The Happier Life Project My Possible Self

Your body's "biological clock," or 24-hour cycle (circadian rhythm) can be disrupted by a number of factors from too much technology time, not getting enough natural light, working night shifts, a partner who snores, jetlag, children, external sound distractions… the list goes on. Interrupted, or not long enough sleep, can cause a negative impact on our health, happiness and wellbeing; with varying symptoms from mild to severe.
Professor Russell Foster is Head of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, the founding Director of the Sleep and Circadian Research Institute (SCNi) and is a Fellow of Brasenose College, University of Oxford. He is also author of 'Life Time: The New Science of the Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health' and is regarded as a world-leading expert on circadian neuroscience.
Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. Professor Foster studies how circadian rhythms and sleep are generated and regulated and the impact across the health spectrum when these systems fail. Why do we feel more emotional when we don’t get enough sleep? Why are some people early birds, others night owls? And can one turn into the other? Is it ok to take sleeping aids such as medication or alcohol? Does the use of blackout blinds help or hinder our natural sleep-wake cycle? And why do most mental health illnesses change the way we sleep?
Professor Foster shares all the science and research based facts around these common questions, dispelling the myths whilst explaining how a well regulated body clock can drastically improve our quality of life, health and happiness.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
Life Time: The New Science of the Body Clock, and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health is available to purchase in most places.

When we look at a female’s reproductive health (the health of an individual's reproductive system during all stages of their life), there is a lot going on! And while we have made great progress in openly discussing topics that have historically been conducted in hushed tones, or not spoken about at all, there is still a lot of confusion and embarrassment around certain areas.
Good sexual and reproductive health is important for quality of life for all people. And we know all too well, if we keep worries and concerns bottled up, this takes its toll on our mental health and state of wellbeing. Dr Brooke Vandermolen is on a mission to talk openly and informatively about women’s health and parenthood. A practicing NHS Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor, as well a popular medical content creator, under the handle the @theobgynmum Brooke’s evidence-based information has taken the internet by storm, smashing down taboos and reassuring thousands of women about their reproductive and sexual health.
Should we be using feminine hygiene products, what is a ‘normal menstrual cycle’, can diet really affect fertility, what if I don’t have a symmetrical looking vulva, is it ok to have a bit of discharge every day, should I get the HPV Vaccine even though I’ve already started having sex, and why are our emotions so influenced by our reproductive organs… Dr Brooke sits down with host Gabby to cover all this and more.
 
For more on Dr Brooke Vandermolen: https://theobgynmum.com/
To follow Dr Brooke on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theobgynmum/
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
 

Surveys from around the world find that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health. Could the dangerous effects of toxic masculinity, the way men are culturally trained and socially pressured to behave, be the main underlying reason why? 
In a world heavily influenced by the projections of film, the media and social media, what does it mean to be ‘a real man’? And if you don’t fit the definition of, what does that make you?  
Alex Holmes, is an award-winning mental health podcaster, writer, mental health coach, trainee therapist and workshop leader. Alex has spoken extensively on the mental health of men and boys, taking an intersectional approach by looking at the impacts of gender, race, sexuality, and ability on our mental wellbeing.
Alex is also author of ‘Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging, and Connection’, which highlights some of the areas men struggle to open up about most, whilst debunking masculinity myths and explaining why '’Manning Up" is NOT the answer.
Alex and host Gabby look at some of the dangerous definitions of what it means to be a man among men in today’s society. They also explore why so many men feel it’s better to suffer in silence and bottle up their emotions rather than communicate. Alex shares gentle advice on what anyone can do to support a man who may be struggling, thus helping to change the narrative that vulnerability isn’t rooted in weakness, but in strength. 
For more on Alex Holmes, his podcast, courses and book: https://alexholmes.co/
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

Grief and Loss affects nearly all people at some point in their life. Not only do we have to go through it, we have to experience loved ones go through it too.
The pain and suffering can be excruciating and highly traumatic. And we can grieve in different ways, presenting a variety of symptoms and emotions including: shock and numbness, overwhelming sadness (with lots of crying), tiredness or exhaustion, anger and guilt.
Alex Mammadeeyarov is a psychotherapist from New York who offers therapy for grief, relationships, & personal growth. In this episode of The Happier Life Project Alex offers comfort and advice for the grieving, sharing her expert wisdom as a grief counselor.
Bereavement is the main reason for grief and loss, but there are other reasons we can mourn a loss too, such as; the end of a relationship (romantic or friendship), losing a job or changes in financial security, changes in health, losing someone to addiction… The death of a loved one is the predominant theme in Alex’s conversation with host Gabby, but the other reasons for why we grieve are also discussed too.
Please note, this episode contains content that some listeners may find upsetting due to the subject matter. Please proceed gently and with self-compassion. If you are in need of some professional medical advice, the crisis button on the My Possible Self app offers a directory of expert helplines.
For more on Alex Mammadyarov: https://www.alexmammadyarovtherapy.com/
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
 

We see it on TV, in movies, read about it in books, listen to it in songs… the kind of friendships that stand the test of time, weather all of life's challenges and have each other’s back to the bitter end. But in reality not everyone is lucky enough to have a 'bff' or a circle of close friends, especially as we get older. According to mind.org.uk research suggests that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.
But there might be many reasons why people lack friends. Some may want more friends, while others are satisfied with fewer social connections. Some people may stick with friends that aren’t good friends at all... and can end up feeling lonelier than ever as a result.
Lane Moore is an award-winning comedian, writer, actor, and musician. She received a GLAAD award for her groundbreaking work expanding Cosmopolitan's queer coverage when she was the sex and relationships editor. Her rock band “It Was Romance” has been praised everywhere from Pitchfork to Vogue, and The New York Times called her hugely popular comedy show "Tinder Live” ingenious.
Lane’s debut book is the highly praised "How to Be Alone’ If You Want To, and Even If You Don't" and she has just released her second manuscript "You Will Find Your People: How to Make Meaningful Friendships as an Adult" which, like her first, is part memoir, part self-help book.
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, Lane shares with host Gabby how difficult she has found it to make deep, solid friendships, which inspired her to write "You Will Find Your People". Lane and Gabby also talk about how you have to put yourself out there if you want to widen your friendship circle and make new friends. Lane shares her advice on ways to meet new people plus how to come up with a common ground icebreaker to get the conversation going. Lane also talks about how society views people who are alone and why dog’s really are a man’s best friend.
For more on Lane Moore and all her work: https://www.lanemoore.org/
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
 

How do you cope mentally with ‘being on a diet’? Especially when most diets fail most of the time? “Chronic dieters consistently report guilt and self-blame, irritability, anxiety and depression, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Their self-esteem is decreased by continuous feelings of failure related to ‘messing my diet up again’, leading to feelings of lack of control over one’s food choices and further life in general. Diets imply restriction. Psychologically, dietary restraint can lead to greater reactivity to food cues, increased cravings and disinhibition, and overeating and binge eating.” Linder Centre of Hope.
Dr William Li is an internationally renowned physician, researcher, scientist and author of the New York Times bestseller “Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself.” Dr Li's groundbreaking work has led to the development of more than 30 new medical treatments for more than 70 diseases including cancer, diabetes, blindness, heart disease and obesity. And his TED Talk, “Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?” has racked up over 11 million views. In Dr Li’s latest book, “Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, and Live Longer” he breaks down how to use food to recruit good fat to burn away bad fat, offering 150 metabolism-healing foods to add to your diet.
Psychology is an important aspect of all behaviors, and weight loss is no exception. In this fascinating conversation with host Gabby, Dr Li explains how by eating well and taking back control of your eating window, you can master your cravings, lose harmful fat, increase your lifespan and overall health. Dr Li also shares some groundbreaking new research on metabolism and dispels common food and diet myths.
For more on Dr William Li, his courses and books: https://drwilliamli.com/
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast