Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

by Dan Buettner
Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

by Dan Buettner

Hardcover

$26.00 
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Overview

What makes us happy? It's not wealth, youth, beauty, or intelligence, says Dan Buettner. In fact, most of us have the keys within our grasp. Circling the globe to study the world's happiest populations, Buettner has spotted several common principles that can unlock the doors to true contentment with our lives.

Working with leading researchers, Buettner identifies the happiest region on each of four continents. He explores why these populations say they are happier than anyone else, and what they can teach the rest of us about finding contentment. His conclusions debunk some commonly believed myths: Are people who have children happier than those who don't? Not necessarily—in Western societies, parenthood actually makes the happiness level drop. Is gender equality a factor? Are the world's happiest places to be found on tropical islands with beautiful beaches? You may be surprised at what Buettner's research indicates.

Unraveling the story of each "hotspot" like a good mystery, Buettner reveals how he discovered each location and then travels to meet folks who embody each particular brand of happiness. He introduces content, thriving people in Denmark, in Singapore, in northeastern Mexico, and in a composite "happiest place in America." In addition, he interviews economists, psychologists, sociologists, politicians, writers, and other experts to get at what contributes to each region's happiness.

Buettner's findings result in a credible, cross-cultural formula and a practical plan to help us stack the deck for happiness and get more satisfaction out of life. According to Buettner's advisory team, the average person can control about forty percent of his or her individual happiness by optimizing life choices. These aren't unreasonable demands on a person's lifestyle, and they often require only slight changes. They fall into three categories that make up the way we live our lives: the food we eat, the way we exercise, and the social networks we foster. It's all about nourishing the body and the spirit. Heeding the secrets of the world's happiness all-stars can help us make the right choices to find more contentment in our own lives and learn how to thrive.

From the Hardcover edition.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781426205156
Publisher: National Geographic
Publication date: 10/19/2010
Pages: 304
Product dimensions: 6.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Dan Buettner is an internationally recognized researcher, explorer, and author. He founded Blue Zones™ to research and publicize the world’s best practices in health, longevity, and happiness. A pioneer in exploration and education, he has traveled the world to answer some of science’s biggest questions. Dan’s National Geographic cover story on Blue Zones was one of the top-selling covers in the magazine’s history, and the book hit The New York Times bestseller list.

READER BIO

Michael McConnohie has done extensive voice work for countless cartoons, video games, commercials, and audiobooks.  He is the President of the Nevada-based Voxworks voice-acting corporation.  Michael’s audiobook credits include narrating Fritjof Capra’s The Tao of Physics, Stuart M. Kaminsky’s Earphones Award-winning Always Say Goodbye, Noah Boyd’s The Bricklayer, and C. David Heyman’s Liz: An Intimate Biography of Elizabeth Taylor.

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