addictions

We've all had those days when all we want is a little treat. Maybe it's a bag of chips, an ice cream sundae or a glass of wine. But sometimes, these desires become all-consuming. This week on the show, psychiatrist Judson Brewer helps us understand the science of cravings, and how we should respond to them. 

If you liked today's conversation, be sure to check out other Hidden Brain episodes about ways to regain a feeling of control over your life: Creatures of Habit and Taking Control of Your Time.

Could you live out of a single backpack? Not for a few weeks or months, but as a lifestyle choice? Well, five years ago, today’s guest gave up his luxury apartment, its contents, his cars and all his possessions – apart from those that fit into his trusty backpack.

Light Watkins has been practising daily meditation for 20 years and teaching it for 15. He’s a mindfulness expert and the bestselling author of four books. His latest book, Travel Light: Spiritual Minimalism to Live a More Fulfilled Life might sound like a guide to decluttering – and in some ways it is. But Light is not necessarily talking about us getting rid of our possessions, he’s trying to help us clear away our inner clutter - the mental baggage that weighs us down, so that we can better see the path to fulfilment and happiness.

Light believes that we should be following our hearts more, and our heads less. This involves knowing our values, tuning in to our curiosity and then taking small leaps of faith towards our purpose. He explains why a daily practice of stillness and contemplation is so important and shares practical advice that will help you make friends with your thoughts and turn your mind into your ally. He also explains how meditation works to dissolve stress and feed our intuition.

It really is a fantastic conversation that takes us to some really deep and meaningful places - we discuss whether time can ever really be wasted. Light talks us through his own minimalist fitness regime – and you’ll find out why he thinks meditation is like a Rubik’s Cube, as well as why he sometimes takes his showers fully clothed!

Above all, Light’s minimalist philosophy is about breaking free from the ‘achievements bring happiness’ approach to life and discovering that happiness really does come from within.  I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/398

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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In my twenties and early thirties, I was a regular journaler. Several years ago, however, I stopped journaling almost entirely because I wasn't getting anything out of it anymore. But my guest has helped me see that my problem wasn't with journaling itself, but that I had gotten into a journaling rut, and he's introduced me to some new ways to journal that have inspired me to get back into the practice. 

Campbell Walker is an illustrator, animator, podcaster, and YouTuber, as well as the author of Your Head is a Houseboat: A Chaotic Guide to Mental Clarity. Today on the show, Cam shares how journaling transformed his life and what it can do for yours. We discuss why it's helpful to do a journaling brain dump and how to then move beyond that to incorporate different techniques that will help you get greater insight into the problems you're facing and how to solve them. We unpack those techniques, which include how to journal to break mindset, conduct a lifestyle and habits audit, and quell anxiety. We also talk about an experiment Cam did where he only used the social media apps on his phone when he was posting something, and every time he got the itch to check social media for fun, he engaged in something he calls "microjournaling" instead. We end our conversation with how Cam's journaling changed after he became a dad and his tips on making journaling a consistent habit in your life.

Resources Related to the Episode

• Campbell's Video: The Journaling Techniques That Changed My Life
• Campbell's Video: I Replaced Social Media With Micro-Journaling for 1 Year
• AoM Article: The Right and Wrong Way to Journal
• AoM Article: Why I Stopped Journaling
• AoM Article: 30 Days to a Better Man Day 8 — Start a Journal
• AoM Article: Jumpstart Your Journaling — A 31-Day Challenge
• AoM Article: 31 Journaling Prompts for Building Greater Self-Reliance
• AoM Article: Quit Catastrophizing 
• AoM Podcast #387: Think Like a Poker Player to Make Better Decisions (With Annie Duke)

Connect With Campbell Walker (AKA "Struthless")

• Cam on YouTube
• Cam on IG
• The Struthless Shop Website
• The Struthless Animation Studio Website

Radio Rahim is a broadcaster, journalist, reporter, and host of the "Til This Day" podcast available on Luminary. Til This Day

Tim Dillon is a comedian, tour guide, and host. His podcast “The Tim Dillon Show” is available on Spotify.

Heyyyy,

It's a chat episode! We sit down to talk about:

- How to identify addictive behaviours

- Avoiding red flags vs. not being affected by past relationships

- How to figure out your goals

- Crunchy vs. smooth peanut butter 

It's all here - come join and let us know your thoughts at podcast@matthewhussey.comn

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Follow Matt - @thematthewhussey

Follow Stephen - @stephenhhussey