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Episode 36 – Wellbeing Government
When we think of government priorities, economic growth often takes centre stage. However, a growing number of countries are challenging this paradigm by placing the happiness and wellbeing of their citizens at the forefront. Bhutan, known for pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), set the stage for a new approach. Instead of solely…
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Episode 35 – Identity
Identity is that enigmatic essence that makes each of us uniquely ourselves. While it’s easy to think of identity as a fixed construct, the truth is far more fascinating. Identity is a fluid concept, a dynamic tapestry woven from various threads that constantly evolve and intertwine. Some aspects of our identity may be rooted in…
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Episode 34 – Jealousy
Ah, jealousy! The infamous green-eyed monster that rears its head when we perceive someone else to possess something we desire (that’s actually envy but it doesn’t matter much). While it may seem like an unwelcome emotion, jealousy actually serves a purpose in our lives. It acts as a powerful indicator, highlighting our deepest desires and…
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Episode 33 – Guilt
Welcome back to another episode of the Exploring Happiness Podcast. Today, we’re delving into the deep and often murky waters of guilt, and its intricate relationship with our happiness. Guilt, that nagging feeling that we’ve somehow fallen short of our own standards and values, has a profound impact on our well-being. Join me as I…
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Episode 32 – Parenthood
What about parenthood and happiness? Some parents swear that children make them happy. Others swear that their children have made their hair grey. Parenthood and happiness There is a lot of happiness in all that oxytocin released by young children needing lots of hugs and touch. Being together, having meaningful love relationships and also working…
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Episode 31 – Power
Happiness and power – how do they relate? Well, it really depends on how it is used. What is power? Power is usually defined as control, authority, domination and influence. However, it really matters how we talk about it. A social work blog post explains that there are four types. Power over assumes finite resources…
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Episode 30 – Suffering
Suffering is linked to happiness. Some people seem to think that you have to suffer to discover happiness. And they may not be wrong. But how much do you have to suffer? What is suffering? Suffering is caused by pain or distress. It is an unpleasant emotion, usually associated with the experience or expectation of…
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Episode 29 – Self-Care
Self-care is simple – take care of yourself. For many, that’s probably where ‘simple’ ends. We – and women in particular – are hardwired to take care of everyone. Listening to my girlfriends, I always hear that they want to help. And so many of us end up taking care of everyone but ourselves. This…
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Episode 28 – Rituals
Rituals are part of all cultures and traditions. We pass rituals down from generation to generation. In this episode, I reflect on the link between rituals and happiness. What are rituals? Rituals are activities (or gestures, words or sounds) performed in a certain order. These activities are symbolic, and the ritual doesn’t have to be…
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Episode 27 – Happy Hormones
Happiness hormones are powerful in ensuring consistent happiness. I have talked about these hormones in previous episodes. Because they are so powerful, I am dedicating this episode to happy hormones. Happy hormones help us feel good. They are dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin. Understanding how they are triggered gives you the tools to get out…
