The choice to better oneself isn’t always an easy one, and sometimes others’ stories are excellent motivation. Accounts of new habits, change, and courage can often be just the thing we need in taking the next step. New knowledge is always welcome in the self improvement world, so here are 8 TED talks for your benefit.
Sleep Is Your Superpower by Matt Walker
How important is sleep really? Is 8 hours of sleep really necessary? Matt Walker claims it is crucial, and lack of sleep has a bigger impact on your health than you might think.
Your Gut Microbiome: The most Important Organ You’ve Never Heard Of by Erika Ebbel Angle
In recent years, gut health has gained popularity for its profound impact on both immune health and everyday life. Erika Ebbel Angle argues that poor gut health can be detrimental to your body. In this talk she offers up her tips and tricks to a good gut.
Got a Meeting, Talk a Walk by Nilofer Merchant
In Western civilization, sedentary lifestyles are quickly becoming the new norm. The majority of one’s day is often spent at a desk, their attention on a computer. Exercise has become an afterthought, and seen often as “counterproductive.” Nilofer Merchant argues staying active is crucial and that there could be a way to balance these two conflicting ways of life.
The Exercise Happiness Paradox by Chris Wharton
A normal work day doesn’t often involve time for hitting the gym or getting a morning run in. The constant balance of responsibilities is too preoccupying, leaving our free time to be spent online, normally on social media. Chris Wharton argues this has lead to constant comparison among us, creating often unrealistic expectations. He argues balance is necessary, and proposes his methods in treating these new standards.
Cold Shower Therapy by Joel Runyon
Overcoming discomfort is never easy, if it was it wouldn’t be discomfort. A big part of self improvement is the focus on creating new habits for mental health and confidence. Joel Runyon shares his story in overcoming anxiety and overthinking with cold showers. Through daily discomfort, change is made possible.
The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong by Amy Morin
Victim-mentality is a word not often discussed today. Most people would rather blame others or the system rather than take responsibility and cultivate a better mindset for their own self improvement. Amy Morin believes that negative thinking and bad habits can hurt our mental health severely. By taking action we invite change.
Your Brain on Music by Alan Harvey
Soothing jazz music in a coffee shop, or perhaps someone playing piano in a hotel lobby. It has long been clear that music can impact one’s mood. However, the connection between melodies and your brain has only recently been explored. Alan Harvey looked at the brain directly when influenced by music, and has seen remarkable evidence that music has more benefits than we once believed.
How a 13 Year Old Changed “Impossible” to “I’m Possible” by Sparsh Shah
We often beat ourselves down in the face of defeat. It is hard to overcome obstacles, and mustering the strength to stay positive is difficult. Sparsh Shah, a 13 year old boy, shares his journey in overcoming osteogenesis imperfecta, a bone disorder that has challenged him since birth. His story is sure to inspire.