Lord knows there's enough going on in the world to keep you pissed-off most of the time. But you know what?

In this episode, let's talk about some studies that show how happier people actually live longer!

There are serious health hazards, physically and emotionally, when you're in a constant pissed-off state. (FYI- I'm talking about the American version of "pissed" not the UK version. Theirs involves alcohol, ours includes swearing.)

And we'll share some quick, easy tips on how to bring that smile back to your face!

Like the Sgt. in the movie, Stripes said, "Lighten up, Francis." It's good for you!
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Your brain... are you using it or losing it?

When life's odometer starts stacking up the miles, one place we often notice the "wear and tear" is between our ears.

"Senior moments" and "brain farts" happen more often, and can be embarrassing. We'll laugh it off and call it normal aging, but it's not "normal."

In this episode, we'll talk about the advantages of exercising your brain, like a better memory, improved multi-tasking abilities, and better recall with words and names.

Brain "workouts" can even put you in a better mood!

To give your brain some "exercise," check out these sites...

Lumosity.com

Duolingo.com

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One of my life's missions is to be living proof that old dogs can learn new tricks. Sometimes that requires unlearning some old tricks that have become part of my daily routine. And that gets tough.

Yeah, good habits are easier to let slide than bad ones.

The year I lived in Dallas, Texas I got into the habit of eating a bowl of Blue Belle ice cream every night. A spoonful of Blue Belle is dang near like a taste of heaven going into your mouth. One bite and I was hooked.

Of course, that delicious habit turned into an additional 12 pounds in a matter of months. (Maybe the other Texas cuisine like brisket tacos, queso, and pitchers of margaritas added a little poundage too.)

In my defense, James Clear's book, Atomic Habits hadn't been released yet. It might have helped.

In this episode, we'll talk in-depth about the NY Times bestseller, Atomic Habits. It really is a must-read.

To paraphrase a quote from Gandhi...

My current destiny is to continue attempting to shrink my Texas-sized girth due to Blue Belle. (It's sooooo dang good though!)

You can download a free chapter of Atomic Habits at here the author's website James Clear

And be sure to subscribe to Thinkr.org to get a "heads up" on some great books.

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In 2012, throughout the world, more than twice as many people died from diabetes than from wars and crime.

We like sugar and that ain't good.

200 years ago, the average American ate 2 pounds of sugar per year. Now, we're up to about 152 pounds.

On average, that's roughly 42.5 teaspoons of sugar per person daily.

If you're serious about your health and maybe sticking around for a few more years, put the slice of pecan pie down for a few minutes and catch this episode.

We'll also go into what the FDA is NOT doing about it.

Sugar is an addiction. But we can beat it!

Link...

Dept. of Health & Human Services sugar info
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If you read the ingredient labels at the grocery store, (and you dang sure should be,) you'll often see something called natural flavoring listed.

Umm, not really. In fact, "natural flavors" are anything but natural, and can be downright disgusting!

Our friends at the FDA have given food manufacturers a big loophole that enables them to throw in just about anything they want to save time and money while enhancing the flavor.

Seriously, most of us wouldn't feed our pets the crap we're unknowingly stuffing in our mouths.

Links...

Here's the official definition of "natural flavors"CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21

And don't forget to do a Google search for "Castoreum!"
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I could easily be a "couch potato," living on breakfast tacos, frozen pizzas, Netflix, and the NFL. Throw in a good book and a pot of coffee...

My wife has a different idea of fun, thankfully.

She's the one in our house that encourages trying new things, traveling to exotic locations, and eating and drinking strange concoctions. It's all great for your brain and your attitude, and a lot more exciting than the couch.

Studies of people who get out of their comfort zones and force themselves to experience "life with a twist" show that they are not only having a good time, they literally are growing new brain cells through a process called neurogenesis.

A decline in cognitive functions later in life does not have to the norm.

Links...

Harvard Medical School study Rev Up Your Thinking Skills

Seriously, put Yelapa, Mexico on your bucket list Mexico's Hidden Jungle Oasis
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