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Become Your Own Health Hero

Growing up in India, Partha Nandi was like any 6-year-old boy until he woke up one day and didn’t want to do anything. He had pain in his ankle and stopped playing his favorite game, cricket. Doctors were stumped. It wasn’t until his parents found a caring specialist that everything changed. Partha was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and hospitalized for 10 days. Partha’s parents had taken decisive action and his doctor saved him from a potentially life-threatening illness. These events helped Partha find his life’s purpose: He wanted to be a health hero for others like his parents and doctor were for him. Today Dr. Nandi is living that purpose. With a larger-than-life personality, Dr. Nandi is a practicing gastroenterologist and internal medicine physician with a television show, Ask Dr. Nandi, which airs internationally. We talked with Dr. Nandi about his first book, Ask Dr. Nandi, and his mission to inspire people to take charge of their health. Live Happy: How do you define a health hero? It means becoming a hero of your story. What if you made your health the most important part of your life? When you have your health, you have everything. Why do you think people take their health for granted? Often what is going on inside your body doesn’t give you symptoms. All of us know we feel terrible due to a head cold. But when things happen that don’t give us symptoms, like hypertension, we don’t see disaster coming until it is critical. Maybe you have a headache, maybe stress is causing cortisol levels to increase at a microscopic level so your cells are becoming damaged. The health hero learns the best route and pivots away from the extremely stressful life. In your book, you focus on finding your purpose. If you have purpose in your life, you can increase your life span by five years. Science shows us this is true. You have to work at finding your purpose, but everyone has the capacity. Finding your purpose has more efficacy than thousands of the medical procedures people have. Listen to our podcast with Dr.Nandi: Your tips combine Western and Eastern medicine. I was raised in India where people pray and practice yoga every day. We use acupuncture and meditation. In my opinion, why not combine all the technologies and advancements with what has worked for thousands of years? How is spirituality connected to health? Spirituality is a cultivation of the mind, having a sense of purpose and belonging. Today there is so much social isolation. A lack of spirituality in our culture is overtaking us. When you have spirituality, your need for pain medication or blood pressure medication goes down because stress hormones are in check. Spirituality is meditation, prayer, a walk in nature, the tranquility that comes from a beautiful view. Some forms of exercise give you peace, such as yoga and tai chi. Find something that works for you. You say people should identify their ‘Why?’ for exercise. It’s not magic. When you have a purpose or a goal—to be the best parent, the best gardener, the best rocket scientist—then your activities are purposeful. You don’t have to make yourself lift a thousand pounds or run a thousand miles. If you love gardening, then that activity becomes a purposeful movement and you don’t have to work at it. Mind and body are connected. You don’t seem to be a fan of diets. The word ‘diet’ should simply disappear and be replaced with the word ‘failure.’ I started a failure today. There isn’t a single diet in history that has ever worked. I call myself the un-diet doctor because it’s always lifestyle change that works. Plant-based eating can be delicious. Follow the 80/20 rule, where you make the healthy choice most of the time. You don’t have to act like it’s kryptonite to eat cake. Have the cake but don’t have it every day. Eat until you are two-thirds full. What do you say to people who think they are too busy to exercise? Give me five minutes and I will change your mind. Everyone has something they could give up for exercise. Here is one trick: Park far away from the gym and warm up by walking to the door. Don’t think to yourself, ‘Oh, I worked out so I’m done.’ Movement should be fluid—a part of your life. Is there any doubt why heart disease is the No. 1 killer today? People say, ‘What should we do?’ We should get up and move! What’s the one thing you want readers to take away from your book? Make simple changes that yield big results, transforming you and your family. Read more: 10 Must-Read Books for Happy, Healthy Eating Read more: Give Yourself a Mindfulness Makeover Sandra Bilbray is a contributing editor to Live Happyand Founder and CEO of themediaconcierge.net.

Giving

Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe Puts Kindness on the Menu

On the morning of July 8, 2016, news cameras gathered outside the Dallas Police Department’s downtown headquarters following the deadly police shootings that shocked the country the previous night. Amid the frenzy, a brightly painted food truck and purveyor of grilled cheese sandwiches—Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe—scooted past the barricades and crime scene tape to feed officers who had worked through the night after the tragedy. “We were their nourishment for that morning,” says Ashlee Hunt Kleinert, owner of Ruthie’s. “When you feel helpless, a lot of times what you do is bring a meal. The beauty of a food truck is that we’re a restaurant on wheels—we can get up and go.” While serving warm bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, Ruthie’s team members also offered hugs and words of appreciation to the officers—and their heartfelt gestures didn’t go unnoticed. “It really showed us how much they cared about us and how much they mourned with us,” says Officer Kimberly Mraz. “The officers felt that and really appreciated the support.” Labor of love Caring for the community is part of the company’s DNA: Not only has Ruthie’s—a regular on the Dallas food truck scene—been responding to tragedies since its founding nearly six years ago, but also in January, the company launched Ruthie’s Snacks of Kindness, a program centered on giving back. Each month, Ruthie’s selects an organization, either chosen by a staff member or nominated by the public, to receive a snack of kindness. The team works with a contact at the organization to surprise a specific group of people with gooey grilled cheese variations like The Boss, made with smoky barbecue brisket and melted cheddar. First on its list for 2017 was the Notre Dame School of Dallas, which serves children with developmental disabilities. In February, Ruthie’s surprised the school’s tireless staff to thank them for what they do. “When a business can share their resources, the kindness spreads,” says Elizabeth Garrison, assistant development at the school. “Ruthie’s Snacks of Kindness gave our staff a boost in morale, which in turn, enables our staff to be more positive in the classroom.” Spreading sunshine While the program formally launched this year, Ruthie’s has been surprising women in homeless shelters, passengers at a bus station, military veterans and many other groups over the years. “You can do little things to brighten someone’s day,” Ashlee says. “When your day is brightened, hopefully it carries forward and the person who is affected treats somebody else differently, and it continues. It’s just spreading a little bit of sunshine.” Just ask Jeff Hensley, former Navy fighter pilot and director of clinical and veteran services at Equest, which provides equine therapy for special needs populations. A couple of years ago, Ruthie’s surprised one of the graduating classes of Equest’s Hooves for Heroes, a program designed for military veterans and their families. “This kind of thing restores my faith in other people and reminds me that at our core, we really are all connected,” Jeff says. Amanda Gleason writes regularly for Live Happy magazine. Check out her feature story Make-a-Wish: Where Science and Hope Meet.

Reading

10 Best Travel Books to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Whether you aspire to see as much of the world as possible, or are in desperate need of a change of scene, travel provides a new perspective on life. Arriving in distant places, experiencing other cultures and meeting new people can make the world feel larger and yet more connected—something that gets lost in the hamster wheel of our daily lives. Get inspired to reinvent your routine and radically change your surroundings when you read these 10 rousing tales of danger, romance, courage and discovery—of both faraway lands, and the heart’s true desires. 1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed After experiencing the loss of her mother, a crumbling marriage and a heroin habit, Cheryl Strayed sets out on a quest to find herself by hiking thousands of miles alone on the Pacific Crest Trail. With zero experience and no training, she faces several nail-biting close calls with danger, both natural and man-made. Along the way, she makes friends, finds romance and gains insight that will help heal the pain of her past. “I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.”—Cheryl Strayed 2. The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life by Chris Guillebeau As Chris Guillebeau traveled he became fascinated with people who were in pursuit of their dreams, such as a young widower who completes the tasks his wife would never get to accomplish, and a teenager who crosses an ocean alone. As he finds and writes about these “questers,” Chris realizes that pursuing our extraordinary goals makes us happier than perhaps anything else. Ignite your sense of adventure, he says, by knowing your purpose. “The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.”—Chris Guillebeau 3. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert From outward appearances, Elizabeth Gilbert had it all—a successful career, a beautiful home, a loving husband. But her life wasn’t making her happy. The memoir/travelogue Eat, Pray, Love details her transformational journey to three different countries—Italy, India and Indonesia where she learns who she really is from a sensual, spiritual and romantic perspective—and what she really wants out of life. “Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings.”—Elizabeth Gilbert 4. Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson Iowan Bill Bryson backpacked through Europe back in the 1970s when he was a young man. As a London-based journalist, he set out to retrace his steps 20 years later in Neither Here Nor There. With his acerbic tone, he recalls old travel memories and explores new ones. “Rome was as wonderful as I had hoped it would be, certainly a step up from Peoria,” he writes.Get ready to laugh out loud as you feel the urge to plan your own adventure. “I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.”—Bill Bryson 5. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner “Change your location and you just may change yourself,” Eric Weiner writes. As he explores countries and towns known to be the “happiest places,” such as Bhutan and Switzerland, he recognizes a fundamental truth: “By relocating ourselves, reorienting ourselves, we shake loose the shackles of expectation.” With humor and insight, Eric offers helpful advice and philosophical musings on where to go and how to be happier once you’re there. “Travel, at its best, transforms us in ways that aren’t always apparent until we’re back home.”—Eric Weiner 6. Breaking Borders: Travels in Pursuit of an Impossible Record by James Asquith James Asquith is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the youngest person to have traveled to all 196 countries in the world, at age 24. In this travel memoir, he shares his adventures over the five years of working his way around the world doing odd jobs in hostels and restaurants. Let his global wanderlust spark yours. If you need more travel momentum, check out his Instagram account, where he has more than 200,000 followers. “Let locals lead you.”—James Asquith 7. No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach by Anthony Bourdain Indulge in food and travel with chef, author and CNN personality Anthony Bourdain. He takes you with him on a gustatory journey around the world, complete with photos and his signature caustic commentary. Experience what it feels like to travel with Anthony, and you will know the best place to get good fatty crab anywhere. “Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.”—Anthony Bourdain 8. The Mystical Backpacker: How to Discover Your Destiny in the Modern World by Hannah Papp Imagine you quit your job, grab your backpack and embark on a journey across Europe with no plan. That’s what Hannah Papp did when she grew tired of trying to live by other people’s expectations, and it drives the narrative of this book. Part memoir, part guidebook, The Mystical Backpacker offers tips for your backpacking trip abroad, as well as your inner journey to discover your authentic self. “The truth is, we don’t need to look to adventurers and heroes as people separate from or better than us. We can choose to make our lives an adventure and to be the heroes of our own stories.” —Hannah Papp 9. Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes In 1996, writer and poet Frances Mayes published a memoir about restoring a villa in the Tuscan countryside that was so vivid it inspired thousands of people to embark on their own Italian adventures. There are no romantic entanglements in the book version, but the author writes beautifully about the sights, tastes and sensations of living where the pace is slower, the tomatoes sweeter and the rooftops are lit by a golden sun. “I had the urge to examine my life in another culture and move beyond what I knew.”—Frances Mayes 10. On the Road by Jack Kerouac This classic road novel follows Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty (thinly disguised Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassaday) as they interact with strange characters and try to avoid trouble while driving aimlessly across North America in the 1950s. Fueled by youthful intensity and Benzedrine, Jack's writing is so exhilarating, it spurred a generation of writers and poets in search of freedom—both literary and existential. “Sure baby, mañana. It was always mañana. For the next few weeks that was all I heard––mañana a lovely word and one that probably means heaven.”—Jack Kerouac Read more: 10 Life-Changing Books That Will Stay With You Read more: 10 Best Books to Help Achieve Your Goals Sandra Bilbray is a contributing editor to Live Happy, and Founder and CEO of themediaconcierge.net.

Self-Care

How to Buy Happiness for Less Than $25

The debate over whether money can buy happiness probably began around 9000 B.C. when our ancestors were swapping cattle as the first form of currency. Today’s experts offer a more nuanced answer to that question (see Daniel Kahneman and the $75,000 plateau); money can be one tool in finding happiness. This is especially true when we spend our cash on experiences and on things that align with our values. I’m here to share my own unscientific findings: Sometimes small, incidental purchases can be life-changing—when they banish chaos and anxiety and replace them with serenity and joy. Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent less than $50 solving problems that were leaving me feeling rushed, disorganized and sometimes even at risk. Here are my providential purchases: 1. Bright cellphone case Simply changing the color of my cellphone case from basic black to red has made my cellphone a lot easier to spot among the papers on my desk or in the depths of my oversized purse. This has spared me hours if you add up the frustrating moments I used to spend searching for my phone. And as a positive side effect, because I’m not running late all the time after looking for my phone, I’m in a better mood overall. Cost: $20 or less. 2. Cellphone car mount Having a mount means I’m no longer gripping my phone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other as I check Google Maps for the exit I should take on the highway (my car does not have a built-in GPS). Inserted into the unused CD slot, the TechMatte MagGrip is easy to install, holds the phone securely with a magnet, and, as blogger The WireCutter notes, it provides an ideal position for the screen without obstructing your view of the road. The fact that I feel safer and more confident while driving is almost priceless. Cost: $10.99. 3. Half-dozen pairs of reading glasses It’s frustrating to reach for a pair of glasses only to find you’ve misplaced them—again. I’ve bought inexpensive readers at my local 99 Cents store and scattered them around my house like breadcrumbs, plus I keep one in my purse and another in my glove compartment. Now, when I need to check a recipe to know how much salt to add to the risotto, a pair of glasses is always handy. Cost: around $17. I also asked some friends what low-cost happiness hacks they’ve discovered. Here’s what they had to say: 4. Single-cup coffee filter Clarissa: After drinking terrible office coffee for three years—or going out for expensive Starbucks—I finally bought a plastic single-cup cone filter and some paper filters. Now I bring in my own ground coffee and I’m happy as a clam. Cost: $14. 5. Good travel mug Joshua: My Contigo travel mug has been a game changer. I used to use up three plastic cups per day at coffee bars. Now I just have baristas fill my screw-top mug. There is no waste. Plus, it keeps hot coffee steaming for hours and cold brew stays ice cold. Cost: $11.99. 6. Subscription to Audible Bonnie: My subscription to Audible, which is like Netflix for books on tape, has been life-changing. It makes my one-hour commute to my new job far less painful. Recently I’ve been listening to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda, but they have thousands of titles to choose from. Cost: $14.95 a month. 7. An S bar Michelle: I work out a lot and my body is always sore. I can’t afford to get massages all the time, so I bought the Body Back Buddy and I love it. It looks weird—like a curved baton with knobs—but it reaches everywhere and works out all my knots and stiffness. It costs a little more than $25, but it’s worth it! Cost: $29.95. 8. Guided meditation app Brian: The meditation app has really helped me develop a mindfulness practice and it’s always there when you need to take a de-stress break, whether you have three minutes or 30. While meditation itself is free, I don’t think I would do it regularly without the app. Try Calm, Headspace, or Meditation Studio. Cost varies. 9. Subscription to Live Happy! Whether you subscribe to the print magazine, download the podcast, listen to our weekly radio show or check in regularly with the always-fresh content on our website, Live Happy will lift your spirits, spark your intellect and inspire your soul. Want more? See what's new in the Live Happy store! Read more by Shelley Levitt: 3 Habits to Boost Resilience and 8 Steps to a Happier Home Shelley Levitt is a freelance journalist based in Los Angeles and editor at large for Live Happy. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, People, SUCCESS and more.

Self-Care

#HappyFacts: Smart Phone, Stupid People

Each week, Live Happy Radio presents #HappyFacts designed to enlighten, educate and entertain you. Here’s a look at what we’re talking about this week: The best part of waking up… Waking up and smelling the coffee apparently puts a little extra spring in your step—or at least adds some positivity to your social media. Researchers at Cornell University studied Twitter feeds and found that tweets made earlier in the morning reflected greater promise and optimism than those made later in the day. The research also found that moods dippedduring the day—presumably while the subjects were at work or school—but then became more positive late at night. Moods also appeared to be more positive on the weekends than on the weekdays, hinting at a possible link between our moods and the effects of work and commuting. Hmm, it may be time to find ways to spark more joy at work! Explore 7 science-backed tips for a happier morning. Ride your bike, change your life If you want to keep that positive morning momentum going, maybe riding a bike to work is the answer. Recent findings show that people who ride their bikes to work show lower levels of stress and improved work performance, paving the way for a great day. Cycling also requires you to stay in the moment by keeping you focused on what’s happening around you, instead of letting your mind wander to what needs to be done at work or the disagreement you’re having with your teenager or spouse. Plus, there’s the added benefit that being in nature—versus being in a car, bus or train—is a natural stress reliever. Still need a reason to switch to pedal power? You’ll cut the cost of your commute while cutting your risk of heart disease, cancer and early death. Find out how one nonprofit is biking for a change. Smartphone got your brain? If you’re having trouble thinking clearly, your smartphone might be to blame. At least that’s what researchers from the University of Texas at Austin found when they measured how well study participants completed tasks when their phones were nearby. What makes this most interesting is that just having the smartphones in the same room negatively affected the people’s ability to concentrate—even when the phones were turned off. The study concluded that even when we’re not able to use the phone, the mere fact that it’s in our line of sight gets our conscious mind thinking about not using it—which creates brain drain. Putting the phone in a drawer, bag or another room resulted in significant improvements in cognition and concentration. So, next time you want to get some work done, maybe you should give your smartphone the day off. Can't get away from your phone? Check out Amy Blankson'stech survival kit.

Lifestyle

5 Awe-Inspiring Travel Destinations

Escaping to far-flung corners of the world inspires the soul, enlightens the mind and creates wondrous moments of joy. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next adventure, these awe-inspiring destinations will leave you longing to explore. The Maasai Mara Ecosystem, Kenya With one of the densest populations of wildlife on earth, the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya’s southwest is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. From hippos to giraffes, herds of creatures intermingle across expanses of prairie grass that disappear along the horizon in all directions. While on safari, you’ll witness the spectacle of unique species you’ve probably never heard of, in addition to the well-known Big Five: the African elephant, leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo and the black rhinoceros. Even if you go on two game drives per day, each experience is unique. Overnighting at a safari lodge, animal calls through the night will lull you to sleep while curious monkeys scamper across your doorstep and an elephant towers over your tent (the surprise encounters are both thrilling and intimidating). Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Beams of sunlight spill through a canopy of old-growth trees as you hike the verdant trails through the Columbia River Gorge, 62 miles north of Oregon's quirky city of Portland. Spanning 292,500 acres, the National Scenic Area was once inhabited by Native Americans and traversed by early pioneers, including Lewis and Clark. Within the region, Punchbowl Falls (featured) is an inspiring setting for a refreshing, albeit frigid, post-trek swim along the banks of Eagle Creek where hikers usually park for a picnic before exploring onward. It’s a breath of fresh air. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts Steeped in American history and the charm of New England, Nantucket Island exemplifies the power of travel to transport you back in time. Beyond shores defined by dune fences and beach grass, its colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets pay homage to early English settlements. Known as The Little Gray Lady of the Sea for its misty morning fog, the island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts will inspire travelers in pursuit of those “only person on Earth” moments. A four-wheel-drive adventure to Great Point Light on the northeastern point of Nantucket provides a view one might describe as “ahh-inspiring.” Dead Sea, Israel Expanding across the barren Negev Desert, Israel’s Dead Sea would make anyone feel full of life. It’s one of the most idyllic places to watch the world wake up as the sun rises over the rose-colored Moab mountains and paints the earth with golden light. During a refreshing swim in the smoldering heat, the water’s high-salinity concentration makes the body stay curiously afloat on the surface. Scores flock to the area to take selfies while floating, reading a newspaper and donning a mineral-rich mud mask sourced from the murky depths of the sea. It’s also worth taking a meditative walk along its banks where the dry, salt-caked earth crunches under your shoes. At 1,360 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is also one of the lowest points on Earth, which is worth visiting if only for the bragging rights. Ubud, Bali Travelers lured to Bali’s Eat, Pray, Love town in pursuit of tropical love affairs and yoga surely won’t be disappointed. The jungle town’s natural beauty and rich culture thrill the senses and inspire the imagination. In Ubud, fragrant plumes of incense drift from temples on nearly every corner where processions of locals float in and out wearing brightly colored sarongs. An air of reverence makes you feel like you’re part of something greater than yourself, while endless festivals and ceremonies surprise and delight. Feeling adventurous? Start the day with a sunrise hike up Mount Batur—an active volcano—and close the day with a self-guided meditation looking out upon endless fields of glowing green rice paddies. Listen to our podcast: The Happy Traveler With Jamie Kurtz Read more: Embracing Awe Read more: 5 Reasons You Need a Vacation and Happy 100th Birthday National Parks Megan Snedden is a travel writer and photographer whose work has appeared on the BBC, in National Geographic Traveler, USA Today and in many other publications. Find her at megansnedden.com.

Lifestyle

#HappyFacts: Music is Medicine, Joy is Contagious

Each week, Live Happy Radio presents #HappyFacts designed to enlighten, educate and entertain you. Here’s a look at what we’re talking about this week: Music is medicine Next time you need a boost, reach for your iPod. We’ve all experienced first hand how music can put you in a better mood, but those side effects may go deeper – and last longer – than we realize. While you may consider it ear candy, it’s really a treat for the entire brain and body. Music influences the part of the brain associated with our emotions and arousal states, which is why it can help override emotions like anxiety, anger and depression. It also automatically helps our brains organize our motor states, which has been useful in helping people with brain injuries “remember” movement. And, if you need more reasons to reach for a happy track, there’s even research that shows listening to music that makes us happy also makes the people around us appear happier. How’s that for an instant cure for the blues? Read more about finding happiness in your headphones Joy is contagious If you’re happy and you know it…you’re probably making others around you happy, too. The British Medical Journal found that people who are around happy people are 15 percent more likely to report being happy than those who aren’t. Basically, we’re emotional sponges and we pick up on the happiness and unhappiness around us. Every unhappy friend you’re around increases the likelihood of your unhappiness by about 7 percent. The more happy friends you have around you – and that includes social contacts, spouses and family members – the happier you’re going to be. Choose accordingly! Learn more about spreading joy in the workplace Could this be your happy place? Naples, Florida, once again took the top spot in Gallup’s State of American Well-being poll, which named it the best metro area for well-being in the U.S. Several factors help make Naples such a happy place, but researchers pointed to the city’s perfect mix of community well-being, such as liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community. You don’t have to move to Naples to find your happy place, but it’s important to know what community factors affect well-being. Other considerations include liking what you do for work each day and being motivated to reach your goals, having good relationships and enjoying good health. Explore Bhutan—one of the happiest places in the world What do you like most about the community you live in? How does it contribute to your well-being? Join the conversation!

Self-Care

Keep Your Creativity Fresh

Creativity is energy, and creative energy is at the heart of all life. In fact, it’s an everyday staple. It helps us grow our talents and keeps us happy and healthy. Even as infants we learn to sing before we talk and dance before we ever walk. As parents, we can purchase a high-end toy for children one day and the very next day watch them turn a cardboard box into a plaything that will pique their interests for hours. Creative energy is part of our nature, and we love being creative. It is the energy that makes your mind flow and helps you find new ways to be happy and radiate good vibes. You are a creativity engineer Our minds are flooded with 11 million bits of information per second (no typo, 11 million), but some scientists say we can only focus on 40 bits. To give you an idea (measuring two bits per typed character), by the time you read the words “August, September, October,” you have already used up your 40-bit allotment. That fast. This means that an awful lot of what’s happening around us and to us goes undetected. Yet, our allotted maximum attention of 40 bits of data, which may not sound like much, accumulates throughout an average life span. It is from these 40 bits of data that we “choose” who we want to be and how we want to live. What differentiates humans from every other animal on the planet is that we can imagine a fictional scenario and put ourselves into it. We can visualize how we want things to turn out. We can imagine how we want to build our lives. And then we can creatively engineer our plan from the river of information streaming at us moment by moment. In my opinion, this uniquely human capability has much to do with achieving our purpose in life. Positive, creative thinking is nothing less than sacred. What causes creative burnout Concentration (especially on the same thing) for long periods of time will burn you out. You know you are almost running out of steam when you begin to feel tense or become fatigued. You also might experience a wandering mind or body pain. You start to crave caffeine drinks, high fructose drinks or even harmful substances. These are signals that you need to re-balance. One thing I recommend is shifting between your analytical, physical and creative energy pipelines. For example, if you are learning a new melody on the piano or painting a landscape, or doing anything artistic, get out of your “creative” mind for a while and do something physical. Sports like jogging or swimming or even sweeping a floor, gardening or rearranging a room work very well. I love cleaning house as much as I love practicing martial arts, yoga and jogging, as these activities send my mind into organizational mode quickly. Physical action gives your creative mind a rest while activating your organizational side. Next, I recommend shifting to something analytical. Try something new: start a book you’ve been wanting to read or research a fascinating topic on the internet; the higher the interest or personal significance, the better. Make it something positive. This way, the energy you feel and glean is high quality. When you toggle back to your creative activity, each of the other energies you have been dabbling in will merge. This is key. This is what gives you the biggest surge of energy. You will feel better organized, more analytically creative and have more pizzazz. As you shift back and forth to keep a balanced mindset, you are not turning off parts of your mind in preference to others. You are, in effect, putting one up front while the other is still running like a file (on a lower energy consumption mode) “underneath.” So, although you shift from playing your melody on the piano, writing a poem or creatively assembling a future goal to jogging or housekeeping, your creative mind is still working solutions for you. This switch is essential to keep you charged and to protect you from burnout. May the energy be with you! Energy tips to keep creativity fresh • Look for a connection between your activities and a personal life priority. Look for a poem in the walk you take through the park or when you observe sunlight touching a flower, jot down the details right away and assemble them later. Connect the poem to something that can improve your life, like finding a peaceful solution to a conflict that is gnawing at you. •Make yourself aware of physical activities that refuel your creative mind. These are not a one-size-fits all. Mine are jogging, hiking and playing the violin. Einstein had the habit of taking a break from his research every now and then to play the piano before going back to work. Enjoy finding yours and use them often. •To stay balanced, shift to another activity at or before hitting your 80 percent energy reserve mark. When you shift, push the pedal to the metal to get those juices flowing. • Stay fresh and creative by discovering what balancing activities work best at different times of your day. Some people find that reading inspires their creativity, but they need to read, say, first thing in morning, before they get to their own work. Timing really can be everything. Listen to our podcast with Joseph Cardillo: How to Master Body Intelligence Read more by Joseph Cardillo: 3 Quick and Natural Energy Boosts You Can Use Anytime and 5 Ways to Recharge Your Energy Anytime You Need It JOSEPH CARDILLO, PH.D., is an inspirational speaker and sought-after expert on energy teaching. He is the author of Body Intelligence: Harness Your Body’s Energies for Your Best Life and the body-energy classic Be Like Water. He has taught his methods to more than 20,000 students. Visit josephcardillo.com or follow him on Facebook or Twitter @DrMindFitness.

Lifestyle

Top 10 Happy Movies of All Time

Movies are the great escape. They take us to places we’ve never been and will likely never go. They let us enjoy heart-racing excitement without ever leaving our chairs and can even inspire us to try new things. (Seriously, who hasn’t thought about building a time-traveling DeLorean after watching Back to the Future?) Of course, not all movies are created equal—some are designed to make us think, some to make us cry, some to make us terrified of ever taking a shower again. Yet others make us want to get up on a table and dance! Or hug the person in the theater next to us with happy tears in our eyes as the closing credits roll. They capture the magic of childhood or the ineffable moment of falling in love. They bring us beauty, music (literal or figurative), emotion—stardust. With that in mind, here’s a look at 10 of the happiest movies ever made. Little Miss Sunshine Anyone who has taken a family road trip knows how quickly tensions rise. Rarely is conflict as funny or heartwarming as in this dysfunctional family quest set on the way to a beauty pageant. As the journey unfolds, the familial quirkiness becomes endearing and, ultimately, we’re reminded of the true meaning of family and the joy of living life on your own terms. Love Actually Although it takes place at Christmastime and has become a holiday favorite, Love Actually brings goodwill to man (and woman) year-round. Disguised as a romantic comedy, the film is, in fact, an exploration of the different types of love that connect us all. Starring a sprawling cast of favorite British actors falling in and out of various states of love, it is a reminder of how awkward, infuriating, funny and rewarding relationships can be. Good Will Hunting Who knew that a movie about a guy doing math problems could turn into such a beloved classic? This movie resonates for many reasons, from its stellar cast (Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams) and snappy dialog to the unmistakable message about being true to yourself and following the path that’s right for you. Forrest Gump Watching this movie (again) makes life feel like a celebration, regardless of which underlying theme you choose to focus on: the value of love and friendship; the importance of letting your passions guide you; or the beauty of a good heart and good intentions. It’s a great reminder that we don’t have to “be” better to “do” better in life. Despicable Me The battle of good vs. evil has been going on since the beginning of time, but rarely does it play out with such entertaining characters. This animated film plays it for laughs but still manages to send the very clear message that anyone—even a supervillain—can have a change of heart, and that we can find love in the most unpredictable ways at the most unexpected times. Plus, who doesn't love a minion? The Sound of Music Even without all those great songs that will stick in your head for days, this musical is timeless. Featuring a glowing Julie Andrews at her peak, it reminds us of the different kinds of love we have in our lives (parental, romantic...) and reinforces the importance of family. It also admonishes us to follow our hearts and climb every mountain, regardless of how imposing they seem. It’s a Wonderful Life Another holiday classic that is worth watching at any time of the year, It’s a Wonderful Life never seems to get old. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) takes us along for an eye-opening ride into the power of love and family, the importance of friendship and social support and, for added moral measure, how destructive greed can be. Singin’ in the Rain Some 65 years after it was made, this film remains a Technicolor, fun-filled musical romp. While it is, ostensibly, a movie about trying to get a movie made, it’s primarily an excuse to enjoy some singing, electric dancing and, naturally, a bit of romancing between Gene Kelly and adorable sprite Debbie Reynolds. When a film is this happy and lighthearted, you can’t help but feel the same. 9 to 5 Feeling bummed out at work? Boss got you down? All you need is a good dose of this movie (and maybe a day off). From the upbeat theme song that has become an anthem for the workweek blues to the implausible but empowering plotline, 9 to 5 can’t help but put a smile on your face. And hidden under it all are some great reminders about resilience, feminism and the power of dreams in action. The chemistry of friendship between seemingly mismatched stars—veteran actress Jane Fonda, comedian Lily Tomlin and country singer Dolly Parton—comes right through the screen. Inside Out All of us are guided by our emotions, but never has that been so clearly illustrated as in this charming animated movie. Although it’s disguised as a film for children, this Pixar project resonates with adults who get an unmistakable reminder that the loss and sadness we experience in our lives deepen our appreciation for the joy we will eventually feel again. Read more: 10 Life-Changing Books That Will Stay With You Forever Paula Felps is the science editor for Live Happy magazine.

Cute kida celebrating International Day of Happiness

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Oh Happy Day

It was as if the joyful song “Dancing in the Street” came to life as thousands of people all over the globe celebrated this year’s International Day of Happiness. A record 97 cities hosted events and activities the weekend of March 20 centered around Live Happy’s Happiness Walls, where people were invited to post cards telling how they share happiness with others. (For each card posted, Live Happy donated to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter.) From Columbia to Canada to Korea, from Australia to the U.K. to Mexico and the United States, there was laughter, hula-hooping, face painting and, yes, singing, swaying, records playing, and dancing in the streets, halls and schools sporting the giant orange walls. Here are accounts from just a few of the scores of happy gatherings. Spontaneous Singing in Los Angeles Two-year-old Leili and her best buddy 4-year-old Noah were dancing to their favorite song, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” They weren’t alone. Some 100 or so people, a dozen on Kangoo Jumps shoes, couldn’t keep still as a playlist of feel-good tunes from Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams and Meghan Trainor played from speakers set up on the pier at Redondo Beach, next to the bright orange Happiness Wall. But if Leili and Noah didn’t have a care in the world, others were more reflective. Sarah Johnson had lost her father just two weeks earlier. It was her dad’s giving spirit and relentless optimism that allowed Sarah to find comfort in the warmth and hugs of her friends who joined her at the Happiness Wall. Keeping a watchful eye on Leili was her dad, Jaylen Moore. He’s also one of the stars of SIX, the History Channel series that is based on real events following a Navy SEAL Team Six on a covert mission to eliminate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan. To prepare for their roles, Jaylen and his cast members had gone through the SEAL FIT training, which involved, among other rigors, grueling drills while carrying 45 pounds of gear and being woken in the middle of the night, sprayed with ice-cold water and asked rapid- re questions like, “Who was the 20th president of the United States?” (For the record, it was James Garfield.) Jaylen was here to give thanks to someone who had helped him get through that training: Jeff Olson, Live Happy founder and author of The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success & Happiness. “That book kept me focused,” Jaylen says. “I’d remember the message that every small step you take is significant in moving toward your ultimate goal.” For his part, Jeff, who addressed the United Nations on a previous International Day of Happiness, was thrilled to spend this year at the Redondo Beach Pier. “I love the energy here,” says Jeff. “This is the kind of celebration we’d hoped the event would become when it started five years ago.” The afternoon ended with a live rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” Jeff’s favorite song. The crowd grew larger. People crossing a pedestrian bridge stopped. Everyone knew the words to the Neil Diamond classic, and for several joyful minutes on that sun-washed wharf, everyone was smiling as they sang: “Good times never seemed so good.” A Memorable Time in Miami In Miami, the Happiness Wall at the World Happiness Summit March 17–19 was at the center of the action, with attendees from around the world pausing at the wall to jot down how they like to share happiness. Jackson McClung, age 12, who was tagging along with his mom, revealed a depth beyond his years when he wrote on his card, “Sharing compassion for others and giving them due kindness and respect.” Jeff Moore, a Harlem English teacher and founder of Everyday Power, shares stories of positivity and courage on everydaypowerblog.com to inspire his students and others searching for meaning online. He and his fiancee, Danieta Morgan, stopped by the Happiness Wall to greet others and add their cards. “Happiness is finding reasons to give love,” Jeff says. “It’s so easy to focus on negativity. If we make a concerted effort to focus on love, we can be happy.” Saamdu Chetri, Ph.D., executive director of the Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan, was at the summit for the governmental track. Wearing a monk’s red robe and a prominent button of the young king of Bhutan, he says, “We also create a promise toward happiness” on the International Day of Happiness. “We write what makes us feel happy on paper and post those sentiments on trees.” Bhutanese also celebrate the day by gathering in parks, singing songs, dancing and doing service for others. The day, he says, is also about celebrating the spring equinox. “Spring is the new beginning of everything and happiness generates from there.” The country’s definition of happiness is serving others, living in harmony with nature and realizing your own innate wisdom and values, he says. Texas Treat Day At the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, mallgoers couldn’t resist stopping by the big, orange wall to see adults posting cards and kids hula-hooping to a DJ’s happy tunes. Soon they were posting cards of their own, like the nurse who said that “taking care of people” made her happy. As Kelcie Koerner watched her daughter hula-hoop for what seemed like an eternity (but was really only about 15 minutes), she explained that smiling and laughing routinely keeps her in good spirits. She recently participated in an event put on by the group Random Acts, which was founded by Supernatural star Misha Collins to utilize his following to do good things in the world. “We gave lollipops and gift cards for gas to random people we didn’t know and they didn’t know us, and that was pretty fun,” Kelcie says. The day’s events even lured employees out of their shops to see what all the commotion was about. Haylee Bova, who works at a retail beauty boutique, grabbed a stack of #HappyActs cards to pass out to her customers. Her personal philosophy on spreading happiness is found in the small, kind gestures we can do for each other every day. “If you are at the grocery store and have trouble reaching s something and somebody comes and helps you, or someone gives you a parking spot, those things go a long way,” she says. By midafternoon, the wall started to fill up with cards and Heather Hutmacher, executive director of the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, was thrilled. Heather says Live Happy’s donations help with recruitment, coaching and training, and the matching process. Time is the most important thing people can give to others, Heather says. “Any kind of support you can get from your fellow human beings is very important,” she says.

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