Psychology Takeaway Podcast

Happiness and meaning - November 8, 2023

Ralph and Jim continue last weeks discussion on Happiness. They focus on how to improve the quality of one's life.

LEARN MORE

Here are 10 things that you can do to improve your life right now:

https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-improve-your-life

We talked about the advice given by a Navy Admiral – “Make your bed” – here is where you can view his talk:

https://youtu.be/3sK3wJAxGfs?si=ls5qpHETHIbEmmE4

 

 

Happiness and meaning November 2, 2023

What makes a happy life?

When our lives are rich with positive emotions, great relationships, strengths to practice, and a sense of purpose, we are ready to accomplish things. Setting and achieving goals gives us something to put our energy into. It lets us see how we make a difference. Put effort into things that matter to you.

 

Concrete things you can do

• Eat nourishing food. ...
• Sleep seven to eight hours per night. ...
• Keep company with good people. ...
• Avoid news overdose. ...
• Get regular exercise. ...
• Do something meaningful each day.
• Monitor your energy.
  Take your energy "temperature" at various points throughout the day, assigning it a number from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest energy level. Pay attention to the details of your day so you can identify the people or events that impact you the most.
• Make incremental changes.
  Once you are aware of some of the people or events that sabotage your energy, consider your next steps. Rather than tackling everything at once, choose an area that is important to you, and be realistic with the goals you set. For instance, if disorganization in your home is a big source of daily stress, pick one cabinet, closet or drawer to clear out each week instead of overwhelming yourself with doing it all at once. Then move on to your next goal when you feel ready.
• Plan and prioritize.
  Take note of the times during the day when your energy levels tend to be the highest. Decide how you can take advantage of those moments by prioritizing important tasks when you are feeling fresh and productive.

 

LEARN MORE

Martin Seligman talks about Positive Psychology and happiness

https://youtu.be/9FBxfd7DL3E?si=UpiTytRNxkt4k7AZ

 

Implicit Bias Course meeting LARA standards, is now available.

Course URL:https://ronan-ce-academy.getlearnworlds.com/author/course?courseid=implicit-bias-for-health-professionals

Provider URL: https://www.ronanpsych.com/community-outreach-and-education

 

 

Helping Children Deal With Scary Times

Jim and Ralph discuss hoe adults can help children think about and talk about what they are seeing on TV and Social Media.

Bonus Encore-Conflict Resolution

With major strikes, a potential Government shutdown, debate over climate change and the rest of the national and international craziness;' we figured this was a good time to revisit our earlier Podcast on conflict resolution.

Implicit bias training course is on track to launch in about two week; we will keep you posted!

Anxiety and Panic

 

Learn More

From the 1A NPR broadcast:

https://the1a.org/segments/why-panic-attacks-happen-and-how-to-prevent-them/

 

Implicit Bias Series – Part Three, Ageism

Implicit  Bias Series – Part Three Ageism

There are many other “isms” than racism. ”Isms” are usually directed at others who are perceived as being different. One “ism” that we all will face is implicit bias based on age. Join Jim and Ralph as they unpack this.

 

LEARN MORE

This Ted Talk really nails “ageism” in about 12 minutes: https://youtu.be/WfjzkO6_DEI?si=cq2X7gj5eW2IS36g

Jane Fonda has a age in what she calls “Life’s Third Act”. In this talk she addresses the stair step model of successful aging that Ralph and Jim talked about in today’s podcast: https://youtu.be/IHyR7p6_hn0?si=azdqY_YnZ4TkhXK0

Jane’s friend, Sally Fields, has her own unique spin on growing older: https://youtu.be/SLwZejcVoOU?si=5kTARhsD_ckitHRw

 

 

Implicit bias – Part Two of a multi-part series.

Today Ralph and Jim look at the early research methods for exploring bias. Historically, paper and pencil surveys were used to measure explicit, or known, bias or prejudice. In the 1990’s research work at Yale changed the methodology and new data pointed to an unconscious, darker side, to human nature.

New methods let researchers look at how implicit factors, or factors below awareness, influence memory, cognition and attitudes.

 

Learn More

You can find the Implicit Association Test at this web link: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Elizabeth Loftus’ research on false memory is presented in this Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/PB2OegI6wvI?si=PdOkA8W7xbqZwB06

 

August 20, 2023 New Series - Implicit bias

In this multipart series Jim and Ralph discuss the evolutionary and social origins of Implicit bias. They will explore  the impact it has on education, the workplace,  policing, and health care practices. Strategies for reducing Implicit bias will be explored in this series.

Special note forMichigan health care PR actioners

Ralph and Jim are offering Implicit bias training for Michigan health care professionals who are mandated to take a two hour course in order to receive or renew their license. Training is live,  online or available as an asynchronies telecourse. It  fulfils the mandate and is sponsored by Ronan Psychological Associates (phone RPA at  989 779 8999 or contact Jim at carro1jl@cmich.edu for more information).

 

Learn More

Here is a short video that explains Implicit bias: https://youtu.be/BSguud-t1kc

 

 

Encore Presentation - Compassion

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.

But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.

A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."

We are at our best when we serve others.  Be civilized.

-Submitted by  Ira Byock

 

Learn More

The Power Of Empathy with Brené Brown: You Tube Empsthy - Search (bing.com)