Best of the Archives: How to Create an Exercise Habit Without Driving Yourself Nuts | Kelly McGonigal

In this episode from our archives, psychologist Kelly McGonigal dives into her book The Joy of Movement and practical steps on how to develop healthy habits.

Kelly McGonigal, PhD, is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, and a leading expert in the new field of “science-help.” She is passionate about translating cutting-edge research from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine into practical strategies for health, happiness, and personal success. She is the author of The Joy of Movement, The Willpower Instinct, and The Upside of Stress.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Why her book is a love letter to movement and human nature
• The science behind the runner’s high
• Why she wants to change the conversation around movement
• Why shame and self-criticism is disempowering and not motivating
• The value of setting intentions
• How Kelly has used psychology and meditation to relieve her own pain and suffering
• And what Tonglen meditation is — and its impact on her life

Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/kelly-mcgonigal-rerun

Where to find Kelly McGonigal online:

Website: kellymcgonigal.com

Social Media:

• Twitter: @kellymcgonigal
• Facebook
• Instagram: @kellymariemcgonigal

Book Mentioned:

• The Joy of Movement: How exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection, and courage

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Ten Percent Happier: Healthy Habits Course
• TED Talk: How to make stress your friend
• The Science of Compassion: A Modern Approach for Cultivating Empathy, Love, and Connection
• The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It
• The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
• The Neuroscience of Change: A Compassion-Based Program for Personal Transformation
• Kelly’s Spotify Playlists
• How to Practice Tonglen (Lion’s Roar)
• Cheri Huber
• A Fearless Heart by Thupten Jinpa
• Emma Seppälä
• Herman Pontzer
• TPH: #360 Self-Compassion Ain’t Always Soft | Kristin Neff

Additional Resources:

Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: https://10percenthappier.app.link/install