Airbnb if you're not always at home, and Express Employment Professionals can help in job searches for free. Neurotherapist Faith Harper explains that emotions, like anger, originate in the body's perception of threats, and getting curious about the reason behind the emotion can help reduce internalized and externalized stigma. The body sends more messages to the brain than vice versa, and understanding this can help us better manage our emotions. Anger starts physiologically with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in sending information from the body to the brain. By acknowledging and understanding our emotions, we can negotiate with our bodies rather than trying to suppress them.

    • Understanding our emotional responses through the vagus nerveRecognizing early emotional arousal signs, practicing relaxation techniques, and acknowledging our emotional responses as natural can improve emotional management and overall well-being.

      Our bodies have an innate response system, known as the vagus nerve, which is responsible for our fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is not something to be embarrassed about, but rather a natural part of our biology designed for survival. Anger, for instance, is not always a simple on-off switch, but rather a complex emotion that can manifest in various ways, from irritation to rage. Recognizing the early signs of emotional arousal and attending to them before they escalate is crucial for managing strong emotions effectively. Furthermore, practices like yoga, Qigong, and tai chi can help bring the brain and body back into alignment, supporting overall well-being. Lastly, understanding the evolutionary basis of our emotional responses can provide valuable insights into their origins and functions.

    • Understanding the evolutionary origins of anger responsesAnger responses are deeply rooted in our need for connection and protection. Triggers include insults to self and loved ones, threats to resources, and environment.

      Our anger responses are deeply rooted in our evolutionary need for connection and protection. Rage triggers, as outlined in the Lifemorts model by R. Douglas Fields, include insults to our sense of self and our loved ones, as well as threats to our resources and environment. These triggers are not random, but rather a result of our hardwired instincts to ensure the survival and well-being of ourselves and our tribe. Understanding these triggers can help explain why we may get angry in certain situations but not others, such as road rage. By recognizing the evolutionary origins of our anger responses, we can gain insight into the complex emotions that drive our behavior and work towards healthier, more productive responses.

    • Understanding Anger: Biology and ExpressionsAnger is natural, but healthy expression is key. Understand biology, recognize healthy vs unhealthy, and consider alternatives for managing anger.

      Anger is a natural response to perceived threats or injustices, and it serves an important function in helping us protect ourselves and assert our boundaries. However, the way we express and manage our anger can have significant consequences for our relationships and overall well-being. Understanding the biological underpinnings of anger and recognizing the difference between healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger can help us respond more effectively and constructively to frustrations and challenges. Additionally, considering alternative ways to channel our anger, such as mindfulness practices or creative outlets, can help us transform negative emotions into positive energy and improve our overall happiness and well-being.

    • Understanding the causes of angerRecognize patterns in anger responses by identifying underlying causes and practice the '90-second rule' to prevent anger from escalating.

      Anger can stem from various sources, including hurt feelings, unmet expectations, or unmet needs. Understanding these underlying causes can help us recognize patterns in our responses and develop new skills for managing anger. Additionally, societal norms around gender and emotions can limit the expression and validation of emotions beyond anger, leading to the masking of other feelings. A strategy for dealing with anger is the "90-second rule," which involves acknowledging the emotion and allowing it to pass naturally without holding on to it or trying to suppress it. This approach can help prevent anger from becoming a longer-term mood.

    • Understanding the 90-second emotional responseRecognize the 90-second emotional response, practice new responses, and build new neural pathways to replace old, anger-inducing patterns.

      Our emotional reactions, even to seemingly small issues, are deeply rooted in our physiology. The "90-second rule" refers to the idea that our initial emotional response, triggered by the amygdala, can last up to 90 seconds. However, by paying attention to our emotions and negotiating with our bodies, we can help them dissipate more quickly. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as extending our out breath or soothing our vagus nerve. It's important to remember that we're not responsible for our first emotion, but we are responsible for our second thought and our first behavior. By practicing new responses and building new neural pathways, we can gradually replace old, anger-inducing patterns with more productive ones. Breathing exercises, although uncomfortable at first, can be a simple and effective way to access our vagus nerve and calm our bodies. It's all about recognizing the importance of our initial emotional response and learning to respond differently.

    • Managing Anger for a Better LifeRecognizing and managing anger can lead to improved overall well-being, allowing us to channel energy and recover from setbacks

      Understanding and acknowledging our emotions, particularly anger, can help us live a more productive and flourishing life. We all go through experiences that shape us, and it's important to recognize and work with these emotions in a healthy way rather than letting them control us. Anger can provide us with energy to get out of difficult situations, but it's crucial not to let it consume us. By paying attention to the circumstances that trigger our anger and practicing techniques to manage our emotions, we can improve our overall well-being. It's also essential to remember that we're all works in progress and that embracing our emotions, including sadness, can ultimately lead to a happier life. As the therapist in the conversation emphasized, we don't get better so much as we get better at managing our emotions and recovering from setbacks.

    • Boost Productivity with Canva Presentations and BetterHelp Mental Health ServicesCanva helps create impactful presentations for various professions, while BetterHelp offers accessible online therapy services for mental health support.

      Effective presentations can benefit every professional, regardless of their industry or department, and Canva is a valuable tool for creating engaging presentations. At the same time, prioritizing mental health is essential for everyone, and BetterHelp offers a flexible and affordable solution for accessing professional therapy services online. Canva presentations cater to various workplaces and departments, enabling professionals to deliver impactful presentations. Whether you're in sales, marketing, HR, or an academic, Canva's user-friendly platform can help you create impressive presentations at canva.com. Meanwhile, mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and mental health challenges can affect anyone. BetterHelp provides an accessible solution by offering online therapy services that fit into your schedule. With licensed therapists available, BetterHelp offers a more affordable and convenient alternative to in-person therapy. By focusing on effective presentations and prioritizing mental health, professionals can enhance their productivity and overall well-being. To learn more about Canva presentations, visit canva.com, and for mental health support, explore BetterHelp's online therapy services at betterhelphelp.com.

    Recent Episodes from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    Does the You of Today Hate the You of Tomorrow?

    Does the You of Today Hate the You of Tomorrow?

    We often do things now that will make our lives more difficult or stressful in the future. We spend money, when we should save. We eat junk food, when we should exercise. We agree to commitments, when we should protect our free time. We act so thoughtlessly that it's almost like we hate our future selves. 

    Dr Laurie asks UCLA's Hal Hershfield to help her find the happiness balance between listening to what she wants now, and the preferences she might have in the future. And she steps into an AI time machine to get some happiness advice for herself decades from today. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    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.  

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    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.

    Related Episodes

    #08 Nikki Bonus, CEO & Founder of Life Skills Group Online about empowering the leaders of tomorrow

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    287. Being Better: Do these 4 things for 30 days and watch your life change

    On my final episode of my Being Better Series I've got an activity for you/ For the next 30 days I’ve got four things I want you to try, like really commit to doing, and then see what happens in your life. Let me know in the Facebook group how you go – or if you end up doing it beyond the 30 days!


    LINKS:

    CREDITS

    Host: Alexis Fernandez       
    Executive Producer & Editor: Elise Cooper
    Digital Producer: Zoe Panaretos
    DYFM Social Producer: Shania Magua
    Managing Producer: Sam Cavanagh 

    Find more great podcasts like this at www.listnr.com/

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.