What do I need to actually balance? Why is balance so important? How can we achieve more balance? Listen and find out. A Happier Year is now available on AHappierYear.com ! Use the code “happycastlistener” at checkout for 10% off. [01:00] A metaphor for balance [02:23] Social relationships [02:53] Mirror neurons [03:53] Bowling et al., “What makes your life good?” [06:13] Creating space for social relationships [07:31] Meaning and passion [13:20] Overwork [15:41] Disconnecting from work [17:43] ...
Apr 22, 2021•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com Today we are going to talk about three different papers assessing: healthy selfishness, optimism, and acceptance. These three papers provide the basis for three actions in A Happier Year . Let's dive into these papers and get a sneak peek of what's in A Happier Year . [00:00] Intro [02:36] Healthy Selfishness [06:25] Looking...
Oct 28, 2020•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com Today we are learning about active leisure! Why do we feel so “blah” after watching Netflix and what can we do instead? What psychological needs are we missing out on? [00:30] Something exciting! [02:30] Active leisure vs passive leisure [04:35] The benefits of active leisure [06:25] How does active leisure benefit us (vs pa...
Oct 06, 2020•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com What is joy? We dig into how we define joy and talk about a strategy to add more joy to our lives. [00:00] Intro [1:10] Exciting Happycast news! [02:28] What is joy? [05:25] Joy as an emotion [08:32] Joy as more than an emotion [11:25] Appreciative joy [13:55] Joy journal [15:08] Tears of joy [20:05] Outro References Casiopp...
Jul 15, 2020•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com We are all feeling a little anxious and overwhelmed right now. Here are some science backed tips on how to feel a little better during these weird and scary times. [00:18] Intro [02:35] Stay social with video chats! [08:40] Get moving [13:24] Focus on what you can control [15:30] Disconnect from the news a little [17:44] Out...
Apr 08, 2020•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com How can we gain more control of our feelings and of our lives? [00:00] Intro [01:20] What is control? [03:43] You can’t control everything [04:45] Study: Control helps older adults through stressful times [08:25] How to feel more in control References: Thompson, S.C. (2017) The Role of Personal Control in Adaptive Functionin...
Dec 11, 2019•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a nutshell, psychological safety is about feeling safe to learn, contribute, and challenge the status quo without fear of being embarrassed or punished. Listen as Dr. Clark shares his wealth of knowledge on this topic. A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com [01:50] Dr. Clark’s background [03:30] The background of psychological safety [04:30] The basic definiti...
Nov 27, 2019•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast What is the secret to making and having friends? Listen in, it might surprise you! A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com [00:00] Intro [01:40] Spatial ecology [04:52] How many hours does it take to make a friend? Study 1 (adults that moved cities) [08:50] How many hours does it take to make a friend? Study 2 (college students) [10:50] Striving Behaviours, qualit...
Nov 13, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join Christine Esovoloff and I as we have a conversation about the honest truths of self-love, self-compassion, accountability, and more! A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on http://ahappieryear.com [02:05] About Christine [02:47] About Dear Love, I’m Ready for You [03:12] Self love has so many definitions [04:22] Self-love isn’t an end point, it’s a journey [05:23] Chatting about stu...
Oct 30, 2019•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast There’s a cocktail of chemicals swimming around in your brain in your brain when we have quality social relationships. A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on ahappieryear.com [01:24] Release those endorphins with social drinking [05:16] Endogenous opioids from social laughter [08:36] Be your spouse’s friend! [10:30] But have other friends, because your cortisol responds to it. [14:45] O...
Oct 16, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Those small interactions you have with strangers have quite a few hidden benefits! A Happier Year is now available — an illustrated calendar with 366 science-based actions. Use the code "happycastlistener" for 10% off at checkout on ahappieryear.com [00:42] Talk to strangers on your commute, it’ll make you happier [07:15] Little social interactions make us happier [09:19] Introverts still need to talk [11:45] Affective forecasting, the reason we don’t think we’ll enjoy eating spaghetti [13:28] S...
Oct 02, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast How do we stay happy while working? [01:27] Overworking and happiness [07:25] Self-employment [10:20] Work Success [14:57] National well-being References: Kuroda, S., & Yamamoto, I. (2019). Why Do People Overwork at the Risk of Impairing Mental. Journal of Happiness Studies , 20 (5), 1519–1538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-0008-x Bujacz, A., Eib, C., & Toivanen, S. (2019). Not All Are Equal : A Latent Profile Analysis of Well ‑ Being Among the Self ‑ Employed. Journal of Happiness Studies ...
Sep 18, 2019•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Social support is so important. It can even impact your physiology. [01:15] Friends make life good [03:22] What is social support? [07:40] How can social support make you happier? [08:55] The biology of social support [11:54] Hugs References: Siedlecki, K.L., Salthouse, T.A., Oishi, S. and Sheena, J. (2014) The Relationship Between Social Support and Subjective Well- Being Across Age. Social Indicators Research , 117, 561-576. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0361-4 Hooker, E.D., Zoccola, P.M....
Sep 04, 2019•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast How can valuing things in our future make us happier? [01:06] What is temporal discounting? [03:33] Those that discount the future and those that do not [06:00] Happiness and temporal discounting [09:07] Expecting something negative [11:30] So what can we do to stop discounting the future? References Story, G. W., Vlaev, I., Seymour, B., Darzi, A., & Dolan, R. J. (2014). Does temporal discounting explain unhealthy behavior ? A systematic review and reinforcement learning perspective, 8 (March), ...
Aug 28, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Why are we sometimes less satisfied even though we have more? The peak-end rule can explain that! [00:00] Introduction [00:55] How can more pain be better? [03:15] Quality of years, not quantity [06:39] The order matters [08:44] Why we sometimes are satisfied with less [11:46] Vacation and happiness References Kahneman, D., Fredrickson, B. L., Schreiber, C. A., & Redelmeier, D. A. (1993). When More Pain Is Preferred To Less: Adding a Better End, 4 (6), 401–405. Diener, E., Wirtz, D., & Oishi, S....
Aug 21, 2019•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Let’s dive into what adventure is and how adventure contributes to your well-being. [00:35] Intro [02:25] Family adventures [08:58] Adventure involves risk [11:05] Outdoor recreation and connection to places [12:52] Adventure and well-being References Pomfret, G., & Varley, P. (2019). Families at leisure outdoors : well-being through adventure. Leisure Studies , 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2019.1600574 Kulczycki, C., & Lück, M. (2009). Outdoor Adventure Tourism, Wellness, And Place At...
Aug 14, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast As a customer, your emotions can rub off on employees. As an employee, you can catch others emotions. Learn how this can affect you. As a customer, your emotions can rub off on employees. As an employee, you can catch others emotions. Learn how this can affect you. [00:00] Introduction [01:12] Your attitude can influence your customer experience. [05:23] Deep acting and reframing the situation [08:00] Angry customers [11:00] Fun detour: Psychopaths & emotional contagion References Liu, X., Chi, ...
Aug 07, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Emotions are contagious! Learn how and why so that you can be aware. [00:00] Introduction [01:06] Overview of how emotions are contagious [03:02] What is emotional contagion? [07:54] Exaggerating your facial expression [08:54] Botox and emotions [12:15] Talking on the phone and catching emotions References Hatfield, E., Cacioppo, J. T., Rapson, R. L., Hatfield, E., Cacioppo, J. T., & Rapson, R. L. (1993). Emotional Contagion. Current Directions , 2 (3), 96–99. Hatfield, E., Bensman, L., Thornton...
Jul 31, 2019•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Empathy is walking in someone’s shoes. Compassion puts your empathy into action. [00:21] What is compassion? [05:07] Empathy vs Compassion [07:45] Compassion can make you happier [09:50] Compassion can reduce anxiety [11:50] Loving kindness meditation References Singer, T., & Klimecki, O. M. (2014). Empathy and compassion. Current Biology, 24 (1), 875–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2014.06.054 Mongrain, M., Chin, J. M., & Shapira, L. B. (2011). Practicing Compassion Increases Happiness and S...
Jul 24, 2019•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast We can alter how we perceive time. Maybe you feel like time is really scarce, learn about the psychology of how to make time feel more plentiful! [00:00] Intro [01:49] Time and awe [05:34] Time perception [09:29] Buying time [11:50] Making your life seem longer [15:30] What did we learn today? References: Rudd, M., Vohs, K. D., & Aaker, J. (2012). Awe Expands People’s Perception of Time, Alters Decision Making, and Enhances Well-Being. Psychological Science 23(10) 1130 –1136. https://doi.org/10....
Jul 17, 2019•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast How do we describe awe? I’m sure you’ve all experienced awe, but what exactly is it and why does awe contribute to a happy life? [00:00] Introduction [02:13] What is awe? The six facets. [08:40] Awe and happiness [10:20] Awe and materialism [13:35] What elicits awe?...
Jul 10, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do likes and comments affect your happiness? What about aimlessly scrolling through your social media accounts? Does social media really improve your life? [00:44] Intro [02:30] Online pro-social behaviour...linked to prosocial behaviour in real life [05:36] Social networks compliment your real life. Not a replacement. [08:17] Passive social network use. [13:27] Likes and comments [15:51] Summary [16:50] Outro...
Jul 03, 2019•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast How can we deal with our regrets so we can move on and be happy? [00:00] Intro [00:47] Better to have loved and lost: It’s better to regret the things you did [06:35] Regret and quality of life [10:25] How to handle your regrets! [12:48] You’re bad at predicting regret: Affective forecasting [15:03] How to fix that....
Jun 26, 2019•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast They say money isn’t everything, but what does the science actually say about money and happiness? [00:00] Intro [00:55] Wanting more, is it a trap? [04:53] Financial stress can impact your happiness [08:40] Materialism, what is it? [14:04] Buy experiences instead of things....
Jun 19, 2019•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Forest bathing...it’s not taking a shower in nature, it’s taking in the atmosphere of the forest. Learn some of the benefits and how to get the most out of your nature experience. [00:00] Intro [00:52] A forest bathing “how to” [02:38] Slow down [03:12] It’s about the journey [04:36] Physiological benefits from nature [06:21] Other nature benefits [07:53] A bit of aromatherapy: Smell some nature [09:57] Urban parks [11:15] Plants [12:06] Touching nature [14:00] Listen to nature...
Jun 12, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Want a natural remedy with no frills, no chemicals, no additives? Best of all, it's free. Being in nature can make you happier and can even do some great things for your body. [01:50] Noticing nature [04:15] Why can nature make us happier? [04:45] Biophilia hypothesis [05:55] Stress reduction theory [09:16] Attention restoration theory [10:51] Combine nature with social interaction and exercise [13:00] Urban parks also are a part of nature! [15:18] The perils of noise pollution [16:00] Outro...
Jun 05, 2019•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Zest is being energetic, enthusiastic, and excited about your life and things in it. Learn how zest can help you in your career and how to cultivate zest. [00:52] What is zest? [02:27] Zest and happiness [02:45] Those that are zestful, are more likely to be satisfied with their work [04:50] Zest and work commitment [06:40] Zest and healthy ambitious [08:06] Zest combats burnout [09:06] How do we cultivate zest? [12:07] Be adventurous...
May 29, 2019•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Self-care isn’t sitting on your couch, watching Netflix, and eating a pint of ice-cream. Self-care involves challenge yourself, improving yourself, and doing some things that you don’t want to do. [00:00] Introduction [03:55] Self-care is refueling [05:34] Self-care is a habit [06:53] Self-care by challenge [08:44] Self-care by self-improvement [10:30] Benefits of self-improvement: You’ll take feedback better [12:19] Self-care by working on your passion...
May 22, 2019•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast There are many ways to be creative, it's not all about painting a picture. Learn how to flex the creative muscles in your brain! [00:34] What is creativity? [02:07] Everyday creativity [02:43] Why do we have negative stereotypes about creative people? [04:10] Creativity and happiness are actually correlated [05:20] Broaden and build theory of emotion [06:20] How can I put this to use? Flex your creativity muscle! [08:00] Creativity at work [09:40] How to foster creativity and keep that creative ...
May 15, 2019•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Humility is not handsome people trying to believe they are ugly and clever people trying to believe they are fools." -Buri [00:00] What is humility? [00:00] Ingredients for humility [00:00] The hot sauce study! Humility can make you nice & tolerant. [00:00] Intellectual humility [00:00] Cultural humility [00:00] Social humility...
May 08, 2019•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
