Brett Kaufman: Embracing Happy Moments to Break Free from Overthinking

This week on Hustle and Flowchart, I sit down with Brett Kaufman to talk about creating Happy Moments by using breath work, dance, and improv to tackle personal challenges like overthinking and depression. We dig into how these practices can help people feel more present, let go of ego, and eliminate overthinking. Brett shares his personal experiences and offers practical tips for anyone looking to improve their mental health and personal development.

What This Episode is About

This episode covers the interrelation of breathwork, dance, and improv in addressing mental health issues. Brett Kaufman discusses how these activities have helped him reduce overthinking, manage depression, and maintain his well-being. He shares examples and exercises that listeners can try themselves. We also talk about the importance of making "happy moments" mandatory in our lives, overcoming struggles with self-worth and identity, and the value of open communication, especially among men.

Breathwork to Release Inhibitions

Brett Kaufman appreciates breathwork for its ability to help release inhibitions and promote presence in the moment. He talks about different styles like Wim Hof and his recommendations for 9D Breathwork sessions. To help clear brain fog, a simple technique involves breathing in for six seconds and out for four seconds, repeated for three minutes. He also enjoys breathwork paired with inspiring music, finding it motivational and engaging.

Dance to Let Go of Ego

Through dance, Brett mentions how it helps everyone look unified in their perceived silliness, even without a specific dance background. Dance, he explains, helps let go of ego and clear negative energy. Brett enjoys salsa and bachata, sharing how these dances have helped him connect with his core self and find joy.

The Therapeutic Power of Improv

Improv has significantly impacted Brett by eliminating overthinking and requiring immediate responses, putting him in a flow state. He describes an improv exercise where participants create scenarios based on crowd suggestions, which helps with quick thinking and spontaneity. Improv has therapeutic attributes, promoting mental flow and reducing internal judgment, which has helped him overcome public speaking anxiety. Brett practices improv weekly and suggests exercises such as rapping over instrumentals to enhance spontaneity.

Importance of Mandatory Happiness

Joe Fier and Brett discuss the significance of pursuing activities that bring joy and maintaining habits that support mental health. Brett stresses making "happy moments" mandatory, similar to necessary commitments like paying taxes, to prevent depressive spirals. Brett's mandatory happy moments include salsa dancing, gym workouts, breath work, and improv classes. Joe relates to this idea, sharing that daily habits also helped him navigate personal challenges and find direction.

Self-Worth and Identity Struggles

Brett talks about going through a phase of low self-worth and the process of regaining self-love to ensure a dream life unfolds. He emphasizes avoiding internal negative voices that discourage self-worth, discussing the importance of recognizing and overcoming these internal challenges. Joe adds his perspective, noting the impact of life's changes on personal identity.

Impact of Life Changes

Joe discusses the challenges following the loss of his father and changes in business relationships. He notes how family support helped him through tough times, highlighting the struggles of those who may face challenges alone. Brett shares his recent experiences with ending a business relationship, the passing of a grandfather, and a breakup, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and transformation.

Mental Health and Communication Strategies

Throughout the episode, we underline the importance of finding ways to express and process emotions, such as through journaling or talking. Brett mentions engaging in breathwork and ecstatic dance as methods to facilitate emotional release and self-expression. Joe and Brett also discuss the importance of being well-versed in pop culture for social bonding and suggest using conversation starters based on personal interests to facilitate social interactions.

Men's Mental Health

Brett highlights the difficulty men face in discussing mental health due to societal expectations of masculinity. Both Joe and Brett discuss how men's suicide rates are high partly due to the lack of communication and support systems. They emphasize the need for open communication, especially among male entrepreneurs, to foster mental well-being.

Combining Breathwork and Dance

Combining breathwork and dancing can help clear negative energy and reconnect with one's core self, according to Brett. Joe shares his additional practices, like shaking and yelling, to release energy and acknowledges the emotional release it can bring. Brett emphasizes the importance of personal happiness strategies that fit one's lifestyle, especially for parents or those with busy schedules.

Personal Routines for Happiness

Brett starts his day early, harnessing morning energy to study and visit the gym, occasionally using a sauna to feel balanced. He practices writing letters from his future self to his current self, setting goals for one month and six months in the future to stay motivated and focused. This practice has been a powerful tool for his mental well-being and he wishes he had used it earlier.

Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

This episode is a deep dive into mental health practices that have helped Brett Kaufman and can help others too. From breathwork to dance and improv, these activities promote mental well-being by reducing overthinking, managing depression, and maintaining joy. The idea of making happy moments mandatory is critical, and the importance of open communication, especially among men, is highlighted. We believe these insights are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their mental health and personal development.

Resources from Episode

• Fix your Email Deliverability with these Simple Steps
• Connect with Brett Kaufman on Instagram or LinkedIn
• Try 9D Breathwork for yourself

Two Other Episodes You Should Check Out

• Transform Your Career: Overcoming Subconscious Hurdles with Dr. Lise Janelle

• Managing Entrepreneurial Anxiety in the Age of AI with Joe Fier

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