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Published: Aug. 16, 2022, 8:39 a.m.

"Emotions, if we sit with them, help us start to understand their purpose. To be emotionally healthy, you should have a wide range of emotions. We can still invite joy and delight even in areas where the emotional state of happiness might not be appropriate."

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We're back for Season 12 and we're having fun! We're talking about the science of fun and how to make it work for you at home and at work.

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My co-host for this mini-series is Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. Mike is a behavioural scientist and a health technology entrepreneur. He is a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association and a member of the American Psychological Association.

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You can get to know Mike in this short Q&A.

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As a scientist Mike made a commitment to implementing the science of happiness in his everyday life - until misfortune intervened and he found himself more miserable than ever. He was left with the burning question: 'If deliberately chasing happiness made me miserable, where do I turn?'

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His answer? To have fun. Mike says that, unlike happiness, fun isn\u2019t a subjective condition that might arise under the right circumstances. Having fun is something you can engage in almost anywhere, anytime. It\u2019s also enormously beneficial, physically and psychologically.

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In this episode, Mike and I explore:

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• The 'happiness paradox'. What is it and how does it stop us from living our best life? And what should we seek instead of happiness for better wellbeing?
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• How sitting with your thoughts can lead to better emotional health and reframe our understanding of happiness.
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• How autonomy can help us reclaim the lost art of fun and wonder.
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• The science of fun (yes, it's a science), its components (fascinating!) and how Mike's book came to be.
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You can now join the discussion! Share your thoughts via the Q&A feature on Spotify.

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This week's point to ponder:

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What ideas do you have for incorporating more fun and whimsy into your life?

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

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Mike's book: The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life.

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A wandering mind is not a happy mind - Killingsworth & Gilbert

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Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic."

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One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving.

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If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Feedback? Email podcast@potential.com.au

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Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast

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Check out our

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