The dumb little things you have to do repeatedly can eat up your time and drag your energy down. Since this week is all about ways to take better care of the intersection of time, energy, and happiness, finding solutions for these minor aggravations is the subject of today’s episode. I don’t know about you, but I find teeny little changes ridiculously exciting, which means I’m ridiculously excited about this episode. This episode sponsored by: AirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 HelloFresh – Use promo code 50BETTERPERSON to save 50% and get free shipping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I'm interviewing planning expert Sarah Hart-Unger, host of the Best Laid Plans podcast. A self-described "compulsive list maker and life planner," Sarah's planning prowess has been honed through experience. In addition to Best Laid Plans, Sarah is also the co-host of the Best of Both Worlds podcast, with Laura Vanderkam; is a pediatric endocrinologist; has three kids; and is a daily blogger and a devoted runner. In this interview, Sarah shares how she makes time for planning, her systems for sharing plans with her family, her favorite planning tools, and the mindset she brings to planning in the first place (which was way different from how I had been approaching it). Best Laid Plans podcastBest of Both Worlds podcastSarah’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn about the significance of planning and the drawbacks of neglecting deep thinking. Explore the concept of a 'Shultz Hour' for big-picture thinking and blocking off dedicated time for it. Discover how to create designated time for big picture thinking and make it a collaborative experience.

A big reason we make plans is to stave off stress–if you know what’s happening when it gives you a feeling of control and helps you know that you’re doing the things that you need and want to do.And there’s a certain type of planning that can also make you significantly happier, and not the kind of satisfaction that comes from having all your ducks in a row, but actual happiness that recharges your creativity, helps you be in the moment, and creates memories that can last a lifetime. What is this magical planning hack? Plan. More. Vacations!!Research quoted in this episode:1 in 4 Americans who work in the private sector get NO paid time off 700 million vacation days go unused each yearVacations really do help us feel less tired and more mindfulPeople are more engaged and productive at work after taking a vacationSurvey that found that taking time off reduces reports of depressionThat vacation feeling only lasts about 2 weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think about getting older, or the elderly in general, what words come to mind? The answer to that question can have a big impact on your health–from how long you live to how high your risk of developing dementia is (even if it runs in your family!). I’m sharing some fabulous news about getting older all this week on the podcast. This is stuff that was pretty new information for me so I hope that it will be a pleasant surprise for you too (and that it might even help you live longer and better, which research suggests it could!). New York Times article on Dr. Levy’s research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast I'm taking a look at aging, and the simple but powerful things we can do to make our getting older experience better on many levels. And today I'm talking with someone who is a leading voice for women to re-think their attitudes toward aging, and to embrace some new tools and strategies to make aging just a new phase of life--and not something to dread.My guest today is Tamsen Fadal–as the evening news anchor for WPIX-11 in New York City, Tamsen has spent her entire career being told that at any moment, she would age out of her job. Now in her early 50s, she’s going stronger than ever, and has a lot to say on exceeding expectations (others’ and our own) as you get older. Plus, she is (and looks) amazing, so I get her to spill the things she does to keep herself in a good space as she constantly keeps her eye on what’s Coming Up Next (the name of her podcast). Listen to Tamsen’s Coming Up Next podcastFollow Tamsen on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have to actively try to counter the ideas about aging that we’ve been swimming in for years and years in order to truly get on board with the idea that getting older is something to not just make peace with, but also to actively celebrate. To help you do that, I’m sharing 3 major, huge, fricking fantastic benefits of getting older. It’s time to get pumped! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been talking to friends and hearing from listeners that a lot of you are pondering life changes–maybe it’s because the kids are grown, or just because it’s time to switch things up. Or maybe your hand is being forced because you’re dealing with some kind of health thing. The common theme I’ve detected is that it’s happening at midlife. It has also been a time that has been shown time and time again in research studies to be a time when we’re our least happy. Yep, there’s a U curve of happiness and midlife is the bottom of the U. That’s the bad news. The good news is…it goes up! But let’s talk about how to feel better about this naturally low point. This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m talking to Meagan Francis, host of the podcast Mother of Reinvention, mom of 5 kids (who range in age from 13 - 25), somewhat recently divorced, self-employed since she was 25 years old, and no stranger to pivoting. I asked Meagan about how motherhood–and women’s identities–change as kids get older, how to pick up the pieces when it feels like the chessboard of your life gets completely upended, and why you might not want to hold out for when the kids leave home to start reinventing yourself and your life. Follow Meagan on InstagramCheck out Mother of Reinvention (And subscribe! Rate! Review! Share!)Visit Meagan’s websiteThis episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midlife is basically puberty in reverse. Huge hormonal shifts. The dawn of a new phase of life. A body you may or may not recognize. As the mother of a now 15-year-old daughter, I can see the similarities between us and you know what? A lot of it is awesome. Come find out why.This episode sponsored by: NextEVO – Use promo code BETTER to save 20% off your order of $40 or moreAirDoctor – Use promo code BETTER to save up to 39% or $300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices