Science-Backed Tools for Happiness

Featuring new book, Build the Life You Want, by Oprah and Arthur C. Brooks

Tom is very excited right now because he has recently added a new book to his arsenal of self-help and Eastern religious studies tomes, and he’s very into it. The book is called Build the Life You Want, by Oprah and Arthur C. Brooks. Brooks’s bio: “Arthur Brooks is a Harvard professor (of happiness!), PhD social scientist, #1 bestselling author, and columnist at The Atlantic who specializes in using the highest levels of science and philosophy to provide people with actionable strategies to live their best lives. Arthur provides happiness training and professional development to businesses, academia, government, and faith communities based on cutting-edge research in social science and neuroscience, as well as philosophy and wisdom traditions.”

Dream job, am I right?

Now, before you do exactly what I did and groan about yet another self-help book that you’ll probably end up using as a coaster for the next six months while you read WWII-era historical nonfiction and PG-rated Louise Penny murder mysteries (just me?), consider that Oprah and Brooks have anticipated this response. To which they say: “This is not another book with unrealistic promises of perfect bliss. It is a research-based work plan that meets you wherever you are and shows you how to make greater happiness a choice.”

Make happiness a choice. That’s the ticket, isn’t it.

But, if you don’t want to read the book (don’t feel badly, I probably won’t), here is a cheat sheet.

Here are the happiness principles to from Brooks and Oprah:

1. Earn Success: Earning success is crucial for genuine happiness. When individuals work hard and achieve their goals through effort and perseverance, it brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

2. Find Meaning in Life: The importance of finding purpose and meaning in life. Engaging in activities that align with our values and contribute to the greater good can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness.

3. Cultivate Gratitude: Practicing gratitude is a key aspect of happiness. Being mindful of and appreciative for the positive aspects of our lives can increase happiness and overall well-being.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Hydrating

Discover the science behind the importance of drinking water for optimal well-being.

Water is good for you. We all know this. But scientific studies continue to not just confirm this fact, but unveil more details about the role water plays in our health and how to properly hydrate. This year is the hottest year on record, world wide. Read up, drink up!

Water plays numerous essential roles in our bodies including:

-carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells

-flushing bacteria from our bladders

-aiding digestion

-fending off constipation

-normalizing blood pressure

-supporting joints

-protecting organs and tissues

-maintaining body temperature

-sustaining electrolyte (sodium) balance

-improving sleep

-and many other benefits

Stanford Neuroscientist, Andrew Huberman, suggests drinking 8 oz of water for every hour you are awake for the first 10 hours of your day. Eight ounces is basically the size of a small cup of coffee. You are going to need to increase that if you’re sweating or if it is hot out, of course.

Here are the current studies on the benefits of drinking water:

1. According to News in Health, people who do not drink enough water were more likely to develop a chronic disease.

2. If you have a hard time drinking a lot of water, mix it up with carbonated water. The University of Chicago of Medicine breaks down the science behind drinking carbonated water.

3. A Harvard study discusses the benefits of drinking an adequate amount of water on your body.

Thirsty for more? Listen to Huberman’s (2.5 hour) podcast on the science of water and our health: