Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

How to Spread Kindness: 6 Simple Strategies

Do you want to know how to spread kindness? How can practicing kindness help you gain control of your life? The thought of spreading kindness can sometimes be easier said than done. When we get caught up in the everyday ebb and flow of life, it’s easy to forget to take a step back and to do something nice for ourselves or others. However, the act of spreading kindness can actually help pull you out of that everyday routine, reduce stress, and release negative feelings. Here are six tips for spreading kindness every day.

What Is Hedonic Adaptation? Understand & Overcome It

What is hedonic adaptation? Why do things that once excited you become more disappointing each time you do them? Can this tendency be overcome? Hedonic adaptation is when you really enjoy something the first time you experience it, but the more you get used to it, the less pleasurable it becomes. This tendency is impossible to outrun, but it is possible to learn to live with it. Learn more about hedonic adaptation below.

Release Unhealthy Guilt, and Embrace Yourself

Why is it necessary to release your unhealthy guilt? How can holding on to your guilt hurt you? According to Melody Beattie in her book Codependent No More, codependents’ low self-esteem is usually caused by impossible standards and unhealthy guilt. You need to release those standards and guilt to truly love yourself. Here’s why your guilt is holding you back from self-love.

Think Like a Monk: Book Advice & Key Takeaways

What does it mean to truly be happy? Is your definition of happiness being skewed by external sources? Former monk and life coach Jay Shetty argues that people’s idea about what makes them happy are skewed by society and social media. Rather than seeking validation from others, Shetty says that you should seek happiness through defining and following your values in life. Continue reading for more Think Like a Monk book advice from Shetty.

Who Will Cry When You Die?: Quotes From Sharma

Are you looking for the best Who Will Cry When You Die? quotes by Robin Sharma? What lessons does he teach about gaining control over your life and living without regrets? The aim of this book is simple, Sharma wants to help readers live a fuller life so they do not regret their decisions at the end of their lives. Sharma wants you to stop focusing on the things that don’t make you happy and to regain control of your life that may be on autopilot. Here are some of the best quotes from the book with explanations.

Depression and Decision-Making: Finding the Link

Is there a link between depression and decision-making? Are people happier when they have less control over their lives? According to Barry Schwartz, the author of The Paradox of Choice, the more decisions you have to make and the more options you have to weigh, the more anxious and depressed you become. That’s not to say that he thinks your life should be controlled—but he does believe that people are happier when they have a more limited selection of options. Continue reading to learn why Schwartz thinks expanded choice is contributing to the rise in depression rates.

Why You Should Try a Codependency 12 Step Program

What’s so great about the codependency 12 step program? What are the four principles behind the program? In Codependent No More, Melody Beattie explores codependency and how it affects people’s lives. A self-help classic and the book that inspired codependency 12 Step Programs around the country, Codependent No More provides explanations, advice, and compassion for people struggling with codependency. Here’s how 12 Step Programs work—and the principles behind the 12 steps to overcoming codependency.

How to Handle a Difficult Situation With Grace

Do you struggle against letting challenges and hardships take control of your life? How can you change your thinking and actions to handle difficulty with more grace? Robin Sharma, the famous author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and Who Will Cry When You Die?, says that if you don’t know how to handle difficult situations, they could end up controlling your life. That’s why he shared some strategies you can follow when you’re going through a tough time. Continue reading for an overview of Sharma’s tips on dealing with difficulty.

How the Freedom to Choose Affects Happiness

Why is the freedom to choose so important to human happiness? Is there such thing as too much choice? Barry Schwartz, the author of The Paradox of Choice, asserts that the freedom to choose provides basic autonomy to humans and is necessary for happiness. However, when presented with too many options, people can start to become anxious and depressed. Keep reading to learn why there is a fine line between the freedom of choice and too many choices.

Overcoming Codependency: The 5 Stages of Grief

How can you overcome codependency? What are the five stages you will pass through? Overcoming codependency is similar to overcoming the loss of a loved one—you will likely encounter the five stages of grief. Don’t let the grief discourage you. You must pass through the stages before you can move forward with your more independent life. Continue reading for advice from codependency expert Melody Beattie.