If you’re looking for an excuse to get lost in a book, podcast or event but also fancy learning something new, you may wish to dive into some of these recommendations. We will update these resources regularly, so please visit this page often for our favourite resources:
Talks
The New Era of Positive Psychology
Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology delivers a brief, charismatic and engaging talk about what is right with us.
Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are
Amy Cuddy speaks about the power of using our posture to impact our feelings and therefore boosting our chances of success. An interesting talk with some practical learning. Even if power poses only offer a placebo effect, the advantage is still real.
Book Recommendations
Atomic Habits, James Clear
A book that breaks down the daunting and avoidable tasks of ‘changing our lives’ into something palatable and achievable. The real learning here is that the smaller the change, the greater the impact. Read this book for practical tips for changing your life.
Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being, Martin Seligman
A fantastic overview of positive psychology from the father of this discipline. This book is thoughtful and thought provoking. It is an excellent example of a text that draws our attention to the things that should be so obvious to us but yet we consistently ignore them.
Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, Ed Diener
If you’re looking to learn more about the science of wellbeing but don’t want to be too overwhelmed this is a great starting place.
Lost Connections, Johann Hari
This book offers great insight into the triggers and maintenance of depression. It describes the importance of human relationships and connections. Although this book is about depression it is not only for those who have experienced depression or mental health issues, the message of this book is relevant for everyone in society.
5-Minute Stress Relief – 75 Exercises to Quiet Your Mind and Calm Your Body, Elena Welsh
Although written before the current crises, this recent publication by clinical psychologist, Dr Elena Walsh, couldn’t be more appropriately timed. Whether you’re staying at home with family or in self-isolation alone, you’re bound to find an excuse to help dial down the stress in a matter of minutes. Discover how colouring and doodling, listening to music, guided visualisation, yoga and meditation can help instil a sense of calm in these troubled times.
Podcast Recommendations
The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos
A wonderful podcast addressing an infinite range of topics that directly impact our happiness. Dr. Laurie Santos is a professor at Harvard University and she brings her wealth of expertise to this podcast, along with some very impressive guests. Listening to these episodes is an easy way to drink in the science of happiness.
Feel Better, Live More, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
If you’re looking for simple explanations on how to look after your physical and mental health, this is an excellent place to start. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee has an exceptional skill for making our health feel like something we can easily harness and he gives excellent tips that are manageable and sustainable.
Fortunately, Fi Glover and Jane Garvey
This podcast has no direct link to wellbeing but if you’re looking for an easy listen that will also provide regular laughs this is a great place to start.
Happy Place Podcast, Fearne Cotton
With an array of interesting guests with stories to tell this podcast doesn’t get boring. Each guest speaks frankly about mental health struggles and things that they have found useful. Although the theme is the same each episode brings something new and interesting.
How To Fail, Elizabeth Day
After a difficult end to a long relationship Elizabeth Day discovered her resilience needed attention so she got to work on building this up and her podcast became a way of doing this. This is a useful and gentle reminder to us all that we are human and fallible and the mistakes we often think are unmanageable have an ending.
App Recommendations
Stress & Anxiety Companion App
With breathing exercises, relaxing audio tracks and games, this app from the NHS is designed to help you stay calm during those stressful moments. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, it shows you how to identify your stress and anxiety triggers, and reframe your thoughts, so as to better cope with whatever life throws your way.
Insight Timer
If you are looking to explore the work of meditation but need guidance Insight Timer is a great place to start. With countless pre-recorded resources at your finger tips you won’t be short of options.
Interactive Activities
The ISMA Stress Awareness Week Summit offer numerous opportunities to become actively involved in learning about stress, the impact it has and ways to change how it operates within our lives. A great opportunity to utilise a wonderfully curated resource.
https://isma.org.uk/isma-international-stress-awareness-week
