354: Loretta Breuning – The Happy Chemicals: Hard-Wired to Survive, Self-Denial, Choice, Free Will & Happiness

Loretta Graziano Breuning is founder of the Inner Mammal Institute, which helps people manage the ups and downs of their mammal brain. She learned that our happy brain chemicals swing up and down because they have a job to do. When you know what they do in animals, you can make peace with your inner mammal. You can wire yourself to enjoy more happy chemicals and relieve more unhappy chemicals

Breuning is the author of Habits of a Happy Brain that I have read and reviewed here and also a past guest episode 21 – here.

I decided to speak with Loretta again to discuss the happy chemicals as it relates to happiness. What I discovered was that we are hard-wired to survive not hard wired to be happy. We revisit the happy chemicals as to why they exist and than dig deeper discussing self-discipline vs self-denial, ever expanding needs and how to balance the peaks and troughs, what is good and bad, cravings, choice and free will. Beautiful conversation.

You can visit Loretta at her site The Inner Mammal Institute.

Also check out her video You Have Power Over Your Brain

Further Reading and Resources

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.