Psychology Takeaway Podcast

Today Jim and Ralph look at simple ways to increase happiness, reduce stress, reduce inflammation and blood pressure and improve sleep – take a hike!!!

Jim reviews a recent study from the University of British Columbia while Ralph muses upon a time when he and a colleague took several inner-city students into the woods sans electronics!!!

 

Learn More

Walking and nature:

https://therapyintampa.com/the-positive-effects-of-nature-on-mental-health-and-wellness/

The benefits of getting outdoors:

https://tripoutside.com/health-benefits-of-getting-outdoors/

In the spirit of Last Child in the Woods Jim’s wife Sheila, a home educator and Narrative Therapist has  published two articles containing helpful hints for parents who want to encourage outdoor exploration in nature .The first is how to do nature study:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/LBC_Curriculum/Articles/Nature_Study_a_time_for_wonder.pdf

While the second is on taking a nature walk:

https://s3.console.aws.amazon.com/s3/object/LBC_Curriculum?region=us-east-1&prefix=Articles/Nature-Walk-article.pdf

 

The President is pushing for universal preschool education. That will be costly!!! Is it worth the expense DEFINITELY  - IF DONE RIGHT.

Jim and Ralph underscore the costs/benefits of a good preschool education.

 

LEARN MORE

This is the link to the Penn State study discussed by Ralph:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201210145728.htm

Here is the link to the Perry School Project – Highscope:

https://highscope.org/

 

Ralph and Jim want to wish you a joyful holiday season. We are taking a bit of a break. Will post our next Podcast around January 7,2022. Meanwhile, KEEP YOUR STICK ON THE ICE…

Ralph and Jim discuss new meta-studies about the relationship between physical and mental health. They also offer some tips on handling the stress of the Christmas season.

Ralph and Jim are joined by Uruk in a discussion of planning and personal problem-solving. We touched on quite a few areas and the Learn More section reflects some of the topics that you may want to dig deeper into.

 

Learn More

More about plastic waste:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/12/01/plastic-waste-ocean-us/

The power of music:

https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gupta_music_is_medicine_music_is_sanity?language=en

Are GMOs bad for you? You decide:

https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/will-gmos-hurt-my-body/

 

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Jim and Ralph are joined by Sheila for a discussion of the human condition and our need to express and receive compassion

LEARN MORE

What are the benefits of compassion?

There are numerous proven benefits of both self-compassion and compassion toward others, such as increased happiness, improved medical outcomes, reduced stress, reduced psychopathology, and increased social connectedness

 

What are examples of compassion

Open the door for someone. ...

Motivate others. ...

Practice acts of kindness. ...

Allocate time to bond with friends and family. ...

Say encouraging words. ...

Share a hug or a handshake. ...

Incorporate the phrase “thank you” into your daily routine. ...

Offer to help someone with their to-do list.

Open the door for someone. ...

Motivate others. ...

Practice acts of kindness. ...

Allocate time to bond with friends and family. ...

Say encouraging words. ...

Share a hug or a handshake. ...

Incorporate the phrase “thank you” into your daily routine. ...

Offer to help someone with their to-do list.

 

Why is compassion important?

 

https://positivepsychology.com/why-is-compassion-important/

 

 

 

Jim and Ralph discuss the power of positivity when it comes to handling some of the problems we are currently facing.

 

Learn More:

Dealing with loneliness? Click here:

Feeling Lonely? Discover 18 Ways to Overcome Loneliness | Psychology Today

Here is the magazine that we were talking about:

real simple magazine - Search (bing.com)

If you cannot make it to Mount Pleasant to visit the Karma Kat Kafe in person, here is where to click to make a virtual visit:

HOURS & MAP | Karma Kat Cafe

 

Ralph and Jim discuss this important topic.

Jim and Ralph are joined by psychologist, Elizabeth Husbands for a discussion of mental health shortfalls nationally and globally.

Ralph and Jim look at rituals that enhance social adhesion and individual identity.

 

Learn More

https://www.google.com/search?q=Ted+alks+Make+your+bed&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS896US896&oq=Ted+alks+Make+your+bed&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i13.11454j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_qpl5YbiWL4-0tQaxp4KQDw41