Insights:

1. Cortisol is released when you experience stress.
2. If stressors remain in the forefront of your thoughts, high cortisol levels are retained.
3. Doing something artistic or creative can reduce cortisol.
4. Being outside in nature reduces stress and cortisol levels.

Insights:

1. People that are open to the idea of growth are most likely to grow.
2. Learning about neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to change and develop) at a young age can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve school grades.

Definition: The tendency to get accustomed to nice things.

Examples:

1. The joy of getting new things doesn't last.

Insights:

1. Accumulation of wealth and material goods is not a sustainable way to promote long-term happiness.
2. The fulfilment we get from giving to others tends not to decay.

Principles:

1. Give to others.

Insights:

1. We value things more when we make them ourselves.
2. We tend to forget that effort leads to enduring satisfaction from completion.

References:

1. Research from Harvard and Duke: assembly of IKEA storage box made participants value the item 63% higher than those provided with a preassembled box.

Examples:

1. Add an egg.

Examples:

1. Scheduling a workout with friends reduces the chance that you will skip it.

Definition: Unfinished business sticks with us.

Insights:

1. Regardless of how productive we are, unfinished business will always occupy our thoughts.
2. The Zeignarik Effect can help motivate us to action, but causes anxiety when there is a lot to be done.

Principles:

1. Taking positive breaks e.g. meeting friends, can provide us with the energy to get more done.