#433 - Dr. Hasan Merali discusses how lessons from toddlers can help physicians improve their well-being and work-life balance

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Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Hasan Merali to explore the unexpected ways toddler behavior can shape adult well-being. They dive into Dr. Murali’s book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas, sharing research and personal stories, especially his experiences with his daughter that reveal powerful life lessons.

Key takeaways include the importance of sleep routines, risk-taking for personal growth, and the power of play in team-building and relationships. He emphasizes the role of laughter in strengthening bonds and enhancing learning, advocating for self-talk in the third person to improve resilience and emotional control. Additionally, he highlights toddlers’ innate generosity, noting that giving fosters lasting happiness.

Dr. Merali also discusses leadership lessons from toddlers, such as clear communication and fairness, and delves into hedonic adaptation, suggesting that acts of generosity provide sustained joy.

Bio

Dr. Hasan Merali is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children's Hospital. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital.

 Dr. Merali also holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and is an Associate Faculty member at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. His research focuses on child injury prevention in low- and middle-income countries, particularly examining factors associated with child passenger helmet and restraint use. 

He has published over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in outlets such as Science, The Boston Globe, NBC, CBC, and Popular Science. His first book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life, was published in March 2024.

In addition to his academic and medical contributions, Dr. Merali has given a TEDx talk at the University of Toronto, discussing key themes from his book. He lives in Ontario with his wife and daughter.


Socials and websites:
https://experts.mcmaster.ca/display/meralih?utm

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/hasan-merali

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.