Happier With Gretchen Rubin

We discuss why making space to put things away can free up your time, energy, and space—also, buying duplicates of necessary items can make life easier. Plus listeners give their answers about the “one big thing” they had to tackle, and how finally confronting that challenge made their lives happier. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, helping can hurt. When people are struggling, our impulse is to try to pull them back on their feet, when what they really need is for someone to sit beside them and ask, "What do you need? What can I do?" Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, looking at what unsettles us gives us a clearer view of what matters most. In this Halloween episode, we revisit a collection of Little Happier stories about fate, superstition, loss, and the mysterious truths that shape our lives. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to blockbuster bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert about her latest book —a compelling memoir that’s impossible to put down. Resources & links related to this episode: All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert  Check out the new Happiness Project tools Liz Gilbert's Substack newsletter: Letters from Love Gretchen's Substack newsletter: Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Observing my own parents—and realizing why they make sure good houseguests—helped me discover a Secret of Adulthood: “Be full of desires and easy to please.” Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk about why working in an office can be a source of happiness—and why making a very successful recommendation is so satisfying. Plus we talk about why a quest is more fun than a jaunt. Resources & links related to this episode: Dog cave bed Visit happiercast.com/finishstrong to find your Tendency and get the tools you need to finish the year strong Scamanda podcast Manual massage cane Sign up for my "Five Things Making Me Happy" newsletter Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss why a weekly "Saturday Synch-up" can reduce squabbling and make coordinating schedules much easier. We also share happiness lessons learned from six months of living with a puppy. Plus, we answer a listener question about the best way for an Obliger to ask questions of a Questioner without causing resistance. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Check out the new Happiness Project tools Take the Four Tendencies quiz: Are you an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel? Elizabeth is: So busy that she's not reading anything right now Gretchen is reading: Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See

There are books, movies, and TV shows that we return to again and again—often because they include moments of transcendence, when the most enduring and important values are invoked. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? This Revisited episode shares our Emergency Kit—small, practical strategies to interrupt the spiral when everything feels like too much. Resources & links related to this episode: Podcast 240: Very Special Episode: Use the Emergency Kit for Anxiety, Worry, and Stress. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss why investing in the right tools can boost both happiness and productivity—when it's worth spending money, and when it’s not. We share an easy happiness hack for finding accountability and community to keep up a good habit, and talk about a startling calculation that may change the way you read. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Ep. 548 Put your money where your mouth is Join Secrets of Adulthood on Substack Elizabeth is reading: All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omny

Gratitude is a key to happiness, and while gratitude journals work for some, alternative practices also work—such as one simple approach suggested by author Kurt Vonnegut's uncle. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk about the energy (and space) gained from giving away items that others will appreciate, and we explore the surprisingly positive aspects of parasocial relationships with podcast hosts and TV personalities. Plus, we dive into the phenomenon of TV tourism. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the value of taking the trip. We also reveal something very valuable that is available for free, if you know where to look, and we share listeners’ thought-provoking responses about the “one big thing” they’ve successfully tackled. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Use NewsBank, PressReader, or the Libby app to get access to digital newspapers  Elizabeth is reading: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: Swimming Studies by Leanne Shapton (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A simple childhood memory of jubilation raises a lasting question: Is it better to persist with activities we dislike and struggle with, or pursue what comes naturally? Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing my new podcast: Since You Asked! This is the first episode of my new show with my friend, the therapist and author Lori Gottlieb. Each week, we tackle the daily problems of living—the pet peeve that’s annoyed you for years, the question you’re too embarrassed to ask, or the dilemma you just can’t solve. If you enjoy this episode, follow Since You Asked to get future episodes in your feed. Resources & links related to this episode: Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Have a question or advice to share? Leave a voicemail or write to us at thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com. Follow along with Gretchen (@gretchenrubin) and Lori (@lorigottlieb_author) on Instagram for the latest on the show. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode de

We talk about why asking for clarification is so important—yet it’s an easy step to skip. We also mention a listener’s great hack for nudging her kids to unclutter, and we discuss the urge to “use it up.” Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Elizabeth is reading: A Bad Day for Sorry by Sophie Littlefield (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. LeGuin (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our five senses constantly make adjustments and compromises—an observation that explains a cryptic comment by Andy Warhol. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore whether it's better to seek out new experiences or enjoy familiar favorites when traveling. Plus, we share a surprising hack about alternatives to flossing, and how we’re approaching fall routines. Resources & links related to this episode: Learn your Tendency and learn more about the "Four Tendencies" framework "Dentists know you hate flossing. Try this instead." GUM soft-picks Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are about 100 days left in the year, and we discuss why starting your 100-day countdown can make you happier. We also explore a hack that will help you read, learn, and get entertained, and we share interesting responses from listeners about the power of engaging. Resources & links related to this episode: For the Happier Podcast Book Club: All the Way to the River: Love, Loss and Liberation by Elizabeth Gilbert (Amazon, Bookshop) Joshua Rothman's New Yorker article "A.I. Is Coming for Culture" Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Happier in Hollywood Substack  Secrets of Adulthood Substack  "Fall in Love with Your Next Novel" Quiz Elizabeth is reading: Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller (Amazon, Bookshop)  Gretchen is reading: The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The H

Texas’s extremely successful anti-littering campaign illustrates an important principle about habit change: Sometimes changing our habits requires us first to change our identity. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.