I read/watch/listen to a lot of random stuff. A LOT.
I do this mostly because I’m curious and find lots of things kinda fascinating.
I also do it because part of my job is digging up the best books, articles, recipes, videos, podcasts, websites, etc. about the very broad – and often overwhelming – topic of wellness to share with you.
You know that co-worker or friend who’s always sending you links with a note that says “Thought you might like to read/see this?”? That’s me. Always has been. Just think of me as your personal health, wellness, and happiness curator. đŸ˜‰
So this week, I decided to share a few people whose work has changed the way I think about living a happy and healthy life. Things that made me run to Facebook and Twitter to share IMMEDIATELY. Or grab the phone to call a friend and say “Oh my god, have you read this?!”. Or work them into conversations as much as possible for weeks. (Annoying? Perhaps. Useful? Occasionally.)
I also know that when I find myself repeatedly sharing things with my clients, it’s time to make sure you’ve seen a few of them too.
Have a look. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me.
Kelly McGonigal is a psychologist at Stanford University who brings science back to earth by helping us understand how to apply research findings to our lives, particularly in the areas of health and happiness. In this TED Talk, she talks about her current research on stress…and how to see the positive side of it. (She also wrote a book called The Willpower Instinct that I’ve been meaning to pick up.) Watch it all the way to the end; Dr. McGonigal’s response to the emcee’s question is worth waiting to hear.
BrenĂ© Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work who studies courage, vulnerability, authenticity, and shame. She’s probably best known for her 2010 TED Talk, The power of vulnerability (it’s been viewed almost 12 million times…so far), in which she talks about some of the research that eventually ended up in her recent book, Daring Greatly. It’s seriously one of the most compelling reads of my year. Pick up a copy. It will change your life.
Kristin Neff is Associate Professor of Human Development at the University of Texas at Austin. I came across her work via BrenĂ© Brown, who mentions her studies of self-esteem and self-compassion in Daring Greatly. So much of how we relate to ourselves – especially when it comes to health goals like losing weight and getting in shape – involves beating ourselves up for our failures. Check out Dr. Neff’s website for self-compassion exercises…and the science behind how and why they work to make us happier. Below is a talk Dr. Neff gave about the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion. You might be surprised.
Can you tell I have a degree in psychology? đŸ˜‰
My psychology geekiness aside, tell me in the comments:
- What surprised you about what these women shared?
- Have you read or seen anything recently that changed your view of what makes us happy and healthy? How did it affect your self-care habits?
P.S. Is the Halloween candy bowl calling your name? Control your sugar cravings for good…in just 10 days. I’ll show you how.
