TED Talks on Life And Happiness

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). Here I have collected these top 10 inspirational TED talks on life and happiness that will boost your confidence up. 

Ted talks covers a range of topics from science to entertainment, motivational to creativity. I have watched several TED Talks and sometimes to re-watch those I’ve already seen, mostly because I want an inspiration-boost.

As they said, inspiration comes from inside but sometimes we need some tool or something like that to get motivated and TED talks work like that powerful tool.

That’s why I’ve gathered together 10 of my favorite TED Talks on life, happiness, habits etc.

Best Ted Talks on Life and Happiness:

1. The Hidden Power of Smiling by Ron Gutman

In this TED talk, Ron Gutman, the founder of HealthTap reveals some surprising results of smiling.

He tells us that our smile can be a predictor of how long we’ll live and a simple smile has a measurable effect on our overall well-being.

Prepare to flex a few facial muscles as you learn more about this evolutionarily contagious behavior.

2. Try Something New For 30 Days By Matt Cutts

Matt Cutts, in this TED tells us about the power of 30 days. Is there something you’ve always meant to do, wanted to do, but haven’t?

Matt Cutts suggests: Try it for 30 days. This short, lighthearted talk offers a neat way to think about setting and achieving goals.

3. All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes By Andy Puddicombe

In this TED talk he asks to us when is the last time we did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes?

Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment.

4. Why Dieting Doesn’t Usually Work By Sandra Aamodt

In this honest, raw talk, neuroscientist Sandra Aamodt uses her personal story to frame an important lesson about how our brains manage our bodies, as she explores the science behind why dieting not only doesn’t work, but is likely to do more harm than good. She suggests ideas for how to live a less diet-obsessed life, intuitively.

5. Flow, The Secret To Happiness By Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi asks, “What makes a life worth living?” Noting that money cannot make us happy, he looks to those who find pleasure and lasting satisfaction in activities that bring about a state of “flow.”

6. Remember To Say Thank You By Laura Trice

In this deceptively simple 3-minute talk, Dr. Laura Trice muses on the power of the magic words “thank you” to deepen a friendship, to repair a bond, to make sure another person knows what they mean to you. Try it.

7. Less Stuff, More Happiness By Graham Hill

Writer and designer Graham Hill asks: Can having less stuff, in less room, lead to more happiness? He makes the case for taking up less space, and lays out three rules for editing your life.

8. The Habits of Happiness By Matthieu Ricard

What is happiness, and how can we all get some? Biochemist turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard says we can train our minds in habits of well-being, to generate a true sense of serenity and fulfillment.

9. The Paradox of Choice By Barry Schwartz

Psychologist Barry Schwartz takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz’s estimation, choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.

10. The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage By Susan David

Psychologist Susan David shares how the way we deal with our emotions shapes everything that matters: our actions, careers, relationships, health and happiness.

In this deeply moving, humorous and potentially life-changing talk, she challenges a culture that prizes positivity over emotional truth and discusses the powerful strategies of emotional agility.

Do you watch TED Talks, and if so, do you have any favorites you would like to share?