Category: Be happy

The secret of success – get enough sleep

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What is this video about

This week I continue  the link between well-being and productivity in the workplace.  I’m highlighting an entertaining talk by Arianna Huffington about sleeping to the top: the secret of success is get enough shut eye.

How is this different

This video is also different as its one of the shortest Ted talks I have seen – its 4 minutes and 42 seconds long. Arianna also  ask us to challenge our perception of sleep deprivation as a sign of success.

How can it help

Underlining  this light hearted talk is a serious message. To have enough time to sleep and rest is important. If we have time for rest this is an indicator that we have time to connect with our inner greatness.

Enjoy this one – practicing will be fun!

P.S In relation to my # 60 Day 10,000 Step Challenge check out my twitter updates at ViEtAnimoTweets – I have pictures.

 

Getting happy – # 60 Day 10,000 Step Challenge

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What is this video about

In this weeks video were looking at the wide raging  benefits of walking.

How is this different 

This week, we are doing something a bit different. Over the last couple of posts we looked at the advandatages of being happy at work. This week were going to explore how we can boost are own wellbeing. But lets not just absorb a new pice of info, lets actually do it – join me on the #60 Day 10,000 Step Challenge. 

How can it help

If your not convinced, below are some of the health and social benefits of walking:

  • improves mood and wellbeing
  • reduces stress
  • reduces risk of diabetes and other long term conditions
  • It can also be social!
  • Its totally free
  • It can fit around your schedule

Let me know how you get on over the next 60 days – I will feedback how I get on too. For more info check out the benefits your self via the British National Health Service Guide.

Enjoy the fresh air!

 

Work that makes you happy – your motivator

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What is the video about

In this entertaining and warm talk we, have Daniel pink the renowned author on trends in the workplace. In this video, Daniel shares the science behind workplace motivation.  Behind his charm is a serious message.  Science proves a well known truth:  Doing work you like makes you motivated. He says there is a miss match behind what science knows and what business does. The wikapedia example he uses is pretty interesting.

How is it different

What Daniel tell us is,  in a knowledge based job, higher financial incentives doe not lead to higher motivation.  Money helps of course. But, more money after the point your needs are met, wont drive you. His work leads him to conclude that you are going to have to look for something else to push you to innovate, to think differently .

 

How will it help

Once your money needs are met, if innovation and thinking are crucial to your job outputs, look for internal incentives . So, for those thinking of there current or next move, be it a project, job or industry, there as some things to think about:

  • Autonomy
  • Mastery
  • Purpose

Enjoy this one – invest in being happy at work, it pays.

Being happy makes you more productive

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What is this video about

This is an interesting talk about productivity. Yes this is possible, this isn’t a boring talk about time management or your email inbox. This is about  a call to action to move beyond the average, to be happy. Shawn tells us that in order to be more productive we must become happier.  He cites research that 75% of job success can be predicted by happiness levels.

Why is this video different

Shawn debunks the idea that you work to be happy. He turns it on its head and says that for work to work – you need to be happy first. Your brain at positive means that you can improve business outcomes across the board – harder, faster and more intelligently.

How can it help me

Shawn tells us that your happiness is not determined by your external world but 90% by you internal world.  How your brain processess information. In the video we learn small practical steps you can add to your day to make you happier.  Some of the examples he includes is a gratitude journal, working out, mediation and acts of kindness.

Enjoy -and go be happy!

A little ‘magic’ goes a long way to making your more producitve

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Why is this book different

This book is not about changing anything but is about appreciating what you have right now. In the personal development space where change dominates- getting different and being different -this is a refreshing change. 

How can it help

I have read this book a few times. I can say that it does what it says on the tin. Being grateful means that you are in a more  happy and resourceful state.  The simple act of moving from a place of scarcity to being grateful for what you have somehow by magic, this increases what you have now including your productivity. Try it and see!

How science can make us happier and healthier

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What is this video about

In this video, Kelly McDonald looks at stress and drills down into how we might approach it in a more productive way. Kelly  is a Health Psychologist. She is from a academic background but she is vey much interested In how science can help us improve our lives in a practical way.  As she says  in the video, she is interested in, ‘how  science can make us happier and healthier’. 

Why is this video different

Kelly presents some interesting evidence.  She talks us through  studies that show  two groups with the same amount  of stress. One group  felt that stress was having a detrimental effect on them and another group did not. It is only the ones who felt that stress was ‘bad’ who had a shorter lifespan. The take home point from the study is, that the difference that makes the difference,  is the belief about stress, the ’internal game’, rather than stress itself has an impact.

That was enough there for me in terms of new ideas.  But Kelly goes on to tell us that under stress you release Oxytocin which urges you to seek support and love from others around you,   as well urges you to give support to others. Oxytocin also protects the body from the effects  stress. So not only is your body protected but you develop more courage and connection which, further supports your resilience.

How can it help me

Stress is a feature of everyday life. Exposure to large amounts on a regular basis is not seen as a  good thing. But avoiding stress altogether is quite hard. This video helps you think about stress in a much more productive way.  Which,  according to Kelly can help you lead a a happier and healthier life.