You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Great book, i fully agree with his recommendations and wish the leaders of the US would read this and out some of these recommendations into account. The well being of people affect government health care costs.
An evidence-based exploration of areas of the world (Blue Zones) that have the right social and cultural situations to create happiness and longevity. This is not a self-help book as such, but does have some good information for people who are willing to make changes to their social groups, and other lifestyle changes.
It didn't resonate with me as much as I expected (maybe because I listened to the audiobook?)
But I have been thinking about the takeaways a lot and discussing them with people so I interpret that as meriting 4 stars.
Biggest takeaways for me:
1) Bike to work
2) Talk to your coworkers
But I have been thinking about the takeaways a lot and discussing them with people so I interpret that as meriting 4 stars.
Biggest takeaways for me:
1) Bike to work
2) Talk to your coworkers
The great thing about the Blue Zones is that it is based in peer-reviewed, empirical evidence. What I like most about the book is that it provides concrete, evidence-based things you can do to improve your wellbeing and ultimately your longevity. What is most refreshing and enlightening, however, is that unlike most self-help/ happiness how-to's, this book takes a lot of the onus off the individual and puts more weight on what a community must do collectively to nurture and support the individual. It isn't just a diet and lifestyle guide, as much as it is how we can cultivate longevity in our communities. It is very important for everyone to understand why things such as universal healthcare, a guaranteed income and housing are so important in a society.
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Pleasantly surprised by this quick read filled with actionable advice.
While I've heard or read about these same techniques before, the presentation here is what makes them work for me. Buettner argues that adding activities like keeping a gratitude journal, meditating, or most of positive psychology strategies creates a scenario where people have to adjust their life to the strategy. He compares the reality of this change happening to dieting and exercise.
As someone who has tried numerous strategies and struggled to work them into habits, I appreciate Buettner's approach to leading a happier life. I cannot tell you how many different times I've started a gratitude journal. I've tried incorporating that habit so many different ways into routines and none of them have stuck.
Buettner prefers to evaluate the environment and find ways where the surroundings nudge people into making good choices for their happiness.
I highlighted many passages in this book that I will list in my 2021 planner so that I can choose different strategies to reflect on as I adapt my environment. With an upcoming move in the next six months, this book presented some great material for me to reflect upon as my husband and I choose how we want to organize our new home, and build relationships in our new community.
Additionally, I really enjoyed reading about various cultures and their approach to happiness. While I already knew some of these details, I certainly learned more.
I've already put several of his other books on hold with my local library. While I'm sure there will be repetition, the hold times are all over the place, so reading one of his books every few months is just good reinforcement.
While I've heard or read about these same techniques before, the presentation here is what makes them work for me. Buettner argues that adding activities like keeping a gratitude journal, meditating, or most of positive psychology strategies creates a scenario where people have to adjust their life to the strategy. He compares the reality of this change happening to dieting and exercise.
As someone who has tried numerous strategies and struggled to work them into habits, I appreciate Buettner's approach to leading a happier life. I cannot tell you how many different times I've started a gratitude journal. I've tried incorporating that habit so many different ways into routines and none of them have stuck.
Buettner prefers to evaluate the environment and find ways where the surroundings nudge people into making good choices for their happiness.
I highlighted many passages in this book that I will list in my 2021 planner so that I can choose different strategies to reflect on as I adapt my environment. With an upcoming move in the next six months, this book presented some great material for me to reflect upon as my husband and I choose how we want to organize our new home, and build relationships in our new community.
Additionally, I really enjoyed reading about various cultures and their approach to happiness. While I already knew some of these details, I certainly learned more.
I've already put several of his other books on hold with my local library. While I'm sure there will be repetition, the hold times are all over the place, so reading one of his books every few months is just good reinforcement.
If I hadn't read other books on this topic, it might be decent for someone new. I didn't hear anything different that I hadn't already heard. Some of his examples are not realistic for most common people.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
After reading this book and listening to his book Thrive, I want to move Denmark!