Join bestselling author and happiness expert Gretchen Rubin as she explores the multifaceted pursuit of well-being. She emphasizes the personalized nature of happiness, sharing insights on how habits shape our emotional landscapes. Gretchen introduces her four personality tendencies framework, offering strategies that cater to unique individual motivations. With anecdotes and research, she highlights the role of self-awareness and mindfulness, reminding listeners that happiness isn't one-size-fits-all but a journey rich with diverse paths.

Dive into the calming world of meditation with techniques designed to help you unwind and find inner peace. Discover how simple breath awareness can lead to a night of restful sleep. Experience a guided relaxation that takes you through a progressive release of tension, enhancing both your body awareness and tranquility. These soothing practices offer a perfect way to navigate the stresses of daily life, ensuring you embrace serenity before bedtime.

Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine expert and bestselling author, dives into the transformative world of functional medicine. He discusses how it goes beyond treating symptoms to uncovering root causes of chronic diseases. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized health strategies, especially in relation to gut health and nutrition. Cole advocates for integrating emotional wellness with nutritional guidance and shares practical daily wellness practices, emphasizing self-care, mindfulness, and the balance between dietary choices.

Tracy Cochran, author of *Presence: The Art of Being at Home in Yourself*, shares her journey as a meditation teacher living with essential tremor. She discusses how personal challenges can enrich mindfulness practices and promote self-acceptance. Tracy emphasizes that being fully present is crucial for real happiness and authenticity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their fears and cultivate genuine connections. Through personal stories, she illustrates how transformative experiences can lead to deeper understanding and joy, even in times of adversity.

In this enlightening session, meditation expert Chrissy Carter shares her wisdom on achieving calm and joy through mindfulness. She discusses the significance of meditation in reducing stress and enhancing focus. Chrissy guides listeners to cultivate joy by reflecting on positive moments and highlights how joy can transform both body and mind. With practical breathing techniques, she encourages releasing tension and actively pursuing joy in daily life, making it accessible to everyone.

Today’s guest is Dr. Elizabeth Stanley, author of the book, Widen the Window, Training Your Brain and Body to Thrive During Stress. Elizabeth believes that no matter how much you struggle with stress and trauma from your past, you CAN train yourself to be more resilient. During the course of her pioneering research into coping with adversity, prolonged stress exposure, and trauma, Dr. Stanley has worked with neuroscientists and stress researchers to test her game-changing resilience training program among U.S. military troops. She was inspired to do this work because of trauma in her early childhood and then again when she entered the military as a young adult. She believes that the more we can access agency over our own situation, and rewire our mind and body, the more we can widen the window within which our “thinking brain” and our “survival brain” work together cooperatively. By building our resilience in this way, we can train ourselves to make wise decisions and access choice—even during times of incredible stress, uncertainty, and change.The book and this interview are for anyone that has lived on the continuum of stress to trauma.Resource: Elizabeth-Stanley.comAs always, we’re Untangle, the podcast from Muse, the brain sensing headband dedicated to unlocking your brains potential AND Meditation Studio the five star app.Unlock 30 days of Meditation Studio for free at choosemuse.com/meditationstudio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Shelby Harris, a Clinical Psychologist and an expert in behavioral sleep medicine, discusses the intricacies of women's sleep challenges, especially around menopause. She offers insights into how hormonal changes impact sleep quality. Practical strategies are highlighted, like the importance of a consistent sleep routine and creating a calming environment. Shelby also champions cognitive behavioral therapy over medication for managing insomnia, emphasizing holistic approaches to achieve restful nights.

Dr. Adrian Owen, a prominent neuroscientist from Western University, shares insights on sleep and cognition. He uncovers surprising brain activity in vegetative state patients, challenging traditional views of consciousness. Owen discusses the critical relationship between sleep duration and cognitive function, emphasizing the ideal range of seven to eight hours. He also critiques brain training methods, suggesting lifestyle factors like proper sleep and social interactions are crucial for mental sharpness. Join him as he explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and holistic well-being.

Kern Beare, author of "Difficult Conversations: The Art and Science of Working Together," shares expert insights on navigating tough discussions. He emphasizes the art of deep listening and suggests dropping our egos to foster understanding. The conversation highlights the neuroscience behind emotional responses, underscoring the importance of empathy in repairing relationships. Kern also advises embracing vulnerability and surrendering resistance to enhance creativity and connection, even amidst extreme views. These strategies promise to revolutionize how we engage in meaningful dialogues.

Bart Van Malik, a guided meditation expert, shares his wisdom on embracing sleep as a meditative practice. He explores techniques for inviting relaxation and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of creating a distraction-free environment. Listeners learn how to connect with their bodies and foster tranquility through guided awareness. The session also highlights the role of sleep in improving well-being, making it a perfect toolkit for managing stress and enhancing focus.