Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the Importance of Emotions for Personal GrowthEmbracing negative emotions can lead to personal growth and increased happiness. Understanding complex emotions can foster meaningful connections and a richer emotional experience.

      Embracing and learning from negative emotions can lead to personal growth and increased happiness, despite being challenging. Apple Card offers cashback rewards as a practical way to earn money back on daily purchases. Airbnb can be a source of income by renting out one's home when traveling. Express Employment Professionals can help individuals find jobs in various industries. Suppressing negative emotions may lead to worsened feelings in the long run. In her new book, Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown explores the importance of acknowledging and understanding complex emotions. Growing up, she learned to observe emotions in others as a form of psychological safety due to her family's perception of emotions as weakness. Embracing emotions and learning from them can lead to meaningful connections and a richer emotional experience.

    • Understanding Emotions: The Power of LabelingLimited emotional vocabulary can hinder self-understanding and empathy towards others. Labeling emotions can give us power and lead to better communication and understanding.

      Our limited ability to recognize and label emotions can hinder our understanding of ourselves and others. The speaker, Brene, shares her experience of being able to predict behavior based on emotions, which she later realized was a rare ability. She was shocked to find that most people could only recognize a few basic emotions and that language significantly shapes our emotional experiences. Brene's fascination with emotions led her to become a social worker, and she spent years pondering the implications of having a limited emotional vocabulary. She believes that the avoidance of negative emotions and the misconception that acknowledging them will amplify them are significant reasons for this limitation. However, Brene argues that labeling emotions can actually give us power, as opposed to the common belief that it will amplify them. In essence, expanding our emotional vocabulary and being willing to acknowledge and label our emotions can lead to better communication, empathy, and understanding of ourselves and others.

    • Exploring 87 emotions and experiencesUnderstanding emotions requires sensitivity and nuance, as they are complex experiences shaped by culture and context. Explore emotions in detail for personal growth and healing.

      Understanding and identifying emotions is a complex and culturally nuanced process. Despite the lack of consensus on a definitive number of emotions, the exploration of emotions and experiences can provide valuable insights for personal growth and healing. The author, in her research, identified 87 emotions and experiences based on feedback from 70,000 participants in an online course. However, it's important to note that the emotions identified may vary in different cultural contexts. The author also emphasizes the importance of getting into emotional granularity and mapping out the tiny emotions and how they move through space. The metaphor of creating an emotional atlas, with layers representing different aspects of emotions, was used to illustrate this concept. Emotions are not just simple labels, but complex experiences that are shaped by culture and context. Therefore, it's crucial to approach the exploration of emotions with sensitivity and nuance.

    • Expand emotional vocabulary for deeper connectionsBeing curious and open to others' emotions can lead to deeper connections and growth. Mislabeling feelings can hinder healing and learning.

      While it may be challenging to accurately recognize emotions in others, it's more productive to get curious, connect deeply, and listen rather than diminishing, questioning, or challenging. Language plays a significant role in shaping our emotions and relationships, and mislabeling feelings can hinder the healing and learning process. For instance, if someone is experiencing disappointment but only has the language of sadness available, the conversation may not delve into the underlying expectation that was betrayed, preventing the opportunity for growth. Therefore, it's essential to expand our emotional vocabulary and be open to the complexities of our feelings and those of others.

    • Exploring Emotions: Biology, Biography, Behavior, and BackstoryUnderstanding emotions requires examining their biological underpinnings, personal history, outward expressions, and contextual backstory. Be curious, empathetic, and reflective.

      Understanding emotions involves examining the interplay of biology, biography, behavior, and backstory. Biology refers to the physical sensations we experience in our bodies when we feel emotions. Biography involves our personal history and how it shapes our understanding and expression of emotions. Behavior is how we outwardly display emotions. Lastly, backstory is crucial because people's emotional responses can't always be determined based on what's visible; understanding their backstory can provide valuable context. Additionally, the discussion emphasized the importance of recognizing our own emotional landscape and the complexities within it, such as the nuances between different emotions like jealousy and envy. Comparison, a natural human tendency, can lead to various outcomes depending on our response. Overall, the conversation underscored the significance of being curious, empathetic, and reflective when it comes to emotions.

    • Understanding Comparison and Surprise EmotionsRecognizing the differences between emotions like comparison, surprise, jealousy, envy, worry, and rumination can lead to increased self-awareness and personal growth.

      Comparison is a natural part of being human, but letting go of it can lead to a more divine and peaceful mindset. Comparison is not limited to humans, as even animals exhibit this behavior. Surprise is a unique emotion with a very short duration, acting as a bridge to other emotions and cognitions. For some individuals, like the speaker, surprise can heighten emotions and be anxiety-producing. Additionally, emotions such as jealousy, envy, worry, and rumination can be easily confused, with rumination being particularly dangerous as it can lead to negative psychological outcomes. Understanding these distinctions and recognizing our emotional responses can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

    • Understanding the nuances of nostalgia and emotionsSandra Garrido's research distinguishes between healthy nostalgia and harmful rumination, and understanding emotions like rumination and worry can help us deal with them effectively.

      While nostalgia can bring joy and warmth, it's important to be mindful not to get stuck in negative thought patterns associated with it. Sandra Garrido's research highlights the difference between healthy nostalgia and harmful rumination. Meanwhile, in a practical application, hosting on Airbnb can be a great way to earn extra income and even make travel more affordable. Additionally, Express Employment Professionals can help job seekers find opportunities with no fees. In the realm of emotions, Brene Brown identified 87 emotions, some of which can be tricky to distinguish, such as rumination and worry, which point in opposite directions – the past and the future, respectively. Understanding these nuances can help us deal with emotions more effectively and break free from negative patterns.

    • Navigating Emotional NuancesRecognizing emotional connections and reevaluating labels can lead to improved emotional responses and outcomes.

      Understanding the nuances between seemingly different emotions can help us navigate them more effectively. For instance, worry and rumination, while distinct, can be confused due to their overlap in dealing with past or future concerns. Similarly, anxiety and excitement, though distinct experiences, can share physiological responses. By recognizing these emotional connections, we can prepare ourselves better and potentially shift our responses to improve outcomes. Another insight gained from the discussion was the importance of remembering the location of emotions on our emotional map. For example, resentment, which the speaker had long struggled with, was discovered to be living on the wrong continent in her life, leading to a profound shift in how she approached and responded to that emotion. Overall, the discussion emphasized the importance of emotional awareness and the potential benefits of reevaluating our emotional labels and responses.

    • Understanding the true nature of resentment and disappointmentRecognizing envy as the root cause of resentment and focusing on personal needs and boundaries can help address these emotions and improve relationships. Disappointment arises from violated expectations and understanding its source can lead to personal growth.

      Understanding the true nature of emotions like resentment and disappointment can lead to personal growth and improved relationships. Resentment, contrary to popular belief, is not a result of anger but rather a function of envy. Envy stems from a desire for something another person has, such as boundaries or time affluence. Disappointment, on the other hand, arises from violated expectations. By recognizing the root causes of these emotions and focusing on personal needs and boundaries, individuals can effectively address them and foster healthier relationships. The power of understanding emotions lies in its ability to provide a better map for navigating complex emotional landscapes and ultimately, helping us flourish.

    • Better mapping our emotionsIdentifying and labeling emotions with precision fosters self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience.

      Recognizing and describing our emotions more precisely is crucial for better understanding ourselves and improving our emotional well-being. Author and researcher Brené Brown emphasizes the importance of language, self-awareness, and acceptance of our emotional experiences. By identifying and labeling our feelings with more precision, we can create space for dealing with difficult emotions and even reframe them in a positive light. This practice not only helps us navigate our emotional landscape but also fosters greater self-compassion and resilience. So, in the new year, let's commit to better mapping our emotions and treating them as part of a beautiful and complex emotional experience. When faced with challenging emotions, we can create space for them and even practice gratitude for the opportunity to feel such a rich emotional life.

    • Accessible, flexible, and affordable mental health support with BetterHelpBetterHelp is an online therapy platform providing accessible, flexible, and affordable mental health support through licensed therapists via text, voice, or video sessions, making therapy more convenient and cost-effective

      Mental health support is essential for everyone, and it should be accessible, flexible, and affordable. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers these benefits. With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist at your convenience, making therapy more accessible than ever before. The platform is user-friendly, allowing you to communicate with your therapist through various means, including text, voice, or video sessions. Moreover, online therapy with BetterHelp is often more cost-effective than traditional in-person therapy, making mental health care more accessible to a larger population. So, if you're looking for mental health support that fits your schedule and budget, consider trying BetterHelp. Visit their website at betterhelphelp.com to learn more.

    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.  

    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.

    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.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Related Episodes

    205: Remorse and how it affects your mental health

    205: Remorse and how it affects your mental health

    Let’s talk about remorse and mental wellbeing… because learning to process your feelings starts with exploring the meaning of remorse and how it affects your image of yourself (as well as being clear that there’s a huge difference between remorse vs regret!).  

    Whether you’re struggling with how to forgive yourself or you’re just not sure how to make amends for a mistake, this is the episode that will help you learn how to move forward in life (and how to show yourself a lot more compassion!). 

    Ready to heal and use your remorse to do better? Then let’s talk! 😊

    👋💬 PS: When you’re done, let me know what you think in the comments or find me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ltamentalhealth 😃

    And for more tips, watch my video about how to forgive yourself: https://youtu.be/MhtabWT4SDA 

    ***************************

    Want better mental health in just 10-15 minutes a day? Buy my Daily Reflection Tool and Self Care Planner! Just $12.50 AUD (about $9 USD), find it here: https://sowl.co/s/bsw5ZB  

    ***************************

    About Let’s Talk About Mental Health:

    Let's Talk About Mental Health is the weekly podcast that teaches you how to look after your wellbeing, with simple ideas that draw on quality research and the experience of writer and host Jeremy Godwin. Each episode focuses on practical things you can do to improve your mental health and take control of your wellbeing. Discover the podcast all about better mental health and join listeners in over 170 countries worldwide!

    Let's Talk About Mental Health. Because the more we talk about it, the easier it gets.

    ***************************

    Read the transcript for this episode: http://letstalkaboutmentalhealth.com.au/?p=12063 

    Ad-free early access via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jeremygodwin

    Join my free mailing list for transcripts and my weekly newsletter: https://letstalkaboutmentalhealth.com.au/subscribe/

    Let’s Talk About Mental Health on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ltamentalhealth/

    Jeremy Godwin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjeremygodwin 

    Find past episodes at: https://letstalkaboutmentalhealth.com.au/episodes/

    Visit my website: www.ltamh.com 

    ***************************

    Resources: 

    📚 Buy my book Life Advice That Doesn't Suck!: https://jeremygodwin.com.au/latds/  

    📚 Buy my book Let’s Talk About Mental Health (Volume One): https://jeremygodwin.com.au/ltamhbook1/  

    ***************************

    #remorse #selfforgiveness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealthmatters #peaceofmind #betterrelationships #ltamhpodcast #letstalkaboutmentalhealth #ltamh #mentalhealthtips #wellbeing #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthpodcasts #bettermentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #improveyourmentalhealth #selfhelp #selfcare #depression #anxiety #mentalwellness

    How To Lean In and Overcome Hard Times

    How To Lean In and Overcome Hard Times
    While I normally have guests to discuss a variety of topics, today I will be sharing with you 4 tips on how to overcome the hard stuff in life so you can ambitiously focus on becoming your best self.


    I talk about the importance of being courageous, how to fight the negative narratives, how to increase your capacity for personal growth, and why doing hard things on purpose is important to overcoming the hard things that come uninvited.

    If you find that you retreat from hard stuff and hide, instead of leaning in and embracing it, this podcast will show you a better way. A way that will build your self confidence, emotional and mental resilience, and enhance your most precious relationships.

    Follow James Keddington and Better Me Nation
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keddington/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keddington/
    Better Me Nation Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abettermenation
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettermenation/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesthehealthcoach
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCspw05YUU1UM3wR08I9ULbA

    Resources:
    Free: 10 Power Habits of Health and Happy People: https://www.bettermenation.com/free-booklet-improve-every-area-of-health/

    UFYB 231: How to Know When Emotional Difficulty Is Worth It

    UFYB 231: How to Know When Emotional Difficulty Is Worth It

    We often hear platitudes like “if it’s meant to be, it will be easy,” or “if it feels hard, maybe it’s not meant for you.” And while these phrases are usually said to make us feel better about work, relationships, or whatever the situation is at hand, there’s a danger in them, too. 

     

    The truth is, emotional growth often feels TERRIBLE, so if we find ourselves constantly shying away from resistance or difficulty, we may also miss out on opportunities for BIG growth. Tune in to learn how to discern what’s worth emotional difficulty and what’s not.

     

    Get full show notes and more information here: https://unfuckyourbrain.com/231