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Why is it important to know your personality type?

Knowing your personality type is important for several reasons, as it can provide insights into various aspects of your personal and professional life. Here are some key benefits:

Self awareness

  1. Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses: Knowing your personality type helps you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
  2. Improved Decision-Making: With a clearer understanding of your preferences and tendencies, you can make more informed decisions that align with your true self.

Personal growth

  1. Setting Realistic Goals: Personality insights can help you set achievable and realistic goals based on your natural inclinations and motivations.
  2. Enhancing Emotional Intelligence: Awareness of your personality type can improve your emotional intelligence by helping you understand and manage your emotions better.

Relationships

  1. Better Communication: Understanding your personality type and that of others can improve communication by highlighting different communication styles and preferences.
  2. Conflict Resolution: Recognizing how different personality types approach conflict can help in resolving disagreements more effectively.

Career development

  1. Career Path: Certain personality types are better suited for specific careers. Knowing your type can guide you towards a career that aligns with your natural preferences and strengths.
  2. Job Satisfaction: Understanding what motivates and satisfies you at work can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity.

Team Dynamics

  1. Team Building: In a team setting, knowing the personality types of team members can help in assigning roles that match individual strengths, leading to a more cohesive and effective team.
  2. Leadership: Leaders who understand personality types can tailor their leadership style to better motivate and manage their team.

Stress management

  1. Identifying Stress Triggers: Different personality types react to stress in various ways. Knowing your type can help you identify and manage stress triggers more effectively.
  2. Coping Strategies: Personality insights can provide personalized strategies for coping with stress and maintaining mental well-being.

Learning and education

  1. Personalized Learning: Understanding your personality type can help you identify the learning styles and environments that work best for you.
  2. Skill Development: Knowing your natural inclinations can guide you in developing new skills in a way that feels more intuitive and effective.

Conclusion

Overall, understanding your personality type can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life by providing a deeper understanding of yourself and others, fostering better relationships, and enhancing both personal and professional development.

If you have enjoyed this article, you may like to read about How to Find Out Your Personality Type.

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Finding Your Life Purpose: Transcending Vocation and Career Paths

Introduction

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, it’s crucial to distinguish between your life purpose, vocation, and career. Each plays a distinct role in shaping your journey towards personal satisfaction and fulfilment. Let’s delve into these concepts to understand their differences and how they contribute uniquely to our sense of purpose and happiness.

Understanding Life Purpose

Your life purpose is the overarching reason for your existence. It’s the deeper meaning behind everything you do. It transcends mere job titles or daily tasks. Discovering your life purpose involves reflecting on your values, passions, and the impact you want to make on the world. However, unlike a vocation, which often focuses on skills and earning a living, your life purpose encompasses a broader sense of fulfilment and contribution to society.

Differentiating Vocation and Career

While your vocation refers to the occupation or profession you choose, your career encompasses the roles and positions you hold throughout your working life. Vocation is often driven by skills, interests, and market demand. In contrast, a career can involve upward mobility, advancements, and achievements within a chosen field. Both vocation and career are important aspects of your professional identity. However, they may or may not align perfectly with your life purpose.

Finding Alignment and Purpose

The key to a fulfilling life lies in aligning your vocation and career with your life purpose. When your daily work aligns with your deeper values and passions, you experience a greater sense of satisfaction and meaning. However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone’s vocation or career will perfectly mirror their life purpose. Sometimes, your life purpose can be expressed through hobbies, volunteer work, or personal relationships outside of work.

Embracing the Journey

Discovering your life purpose is a journey that involves self-reflection, exploration, and sometimes trial and error. It’s about understanding what truly motivates and inspires you beyond financial rewards or societal expectations. Moreover, this journey may require stepping outside of your comfort zone, seeking new experiences, and embracing change. Ultimately, it’s a process of growth and self-discovery that can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while vocation and career play important roles in our lives, they are not synonymous with our life purpose. Your life purpose is the deeper reason for your existence, guiding you towards personal fulfilment and making a meaningful impact on the world. By understanding the distinctions between these concepts and seeking alignment with your values and passions, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and purpose that leads to a more satisfying and enriching life.

If you enjoyed this article, check out our life purpose programme.

You may also enjoy Martha Beck’s book Finding Your Own North Star

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How to Create Your Best Life using Design Principles

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, authors of “Designing Your Life,” introduce an exciting way to think about our lives. By borrowing an idea from product design called prototyping, they show us how to test different paths before making big decisions. This method involves creating small, early versions of a product to test and improve it. Similarly, when applied to life, prototyping allows us to experiment and refine our choices.

What is Prototyping in Life Design?

Prototyping in life design means taking small steps to explore new ideas before fully committing. Burnett and Evans see life as a series of experiments. Each prototype helps us test and refine our choices, ensuring they align with our values, passions, and goals.

Steps to Prototyping Your Life

  1. Pick Areas to Explore: First, identify parts of your life you want to change or try out. This could be a new career, a hobby, or a different lifestyle.
  2. Brainstorm Ideas: Next, think of various ways to explore these areas. This might include trying a new activity, volunteering, taking a short course, or talking to people in the field you’re interested in.
  3. Create Prototypes: Then, develop small, low-cost versions of your ideas. For instance, if you’re considering a career change, take a relevant class or shadow someone in that job.
  4. Test and Get Feedback: After creating your prototypes, engage with them. Notice how you feel and what you learn. Additionally, ask for feedback from others involved.
  5. Refine and Iterate: Finally, use the insights and feedback to adjust your approach. Tweak your prototypes, combine ideas, or discard options that don’t work for you.

Why Prototyping is Useful

  • Less Risk: First and foremost, testing ideas on a small scale reduces the risk of making big, irreversible decisions.
  • Clarity: Furthermore, prototyping gives you real-life insights, helping you understand what you truly want.
  • Confidence: Additionally, successfully testing ideas boosts your confidence and shows you can make positive changes.

Real-Life Examples

  • Changing Careers: Instead of quitting your job immediately, start by freelancing or volunteering in a new field.
  • Learning: Before committing to a degree, try online courses or workshops to see if you like the subject.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Considering a big move? Test it out with a short-term stay in the new city.

If you enjoyed this article, try Can Essentialism lead to a more meaningful life?

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Can Essentialism lead to a more meaningful life?

In a world cluttered with endless tasks, responsibilities, and distractions, finding true meaning and purpose can feel like an elusive dream. Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” offers a powerful antidote to this modern malaise. This book review explores how “Essentialism” can transform your life by helping you focus on what truly matters.

The Core Idea of Essentialism

At its heart, “Essentialism” is about discerning what is essential and eliminating everything that is not. McKeown argues that by focusing only on the most important tasks and activities, we can achieve more meaningful and fulfilling lives. This disciplined approach to life encourages us to reclaim control over our choices and align our actions with our highest values.

Key Principles of Essentialism

  1. Explore and Evaluate: McKeown emphasizes the importance of exploring a wide range of possibilities before committing to any one path. This involves saying ‘no’ to good opportunities so we can say ‘yes’ to great ones.
  2. Eliminate Non-Essentials: Once you’ve identified what is essential, the next step is to remove anything that does not support those priorities. This might mean cutting out tasks, commitments, or even relationships that drain your energy and focus.
  3. Execute Effortlessly: With fewer distractions, you can apply your energy more effectively. McKeown offers practical strategies for making execution as easy as possible, such as establishing routines and setting boundaries.

Why Essentialism Matters

In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of demands on our time and attention. “Essentialism” provides a roadmap to reclaim our lives from this chaos. By focusing on fewer things, we can invest in what truly brings us joy and fulfilment. This book is not just about doing less for the sake of it, but about doing less to achieve more of what matters.

Practical Applications

Implementing the principles of “Essentialism” can lead to significant improvements in both personal and professional realms. For example:

  • Work: Prioritize tasks that align with your core responsibilities and goals. Delegate or eliminate low-impact activities.
  • Home: Focus on quality time with family and activities that nurture your well-being.
  • Personal Development: Invest time in learning and experiences that contribute to your growth and happiness.

Conclusion

Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” is more than just a productivity guide; it’s a manifesto for a life well-lived. By embracing the principles of essentialism, you can find greater meaning and purpose, reducing stress and enhancing your overall sense of fulfilment. If you’re seeking a way to navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity and intention, “Essentialism” is an invaluable resource.

Embrace the disciplined pursuit of less, and discover how much more meaningful your life can become.

If you enjoyed this article, try How to Create Your Best Life using Design Principles

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How to Bring More Creativity into Your Daily Life

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for creativity can be challenging. However, infusing your daily routine with creative practices can significantly enhance your overall well-being and productivity. Here are some practical tips to help you bring more creativity into your daily life.

1. Start Your Day with a Creative Ritual

Begin your morning with an activity that stimulates your mind and sets a positive tone for the day. This could be journaling, doodling, or even a brief meditation session focusing on creative visualization. Starting your day with creativity can help you approach the rest of your tasks with a fresh perspective.

2. Embrace New Experiences

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a powerful way to boost creativity. Try new activities, visit different places, or engage in unfamiliar hobbies. These new experiences can spark fresh ideas and inspire you to think outside the box.

3. Create a Dedicated Creative Space

Having a specific area in your home or office designated for creative activities can encourage regular engagement with creative tasks. Make this space comfortable and filled with items that inspire you, such as art supplies, books, or musical instruments.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help clear your mind of distractions and enhance your focus. A clear, calm mind is more receptive to creative ideas and solutions. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine to create a mental environment conducive to creativity.

5. Incorporate Playfulness

Allow yourself to be playful and curious. Engage in activities that you enjoyed as a child, like drawing, playing games, or building things. Playfulness can reduce stress and open up your mind to new possibilities, fostering a more creative mindset.

6. Limit Distractions

In our digital age, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by constant notifications and information overload. Set aside specific times to disconnect from technology and engage in creative activities. This uninterrupted time can lead to more profound and innovative thinking.

7. Collaborate with Others

Collaboration can significantly enhance creativity. Working with others exposes you to different perspectives and ideas. Whether it’s brainstorming with colleagues or participating in a creative workshop, collaboration can stimulate your creative juices and lead to exciting new concepts.

8. Keep a Creativity Journal

Document your ideas, inspirations, and creative projects in a journal. This practice not only helps you keep track of your creative thoughts but also allows you to reflect on your progress. Reviewing your journal can provide insights and spur further creativity.

9. Seek Inspiration from Different Sources

Read books, watch films, listen to music, and explore art that is outside your usual preferences. Exposure to diverse sources of inspiration can broaden your thinking and ignite your creative spark. Make it a habit to regularly consume varied content that challenges and excites you.

10. Stay Curious and Open-Minded

Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. Always ask questions, explore new ideas, and stay open to different viewpoints. Cultivating a curious mindset can lead to continuous learning and creative growth.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily life can help you tap into your creative potential and enrich your everyday experiences. Remember, creativity is not a talent reserved for a few; it’s a skill that can be nurtured and developed with practice and intention. Start integrating these tips into your routine today and watch your creativity flourish.

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How To Find What is Essential to Your Life

In a world saturated with choices and distractions, identifying what is truly essential to your life can seem like a daunting task. However, this journey of self-discovery and prioritization is crucial for living a fulfilling and purposeful life. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you uncover what is essential to your life.

1. Self-Reflection

Understand Your Values: Start by reflecting on what matters most to you. Values are the core principles that guide your behaviour and decision-making. Common values include family, health, integrity, and personal growth. To identify your values, consider what makes you feel fulfilled and what you would defend at any cost.

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful tool for self-reflection. Spend a few minutes each day journaling about your experiences, feelings, and aspirations. Over time, patterns will emerge that can highlight what is truly important to you.

2. Simplify Your Life

Declutter Your Space: Physical clutter can often lead to mental clutter. Start by decluttering your living and working spaces. Remove items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. This practice not only creates a more serene environment but also helps you focus on what truly matters.

Limit Distractions: In today’s digital age, distractions are abundant. Limit your exposure to unnecessary digital noise by setting boundaries for social media use, emails, and other non-essential digital interactions. Designate specific times for these activities and stick to them.

3. Identify Your Priorities

Set Clear Goals: Identify your short-term and long-term goals. Break them down into manageable steps and prioritize them based on their importance and impact on your life. Goals that align with your values are typically the most essential.

The 80/20 Principle: Also known as the Pareto Principle, this concept suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify the activities and relationships that contribute most to your happiness and success, and focus your energy on these areas.

4. Mindfulness and Presence

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and fully engaging with whatever you are doing. This practice can help you appreciate the small, meaningful aspects of your life that you might otherwise overlook.

Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of gratitude by regularly acknowledging the positive aspects of your life. This practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, highlighting the essentials in your life.

5. Seek Guidance

Mentorship: Seek guidance from mentors or individuals who inspire you. They can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help you identify and focus on what is essential.

Therapy, Counselling or Coaching: Professional help can be beneficial in gaining deeper insights into your priorities and overcoming any mental blocks that might be hindering your journey to finding what is essential.

6. Embrace Change

Be Open to Change: What is essential to your life may change over time as you grow and evolve. Be open to reassessing and realigning your priorities periodically to ensure they still resonate with your values and goals.

Let Go of the Non-Essential: Learn to say no to commitments and activities that do not serve your essential goals. This can free up time and energy to focus on what truly matters.

Conclusion

Finding what is essential to your life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, reflection, and prioritization. By understanding your values, simplifying your life, identifying your priorities, practicing mindfulness, seeking guidance, and embracing change, you can cultivate a life that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. Remember, the essence of a meaningful life lies not in the quantity of things we have but in the quality and significance of the things we choose to keep close.

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How to use walks in nature to clear your mind

Nature walk
Country scene with fields

Do you ever find yourself going for a peaceful walk in nature, hoping to clear your mind, only to end up stuck in a loop of overthinking? You’re not alone. Many of us experience this paradox: we seek solace in nature but end up mulling over our worries throughout the entire walk.

Fortunately, there’s a simple yet powerful activity that can help break this cycle and bring you back to the present moment: the “5 Senses” activity. Designed to shift your focus from rumination to mindful observation, this exercise can transform your nature walks into rejuvenating experiences.

Here’s how it works:

1. What 5 things can you see? Take a moment to consciously observe your surroundings. Notice the vibrant colours of the flowers, the intricate patterns on tree bark, or the gentle sway of grass in the breeze. Engaging your sense of sight helps anchor you in the present moment and appreciate the beauty around you.

2. What 4 things can you hear? Close your eyes briefly and tune in to the sounds of nature. Listen to the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves, or the babbling of a nearby stream. By focusing on auditory stimuli, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful symphony of the natural world.

3. What 3 things can you feel? Shift your attention to your sense of touch. Run your fingers over the rough texture of a tree trunk, feel the warmth of sunlight on your skin, or enjoy the cool breeze against your face. Connecting with tactile sensations grounds you in the present moment and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

4. What 2 things can you smell? Take a deep breath and inhale the scents of the outdoors. Notice the earthy aroma of soil, the fragrant perfume of flowers, or the crisp scent of pine trees. Smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, making this step a powerful way to evoke positive feelings during your walk.

5. What 1 thing can you taste? Finally, pay attention to your sense of taste, even if it’s just for a moment. Perhaps you brought a snack with you, or you can simply notice any lingering flavours in your mouth. Even if you don’t have anything to taste at the moment, the act of considering this sense can help anchor you in the present.

By engaging all five senses in this way, you redirect your focus from inner turmoil to external stimuli, fostering mindfulness and presence. The “5 Things” activity serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the richness of the present moment and find peace in the beauty of nature.

Next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck in your thoughts during a nature walk, give this activity a try. You may be surprised by how it transforms your experience and leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to the world around you.

Find out how to get even more from being out in nature in this post

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Embracing the Outdoors: You and Nature – A Great Combination

In an age where digital screens dominate our daily lives and urban environments continue to sprawl, the call of the wild has never been more vital. Spending time in nature is not just a leisure activity; it’s a necessity for our overall well-being. Here’s why stepping outside into the natural world can transform your life in myriad ways.

1. Mental Health Boost

The mental health benefits of nature are profound and well-documented. Exposure to natural environments has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The calming effect of nature stems from its ability to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Just a short walk in a park or a few minutes of gazing at greenery can significantly improve your mood and mental clarity.

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Nature encourages mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors engage our senses, helping to quiet the mind and reduce the mental clutter that can lead to anxiety. Whether it’s the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, or the feel of a gentle breeze, nature offers a serene environment that promotes relaxation and mental restoration.

2. Physical Health Benefits

Being outdoors naturally encourages physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s hiking, biking, swimming, or even gardening, these activities help improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and enhance flexibility.

Immune System Enhancement

Spending time in nature also boosts your immune system. Exposure to diverse microorganisms in natural settings can strengthen your body’s defense mechanisms. Additionally, sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function.

3. Enhanced Creativity and Focus

Nature can spark creativity and improve focus. Research shows that being in natural environments can lead to higher levels of creative thinking and problem-solving. This is partly because nature provides a break from the constant stimuli and distractions of urban life, allowing your brain to reset and recharge.

Attention Restoration

The theory of Attention Restoration suggests that natural environments have a restorative effect on our attention spans. Unlike the overwhelming demands of city life and digital screens, nature offers a gentle, effortless attention that helps rejuvenate our cognitive resources, making us more focused and productive when we return to our tasks.

4. Social Connection and Community

Nature is a fantastic backdrop for social interactions. Outdoor activities often involve friends, family, or community groups, fostering social bonds and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a family picnic, a group hike, or a community clean-up event, these activities can strengthen relationships and build a supportive community network.

Shared Experiences

Sharing experiences in nature creates lasting memories and strengthens interpersonal connections. These shared moments, away from the distractions of modern life, allow for deeper conversations and more meaningful interactions.

5. Environmental Awareness and Stewardship

Spending time in nature increases our appreciation for the environment and the need to protect it. When we experience the beauty and tranquility of natural settings firsthand, we become more aware of the impact of human activities on these ecosystems. This awareness often translates into a greater commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

Sustainable Living

Engaging with nature encourages sustainable living practices. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards preserving natural resources and reducing our ecological footprint. From recycling to supporting conservation initiatives, time spent in nature can inspire more environmentally conscious choices.

Conclusion

Incorporating nature into your daily routine can significantly enhance your mental, physical, and social well-being. It offers a respite from the demands of modern life, fosters creativity and focus, and nurtures a connection to the environment and community. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or disconnected, step outside. Breathe in the fresh air, soak in the sunshine, and let nature work its magic. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.

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How to be positive in a world of bad news

Navigating Tough Times with Positivity

In an age where we seem to be inundated on a daily basis with distressing headlines and global challenges, you might wonder if being positive really makes a difference. Barbara Fredrickson’s book, “Positivity,” says yes, it does, She offers some helpful ideas on how to stay upbeat even when times are tough – and why it matters, not only for ourselves, but the world around us. Let’s take a look at her key points and how they can help us cope with challenges.

Embracing Positivity When Things Get Rough

Fredrickson’s research suggests that positive feelings aren’t just for the good times. They actually give us a boost when things are hard. According to her “broaden-and-build” theory, feeling good helps us think and act better. This makes it easier to deal with stress and come up with creative solutions. So, instead of ignoring problems, Fredrickson encourages us to embrace positivity as a way to stay strong and mentally healthy during tough times.

Keeping a Balanced News Diet

We all know the news can be pretty bleak. But Fredrickson reminds us that it’s important to strike a balance. While staying informed is crucial, too much negative news can drag us down. By adding positive moments to our day—like doing something nice for someone or focusing on what we’re grateful for—we can offset the negativity and keep a more balanced perspective. Subscribing to good news sources can also help remind us that there’s still plenty of good happening in the world as well.

The Power of Positivity in Our Social Circles

Fredrickson also points out that positivity isn’t just good for us—it’s contagious! When we’re positive, it rubs off on others, creating a ripple effect of good vibes. By being upbeat and building supportive relationships, we not only boost our own well-being but also spread positivity to those around us, making our communities stronger and more hopeful.

Practical Tips for Staying Positive

“Positivity” isn’t just about theory—it’s also full of practical tips for bringing more joy into our lives. From simple mindfulness exercises to acts of kindness, the book offers a toolkit for boosting our mood and resilience, even when life throws us curveballs. By making these techniques part of our daily routine, we can train ourselves to become more hopeful and cope better with stress and negativity.

In a Nutshell

Barbara Fredrickson’s “Positivity” makes a strong case for why being positive matters, especially when the world feels like a tough place. By embracing positivity, balancing our news intake, recognizing its social impact, and using practical strategies to stay upbeat, we can weather the storms of life with more resilience and happiness. And by spreading positivity to others, we not only make our own lives better but also help create a kinder, brighter world for everyone.

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Can we learn to be happy?

Well, apparently, yes we can, according to a study undertaken by Bristol University.

The University teaches a course on the Science of Happiness and introduces students to wellbeing boosts such as gratitude, exercise, meditation or journaling. But the boosts are short-lived unless  habits learnt on the course are kept up over the long-term.

Students who took the course reported a 10 to 15% improvement in wellbeing.  But only those who continued implementing the course learnings maintained that improved wellbeing when they were surveyed again two years on.

Professor Bruce Hood said “This study shows that just doing a course – be that at the gym, a meditation retreat or on an evidence-based happiness course like ours – is just the start: you must commit to using what you learn on a regular basis.”

The course is founded on the insights of positive psychology which looks at what makes us flourish. Professor Hood said that  “Much of what we teach revolves around positive psychology interventions that divert your attention away from yourself, by helping others, being with friends, gratitude or meditating..…. countless studies have shown that getting out of our own heads helps gets us away from negative ruminations which can be the basis of so many mental health problems.”

Surprising take aways from the Science of Happiness course include:

  • Talking to strangers makes us happier, despite a majority of us shying away from such encounters.
  • Social media is not bad for everyone, but it can be bad for those who focus on their reputation.
  • Loneliness impacts on our health by impairing our immune systems.
  • Optimism increases life expectancy.
  • Giving gifts to others activates the reward centres in our brain – often providing more of a happiness boost than spending money on oneself.
  • Sleep deprivation impacts on how well we are liked by others.
  • Walking in nature deactivates part of the brain related to negative ruminations, which are associated with depression.
  • Kindness and happiness are correlated.