It's time for new adventures!Enjoy this last episode of my beloved "Less Stress, More Fun" podcast!#podcast #endings #beginnings #lessstress #morefun © 2024 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is your ikigai? Is it something you find…or can it be something you choose and create? Don’t let finding your purpose stress you out when there is a “Less Stress, More Fun” approach instead. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about: The concept of “ikigai” Creative ways to use this concept in your life Resources mentioned: “How to Ikigai” (Tim Tamashiro, TEDx | YouTube)“Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Joyful Life” (Government of Japan) “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” (book)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #ikigai #createresults #goals #purpose #achievinggoals #passion #findyourpassion #createyourpassion #createyourikigai #findyourikigai #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2024 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s reflect on the year that’s wrapping up. How do you want to remember it? In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about: The value of reflecting on a time period or a project How to perform a retrospective How to apply the lessons learned from your retrospective Resources mentioned: “Guide to Lessons Learned in Project Management” (Smartsheet) “Retrospective” (Atlassian) “Lessons learned: taking it to the next level” (Project Management Institute) “Guide to agile retrospectives for continuous improvement” (Aha!) Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #results #lessons #lessonslearned #retrospective #reflections #onetogrowon #goals #achievinggoals #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which version of you do you prefer? Of all the personas that you wear each week, there might be one you prefer or aspects of each you want to celebrate. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about: Why we morph and how it’s a good thing Personas of behavior and thinking Celebrating your favorite persona(s) the “less stress, more fun” way Resources mentioned: “Does your Personality Change According to the Company You Keep?” (Truity) “Why we’re different people at work and at home” (BBC WorkLife) “Do you have a different personality at home and work?” (Fast Company) “Why Do People Act Differently in Groups Than They Do Alone?” (Walden University) Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #persona #personas #personality #modes #behaviors #connection #masks #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consider what is a LOT of money to you compared to, “Meh, that’s not that much.” Money can be an emotionally charged topic for us…and yet so much about money is relative to your own perspective and environment. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about: Why I consider money to be “relative” (and what that means) Reasons money is a central topic of our thinking Suggestions for powerful “less stress, more fun” ways to think about money Resources mentioned: Etymology of “relative” (Online etymology dictionary) The Psychological Science of Money (book, Springer) “Money Stress ("Less Stress" school 3 of 5)” (another awesome, free “Less Stress, More Fun” podcast episode) Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #money #allthemoney #nomoney #moneymindset #moneymeaning #finances #personalfinances #moneyrelationship #broke #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s talk about practical stress reduction: breathing techniques! Now, I know, I know, this is a frequently discussed topic. Still, the reason we hear so much about the fundamental act of breathing is because learning these techniques can make a real difference in how you manage stress and show up calm, cool, and collected in your everyday life. As a bonus, I’ll be throwing in a few suggestions for fun, playful breathing techniques. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:Awesome breathing techniquesHow these techniques can be used to reduce stressHow to have more fun with breathing - yes, really! Resources mentioned:“Breathing Exercises” (American Lung Association) “3 Most Effective Pranayamas” (Ventuno Yoga | YouTube) “Lion’s Breath - Foundations of Yoga” (Yoga with Adriene | YouTube) “Relaxation techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response” (Harvard Medical School)Roger Love, vocal training for speaking and/or singing Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #breathing #breathwork #deepbreathing #silly #breathelikeadog #mydogismyguru #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in relationships constantly. With our families, with our careers or businesses, with ourselves. A key way to enjoy the less stress, more fun way of life is assessing times when a relationship is lopsided from either too much giving (offers) or too much taking (asks). In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:The concept of “asks” and “offers” Ways to detect when one of the relationships in your life is out of balance Practical suggestions for assessing and reacting to out of balance “asks” and “offers”Resources mentioned:“The Importance of Reciprocal Relationships” (The Center for Growth) “Reciprocity in Relationships: 3 Types of Reciprocity” (Masterclass) “Honoring the Rule of Reciprocation” (Psychology Today) “Generous Accountability” (another delicious, free “Less Stress, More Fun” podcast episode)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #reciprocity #mutualsupport #supportive #relationships #balance #friendships #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the holiday season and that often means family gatherings.In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:How a relationship with your elders can add to your life Ways you can honor your elders Inspiration for becoming the kind of elder you want to beResources mentioned:“The Wisdom of Elders: How the wisdom of elders can promote social well-being in troubled times.” (Psychology Today, Dr. Paul Stoller) “How Elders Make Us Human” (Sapiens, anthropology magazine) “Elephant Elders Deserve Respect” (Science magazine)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #wisdom #older #aging #elder #connection #family #generations #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you love to receive messages from others? How about sending messages? Today I’ll share one of the best ways I know to manage stress and have more fun. Who knew messaging could be part of living the “Less Stress, More Fun” way? In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about: The concept of messaging as a way to practice a “Less Stress, More Fun” life Why messaging is so powerful What gets in the way of staying in touch Five types of messages you can send Awesome ideas for how to send your messages Resources mentioned:“How To Become Friends With Someone Over Text” (SocialSelf) “No Venting, Please” (Less Stress, More Fun Ep. 59 Apple | YouTube) Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #messages #relationships #stayintouch #communication #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast was inspired by an average American GenX mom going down a rabbit hole of 80s music videos with her Gen Z kids. It got me thinking about the concept of nostalgia…and what I’ve learned over the years about why our teen years make such an impression on us for life. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:The “reminiscence bump”How your view of history and the future influence your decision making How to use the bumps to bring more fun into your life Resources mentioned:“Why Does the Music From Our Teens Stay With Us Forever?” (Discover Magazine)“The reminiscence bump: why America’s greatest year was probably when you were young” (Guardian) “Neural Nostalgia: Why do we love the music we heard as teenagers?” (Slate.com)“The Mysteriously Memorable 20s: Why do we remember more from young adulthood than from any other time of our lives?” (Slate.com)“The Summer I Turned Swiftie” (Vogue) Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #nostalgia #reminiscence #reminiscencebump #80s #ilovethe80s #music #teenagers #memory #novelty #popculture #saveferris #playful #lessstress #morefun© 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a good listener? Enjoy listening to my thoughts on this topic. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:The unexpected joys of listeningThe act of listeningThe art of listeningQuestions that amplify paying attentionHow to make listening easy/easierResources mentioned:“About Motivational Interviewing” (Stephen Rollnick, co-founder)“You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters” (Kate Murphy)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #listening #attention #generosity #personaldevelopment #connection #relationships #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent conversations, it’s come to light that some of us equate “comfort” with “security.” But what are comfort and security, and what do they have to do with each other? In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:Trends I see in ideas of comfort and discomfort Comfort as a stand in for security The concept of vs. the reality of what it means to be secure Tips for supporting your self-awareness around comfort and security Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #comfort #security #perception #reality #whatisreality #ease #tension #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is your balance of online life compared to offline life? Let’s explore what you can do to have a less stressful, more fun offline existence. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:My journey with balancing my online participation with my offline, real time participationConversations IRL with people about their virtual livesExperiments you can run to test and refine your relationship with social media sitesGet Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #offline #realtime #humans #connections #relationships #socialmedia #quitsocialmedia #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some humans love to plan. Analyze. Research. This is our attempt to control the outcome. But nothing beats the lessons learned from taking action. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:What causes people to avoid taking actionSneaky ways inaction can show upThe incredible benefits of learning from experienceBalancing the stress of “might do it wrong” with “didn’t do anything”Resources mentioned:“What is the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle?” (American Society of Quality)“What is Kanban?” (video + blog, Kanbanize) “Can You Prevent Regret?” (Less Stress, More Fun Podcast)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #createresults #goals #achievinggoals #experience #learnthroughaction #takingaction #justenoughplanning #breakthesequence #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you love where you live? Your home, your neighborhood, your community, your country…your earth? I have been flirting with falling more in love with where I live.In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:Location is not just a state of mind. But mindset matters. Why you might cultivate a desire to love where you live even if you intend to leave Ideas for how to fall in love with where you liveResources mentioned:Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #love #live #lovewhereyoulive #home #neighborhood #community #state #country #earth #homeiswhereyourheartis #appreciation #decisions #choice #mindset #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are so many ways to add flavor to your life! What are you hungry for? What do you want to taste in this garden of life? In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:The concept of choosing life’s spices to make life more flavorfulFinding areas of your life to experiments with the concept of flavorful seasoningsIdeas for making your life more zesty and fun by putting this concept into actionResources mentioned: “What is the difference between an herb and a spice?” (Iowa State)“A List of the 27 Essential Cooking Spices You Need to Know” (Masterclass)“History of Spices” (McCormick Science Institute) “14 Spice Blends From Around The World” (Mashed) “3 Ways to Say Thank You in Polish” (PolishPod101.com, YouTube) Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #life #playfulliving #spices #sauces #zest #joyful #relationships #work #health #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There seems to be a myth that parenting means experiencing guilt. Yet why would that be true? I think parenting guilt is a waste of time and energy. And, more importantly, parenting guilt can deplete the joy you - and your kids! - experience from your parenting. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:The concept of parent guilt (bi-directional!)The unexpected costs of feeling guilty about your parentingFun options to reduce, minimize and/or evaporate parenting guiltResources mentioned:“Parent guilt: What is it? And how can we manage it?” (BBC)“Does guilt make good parenting?” (University of Rochester) “Got Mom Guilt? Here’s How To Navigate It” (Cleveland Clinic)“11 Ways Parents Make Their Kids Feel Guilty Without Realizing It” (HuffPost)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #parenting #parent #relationships #guilt #noguilt #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s much talk about the routines of “doing.” Morning routines, email routines, etc. Yet how often do you notice and optimize your mental routines? In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:Ways you can observe your most and least helpful mental routinesDeciding what mental routines to work on adjustingFun games you can play to adjust your mental routinesGet Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #routines #habits #thoughts #mindset #optimization #habitsofthought #anxiety #contentment #selfimprovement #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the “Less Stress, More Fun” podcast’s 100th episode! Today I thought I’d talk about how fun it is to have “favorite things”...and how playful it is to let those evolve over time. In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:The joys of creating this podcastA few of my favorite thingsEmbracing your favoritesResources mentioned:“My Favorite Things” song from the movie “The Sound of Music” (video)“Buddy the Elf’s Best Moments” (YouTube)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #favorites #favoritethings #living #yourlife #appreciation #graditude  #playful #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When people don’t meet expectations, it can be stressful. How do you handle it when there is a clear expectation for performance that is not being addressed? Let’s talk about accountability conversations!In this week’s podcast episode, I talk about:When to have a conversationHow to prepare for a conversationThe powerful generosity of holding each other accountableResources mentioned:“Accountability is a love language” (TEDx by Tafadzwa Bete Sasa)“What to do Before an Accountability Conversation” (HumanizingWork.com)“How to Have Accountability Conversations with Your Team Without Compromising Care” (article w/ video, Corporate Edge) Conversations for Creating Star Performers: Go Beyond the Performance Review to Inspire Excellence Every Day (book, McGraw-Hill)Collective and individual cultures (Wikipedia)“No Venting, Please” (Less Stress, More Fun podcast)Get Lisa's "3 Ways to Reduce Stress TODAY" video + PDF: https://lisaschwaller.com/reduce-stress-today/#podcast #accountability #conversations #difficultconversations #teams #relationships #communication #courage #generosity #community #responsibility #personaldevelopment #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #lessstress #morefun © 2023 Lisa Schwaller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.