BITESIZE | How to Feel Calm, Present and Happy (Even When Things Don’t Go Your Way) | Haemin Sunim #649

Today’s guest believes that even when things don’t go our way, there’s always an opportunity for growth and unexpected joy. Feel Better, Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today's clip is from episode 476 of the podcast with Buddhist monk and author Haemin Sunim. Haemin is a Zen Buddhist teacher and the author of two Sunday Times bestselling books, including his very latest, the beautiful: ‘When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times.’ In this clip, we discuss the crucially important notion that we always have a choice in how we interpret and respond to life’s challenges even when things don’t go our way. Thanks to our sponsor https://heights.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/476 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Most of us only think about our immune system when we're ill. But what if it's actually the single most important system shaping your health and longevity? In this episode, Dr Jenna Macciochi makes a powerful case for rethinking immunity. It’s not just a defence mechanism you call on to fight a cold. It’s your body's wellness system, quietly influencing everything from your mood and metabolism to your risk of heart disease, dementia and cancer. Jenna is one of the UK's leading immunologists and a bestselling author. Her latest book, Immune to Age: The Game-Changing Science of Lifetime Health, explores the deep connection between our immune system, how we live, and how well we age. Jenna combines robust science and personal honesty in everything she does and this, her second conversation for the podcast, is no exception. Jenna explains what the immune system actually is, what it does, and why ‘boosting’ it isn’t something you want to do on a regular basis. We explore the link between chronic stress and inflammation. And we discuss how your thoughts, relationships and daily habits are constantly sending signals to your immune system that either help or hinder it. She also reveals why midlife is a genuine biological turning point. It’s the moment when genes that protected you in the first half of life start working against you, with consequences for your gut health, bone density and long-term wellbeing. But if that sounds bleak, Jenna also shares plenty of practical advice, learned from the personal upheavals that shaped her fantastic book. From leaving a misaligned marriage and job, to discovering meditation, self-compassion – and jiu-jitsu! – she transformed not just her thinking but her nervous system, too. And I love her perceptive view that the current obsession with lifespan is missing something fundamental about living well: your soulspan. Whether you're in midlife and noticing changes in your body, or you simply want to learn about the incredible wellness system driving your long-term health, this is one episode you’ll want to bookmark. Fill out our audience survey via https://drchatterjee.com/survey Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/648   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.

Today’s guest passionately believes that the decisions we make every day about what we eat have a huge influence on our overall health. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 450 of the podcast with internationally renowned physician, and bestselling author, Dr William Li. In this clip, he explains how the foods we eat could either support or weaken our body’s natural defence systems, and shares some simple, practical ways to make better choices every day. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore  Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/450 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website

What if the secret to great health, more energy and feeling happier isn’t a diet, a fitness routine or a supplement – but the quality of your relationships? This conversation, with neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, will challenge your preconceptions about how you relate to others and, more importantly, empower you to change that.  Dr Levine is Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and bestselling author of Attached  a landmark title about attachment theory in adults. But it’s his new book Secure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure Life, that we’re diving into today. In it, he makes the case that all of us, no matter what our attachment style, can learn to build relationships that help us thrive – in all areas of our life. Not familiar with the four attachment styles? Dr Levine explains all and tells us how they might show up in everyday life. They aren’t disorders that need to be fixed, but natural variations in how we understand and interact with others. And getting to know yours could help you feel more secure in your relationships, work and wellbeing. We explore the evolutionary science behind why our brains, which are wired for connection, can experience social exclusion as physical pain. It’s what makes ignoring someone just as damaging as lashing out – and explains why positive interactions with strangers (a hello here, a wave there) don’t just make your day, they can actually change your brain’s structure over time. If, as Dr Levine reveals, 95 percent of our adult attachment has nothing to do with childhood, that means we have huge potential for change. We don’t have to be held back by patterns we thought were with us for life. We just need to play to our strengths in relationships – and give our brains the right signals in the present. And if that sounds promising but puzzling, Dr Levine shares lots of practical ideas and tools you can use right away – including his five pillars of secure attachment and two, game-changing rules for managing conflict. We also discuss why some common ideas, like seeking closure after a break-up or setting boundaries, might not offer the security you’d like. What I hope you’ll take from this conversation is a sense of optimism. It’s the ideal episode for anyone feeling stuck in a relationship, struggling with conflict, or who simply wants to feel more secure in themselves. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://dohealth.co/livemore https://boncharge.com/livemore https://thewayapp.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/646   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.

When was the last time you did something just for joy?

 “Research shows that a lack of pleasure is central to poor mental health.” – Dr. Camilla Nord
 Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 543 of the podcast with award-winning neuroscientist and author of The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health, Dr Camilla Nord. In this clip, she shares why pleasure is so fundamental to mental wellbeing and how small actions can help us reconnect with it. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/543 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website

Listening to this conversation could help you sleep better, quit snoring, and wake refreshed. You’ll learn a simple trick to stop anxiety in its tracks, and find out how to keep asthma and high blood pressure in check. And the secret to all these health gains? It really is a breath of fresh air… I’m talking to James Nestor, a science journalist and the author of international bestseller Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. James spent a decade investigating why so many of us breathe badly and what happens when we get it right. And he’s here today to pass on some ancient wisdom, through the lens of modern science. We all know the feeling of shallow, rapid breathing that sets in when you’re anxious or stressed. And you don’t have to be a breathwork guru to recognise the power of a slow inhalation and exhalation to make you feel… ahh… grounded and calm. James’s message is that better breathing really is that simple. It’s about tuning in to how well you’re using your lungs, your diaphragm – and your nose. In this episode, we get into why something as simple as switching from mouth breathing to nasal breathing could transform your health. We talk about a fascinating piece of research showing that lung size could be the single biggest predictor of how long you live. James shares the evidence that many chronic and unexpected health conditions can be improved and even reversed through better breathing – something doctors aren’t taught and don’t tell you. And he measures the CO2 levels in my studio, which leads to a conversation about indoor air quality that I was not expecting. It might change the way you think about your home, your office, your airline choice and your next hotel room. Perhaps the most exciting thing about this conversation is how simple and accessible everything we discuss is. The foundations of healthy breathing don’t cost a thing. You don’t need a gadget, a retreat, or a prescription. You just need to unlearn some key habits and start making small changes – for big results. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://dohealth.co/livemore https://heights.com/livemore https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/644   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.

As you may know, all throughout March, I have been releasing short 10-minute meditations from Henry Shukman every single Sunday to inspire you to join our 30-day meditation challenge with The Way. In this final bonus meditation from Henry, he takes us back to the original purpose of meditation – to rest the nervous system and to show us we’re not just the self but part of a larger consciousness. Thank you to all of you who have taken part. I hope it has shown you how just a few minutes of practice each day can have a transformative impact on the way you experience life, and I really hope that some of you will continue with the practice beyond March. If you didn’t manage to join us but are still keen to give it a go, please don’t worry, it’s never too late to start you can sign up now and you’ll still receive your 30 FREE guided meditations to begin at a time that’s right for you. In fact, anyone who visits: thewayapp.com/livemore into April and beyond can access this special offer. So if you’ve already taken advantage, why not tell a loved one? Now that you have a daily meditation habit, you can join Henry and me on our mission to bring this life-changing practice to as many people as possible! Wishing you the best of health   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/643   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.

Many of us feel under constant pressure to optimise every moment, to become more efficient, more productive and somehow more worthy. But what if embracing our limits could be the key to living a calmer, more meaningful life? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 580 of the podcast with journalist and author, the brilliant Oliver Burkeman. In this clip, Oliver shares why the belief that life will finally feel easier once we clear our to-do list is such a persistent illusion, and why we don’t need to wait for life to feel calm or under control before we start living with more intention. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore  Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/580 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website

Do you believe there’s something inside you that knows who you really are? It knows what kind of life you're meant to live, the type of work that lights you up, and what your soul is asking of you? In this episode, you'll learn how to start listening to it. Dr James Hollis, an 85-year-old Jungian analyst and author of 22 books, has spent more than four decades helping people uncover what's really driving their search for something more. What he has to say is profound, practical – and potentially life-changing. I begin by asking a deceptively simple question: what is a life of meaning? James explains that it’s not something you go out and find. Rather, it arises when you start living in alignment with your soul’s agenda. He shares his own powerful story of achieving everything he thought he wanted by 35, only to be hit by a depression that forced him to look inward for the first time. That crisis became a turning point and informed the wisdom he shares so generously today. We discuss why so many people who’ve reached the top in prestigious careers end up in therapy rooms like James’s, questioning what they’ve done with their lives. And we talk about how the ideas and cultural conditioning we absorb as children can misdirect us as adults. We also speak honestly about depression and why I believe that medics are too quick to reach for diagnoses and prescriptions, when the real issue is a life lacking in meaning. And James and I connect over our fathers, both of whom made sacrifices for their families. We ask what their stories teach us about purpose and alignment – and James shares his advice on how we can help our children to truly thrive. James has a knack of simplifying complex psychological ideas into realistic advice. And he  has some useful ideas for reconnecting with your psyche. He describes his work as a therapist not to provide answers, but to facilitate ways we can find them ourselves – through creative pursuits, dreaming, or simply asking better questions. Whether you're in the middle of a career you're not sure about, navigating a restless midlife, or simply feeling drawn toward something you can't yet name, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. I came away feeling reassured and inspired, and I'm confident you will too.   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://onepeloton.co.uk https://dohealth.co/livemore https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://thewayapp.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/641   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.

Throughout March, our community has been building a simple, daily meditation habit. And if you haven’t started yet, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to join us.   How about trying a super-simple, easy-to-follow meditation right now? Zen Master Henry Shukman, founder of The Way app, has recorded a special 10-minute session for you to do today, all about finding your heart centre. I’ve released it as a bonus podcast episode, so you can access it anytime, wherever you usually get Feel Better, Live More. Meditation has so many benefits for our physical health and mental wellbeing, try today’s episode and see how you feel afterwards. I partnered with Henry to bring you a 30-day challenge called Meditation March and inspire you to build a simple, sustainable daily habit. Using The Way app clears any confusion and makes it easy to establish a meditation practice that sticks. It puts you on a clear, science-backed path, removing choice and giving you one 10-minute guided meditation to listen to each day. Thousands of people like you are already doing it and reaping the rewards. I’m doing it every day, too. So won’t you join me? Visit: thewayapp.com/livemore and become part of our community on the path to peace, calm and greater purpose. Download the app and sign up – for FREE – to access tips, advice and 30 guided meditations to get you started. Wishing you the best of health   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/640 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.