A famous proverb illustrates why now is the best time to start anything—because it’s the only time we can start anything. We have been nominated for a Webby Award. Please vote for "Happier with Gretchen Rubin" for here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2020/podcasts/general-series/health-wellness Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://g...
May 04, 2020•4 min
We discuss why you might make lists to make memories, we talk about a fun, easy way to enliven Zoom meetings, and Dan Harris of 10% Happier explains how and why meditation can be helpful during these tough times. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http...
Apr 29, 2020•35 min•Ep. 271
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. This folk tale is a good reminder that it’s often the most ordinary and familiar things—the things that we take for granted--are actually the most precious to us of all. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by ema...
Apr 27, 2020•4 min
We asked listeners for advice for graduates: What’s the best advice you ever got? What advice do you give to others--or that you wish you could give to your younger self? Plus suggestions for marking the special day during the time of COVID-19. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Get the resources and all links re...
Apr 22, 2020•40 min•Ep. 270
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. I love this example of an outstanding athlete staying true to his love of the sport, and being so determined to play that he made sure it was written into his contract. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by emai...
Apr 20, 2020•3 min
We discuss why you might pick a mantra for the COVID-19 situation, propose a fun way to celebrate while safe at home, and talk to Casey Schwartz about the challenge of paying attention. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Get the resources and all links related to this episode here: http://happiercast.com/269 Orde...
Apr 15, 2020•43 min•Ep. 269
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. The sound of a train racing across the countryside, deep in the night, reminded me of my childhood visits to my grandparents in Nebraska. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretc...
Apr 13, 2020•3 min
NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. We discuss why you might limit yourself to one option, we highlight a listener’s brilliant self-care solution for Obligers (the secret is a pillbox), and Chris Guillebeau joins us to talk about his new novel “The Money Tree.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenR...
Apr 08, 2020•32 min•Ep. 268
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. When he was asked to write an informational letter about a difficult boss, my friend found an elegant way to be helpful, truthful, and prudent. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http:/...
Apr 06, 2020•3 min
NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. We discuss why writing a letter of congratulations to your future-self can help you stick to your good habits, do a deep-dive into the problem of T-shirt overload, and ask, “Would you rather have one very nice item, or many less expensive versions of that item?” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com ...
Apr 01, 2020•33 min•Ep. 267
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. I was deeply moved by composure shown by Dr. Johnson in such a terrifying moment. I get tremendously rattled when I can’t find my phone right away! This example reminds me of how I can face life with more equanimity. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin &a...
Mar 30, 2020•4 min
NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. How to do spring cleaning more effectively, a reminder about REAL ID, and a conversation with Rusty O’Kelly about dealing with the common happiness stumbling block of interviewing for a job. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcas...
Mar 25, 2020•40 min•Ep. 266
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it may be jarring to hear me ignore it—and that’s why. What a wonderful phrase! The joy of the snow. It’s not always easy to feel the joy of the snow. Sometimes we’re able to see it better, when we can glimpse it through other people’s joyful eyes. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the p...
Mar 23, 2020•3 min
NOTE: These episodes were recorded before the COVID-19 situation took hold. Given the rapidly changing situation, it’s jarring to hear us ignore it—and that’s why. Why you should give a “Sensorium Gift” and how to create one, a deep dive into listeners’ suggestions for walking 20 minutes every day in 2020, and a conversation hack. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email ...
Mar 18, 2020•40 min•Ep. 265
I’m thrilled that the copyright laws mean that now I’m able to play this beautiful song—George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”—for listeners. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-...
Mar 16, 2020•6 min
In this time of COVID-19, we’re all feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and uncertainty. To stay calmer and happier, we discuss why you might keep some kind of journal during this period, and why you might create a three-tiered plan for projects – or, alternatively, write a “19 for COVID-19” list. We also explore two happiness stumbling blocks: uncertainty and exercise. Let’s keep our hands clean and our minds clear. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in to...
Mar 15, 2020•34 min
Why you might keep a stress diary, why you can stop rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, and podcaster Jordan Harbinger explains how to network better. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the r...
Mar 11, 2020•38 min•Ep. 264
A story about Dick Bass and Neil Armstrong was a great illustration of an aphorism I wrote recently: Modestly and good manners can save us from a lot of embarrassment. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a vo...
Mar 09, 2020•3 min
Ask yourself, “What’s my guiding question?” an interesting twist on a “20 for 20” list, and we talk to bestselling author about his new book “Upstream.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the resources and all...
Mar 04, 2020•43 min•Ep. 263
This story from the life of the brilliant ad executive Mary Wells Lawrence is a great example of the fact that to discover the work that’s right for us, and to be able to pursue it, is one of the greatest sources of happiness that life can offer. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new b...
Mar 02, 2020•3 min
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the “Happier” podcast, we’re presenting our very first episode, along with some commentary from us about everything that’s happened and what we’ve learned since that episode aired. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM ...
Feb 28, 2020•29 min
To celebrate Happier’s fifth anniversary, we look back on some of our favorite try-this-at-homes, big milestones, and funniest moments. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the resources and all links related to...
Feb 26, 2020•37 min•Ep. 262
Learning about a clever and successful financial scam reminded me of how hard it is to know what I don’t know. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about ad...
Feb 24, 2020•3 min
I explain the back exercises we do to improve posture, a listener suggests a great way for an introvert to celebrate a milestone birthday, and we discuss the question, “Do you relax better at home or away?” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http:/...
Feb 19, 2020•32 min•Ep. 261
A friend’s remark reminded me that even when we’re coming together, we’re all coming from different places. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to hap...
Feb 17, 2020•3 min
For our Very Special Episode, we asked listeners for their best advice about strengthening relationships, and we talked to Lori Gottlieb, author of the bestseller “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outeror...
Feb 12, 2020•44 min•Ep. 260
Beware of unintended consequences! Pickpockets use “Beware of Pickpockets” signs to pickpocket more effectively. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go t...
Feb 10, 2020•2 min
For the Happier Podcast Book Club, we talk to Adrienne Brodeur about her page-turning memoir, “Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me.” Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Get the resources and all links related t...
Feb 05, 2020•44 min•Ep. 259
In her 1887 letter, teacher Anne Sullivan recounts the moment when Helen Keller understood the secret of language. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://outerorderinnercalmbook.com Leave a voicemail message on: 774-277-9336 For information about advertisers and promo codes, go...
Feb 03, 2020•4 min
Try the “Pair & Share” approach to have more fun while getting some exercise, a quick hack for making it easier to do unpleasant tasks, and an interview with “Yoga Girl” Rachel Brathen about happiness. Get in touch: @gretchenrubin; @elizabethcraft; podcast@gretchenrubin.com Get in touch on Instagram: @GretchenRubin & @LizCraft Get the podcast show notes by email every week here: http://gretchenrubin.com/#newsletter Order a copy of Gretchen’s new book OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM here: http://...
Jan 29, 2020•42 min•Ep. 258
