In this engaging discussion, Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, shares insights from her book, The Joy of Movement. She explains the science behind the runner’s high and how exercise can release 'hope molecules' that boost our mood. Kelly emphasizes shifting the conversation around movement from obligation to joy and the importance of self-compassion in forming lasting habits. Listeners learn practical strategies for building healthy routines and the value of celebrating small wins in their fitness journey.
01:04:57
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Meditation
Kelly McGonigal experienced chronic pain from a young age, leading her to explore suffering.
She discovered meditation through new-age cassette tapes as a child.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Stanford Practices
At Stanford, McGonigal practiced Tonglen, visualizing breathing in suffering and transforming it.
She also practiced the Benefactor Meditation, shifting perceived enemies to a benefactor list through compassion.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Morning Intention
Start your day with an intention-setting practice, even before getting out of bed.
Consider a word representing your desired experience for the day, like enthusiasm.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
Kelly McGonigal
In 'The Willpower Instinct,' Kelly McGonigal explains the science behind self-control and provides practical strategies to enhance willpower. The book is based on her 10-week course at Stanford University and covers topics such as the physiology of self-control, the role of stress and dopamine, and techniques like meditation and breathing exercises to improve willpower. McGonigal breaks down willpower into three categories: 'I will' (doing things that improve your life), 'I won’t' (avoiding things that undermine your health and happiness), and 'I want' (focusing on long-term goals). The book offers experiments and challenges to help readers apply the theories in their daily lives and improve their overall health, happiness, and productivity.
The Joy of Movement
How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage
Kelly McGonigal
In 'The Joy of Movement,' Kelly McGonigal draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology to show how movement is intertwined with basic human joys such as self-expression, social connection, and mastery. The book highlights stories of people who have found fulfillment and belonging through various forms of exercise, from running and walking to dancing and weightlifting. It illustrates how movement can create happiness, meaning, and connection, and serves as a powerful antidote to modern mental health issues. McGonigal also explores topics like the runner's high, exercise addiction, the impact of music on workouts, and the benefits of exercising outdoors, emphasizing the role of movement in our happiness and humanity.
The upside of stress
Kelly McGonigal
A Fearless Heart
How the Courage to be Compassionate can Change Our Lives
Jimpa
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.
---
In this episode from our archives, psychologist Kelly McGonigal dives into her book The Joy of Movement and practical steps on how to develop healthy habits.
Kelly McGonigal, PhD, is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, and a leading expert in the new field of “science-help.” She is passionate about translating cutting-edge research from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine into practical strategies for health, happiness, and personal success. She is the author of The Joy of Movement, The Willpower Instinct, and The Upside of Stress.
In this conversation we talk about:
Why her book is a love letter to movement and human nature
The science behind the runner’s high
Why she wants to change the conversation around movement
Why shame and self-criticism is disempowering and not motivating
The value of setting intentions
How Kelly has used psychology and meditation to relieve her own pain and suffering
And what Tonglen meditation is — and its impact on her life
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
