Ep 108: Happy Mind, Happy Life with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
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Ep 108: Happy Mind, Happy Life with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
Episode 108: Show Notes
So many of us confuse success with happiness, and this belief can influence our life in a myriad of ways, both seen and unseen. Today’s guest, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, has witnessed the consequences of this belief, not only in his own life and the lives of his patients, but also his closest family.
For thirty years his father sacrificed his sleep and his health for the sake of his career and providing for his wife and children. By the age of 58, Dr. Chatterjee’s father had developed the autoimmune disease, lupus, due to decades of chronic sleep deprivation and stress.
In the years leading up to his father’s death, Dr. Chatterjee prioritized caring for his father and treasured the time they were able to spend together. The experience irrevocably changed Dr. Chatterjee’s outlook on life and what it means to be successful.
Since then, Dr. Chatterjee has made it his goal to inspire 100 million people to start living a healthier lifestyle. He is the author of several books on health and wellness and is also the host of Europe's #1 Health and Wellbeing Podcast ‘Feel Better. Live More. with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’, where he interviews experts on a variety of topics from mindfulness to fitness.
In our conversation, we discuss what Dr. Chatterjee has learned from his many interviews, why he chose to become a general practitioner, and the impact that his father had on his life. Dr. Chatterjee shares details about his latest book, the concept of core happiness, and why authenticity is so important.
He also explains how being in the public eye has made him prioritize his inner life, the value of daily meditations, and how these practices have helped him maintain perspective. W
We hope you tune in for this powerful conversation on the meaning of happiness, what it means to live a healthy life, and much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing today’s guest Dr. Rangan Chatterjee.
What Dr. Chatterjee has learned from his many interviews as a podcast host.
Why long-form podcasting is appealing to so many listeners.
What Dr. Chatterjee has learned about authenticity and vulnerability.
How chronic sleep deprivation and stress led to the early death of Dr. Chatterjee’s father.
The impact that Dr. Chatterjee’s father had on his life.
What it means to prioritize success over happiness.
How Dr. Chatterjee’s father shaped the contents of his latest book.
Dr. Chatterjee’s definition of the term ‘core happiness’.
The stress management techniques in Dr. Chatterjee’s new book.
Why Dr. Chatterjee believes happiness is something that you can train.
The three key components of core happiness: alignment, contentment, and control.
The positive effects of having a sense of control over your life.
Why Dr. Chatterjee believes good health information should be accessible to all.
How your socioeconomic status affects your ability to make healthy decisions.
The value of daily meditation and how it can help you shift your perspective.
Dr. Chatterjee’s experience of being in the public eye.
How Dr. Chatterjee altered his need for external validation.
Why chasing the wrong dreams won’t make us happy.
Dr. Chatterjee’s morning routine and how he has learned to practice self-compassion.
How Dr. Chatterjee helps other people adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The value of talking to strangers and making connections.
The concept of ‘Maskless Conversations’ and how to prioritize the people we can be ourselves with.
The number one practice that Dr. Rangan Chatterjee would recommend for a healthier, happier life.
Tweetables:
“My dad only slept for three nights a week, for 30 years.” — Dr. Rangan Chatterjee [0:24:28]
“I'm glad I cared for him so much, especially now that he's not here. I know there's nothing more I could have done, right? I got to spend so much time with him in his final years and I cherish that because he's not here anymore.” — Dr. Rangan Chatterjee [0:25:04]
“He made this big mistake that many of us make, which is, he confused success with happiness. Dad got success, but he wasn't happy. I see that playing out. I've seen it play out in my own life. I've seen it play out in my patient's lives.” — Dr. Rangan Chatterjee [0:25:49]
“If we chase the wrong dreams, we find that they won't make us happy..” — Dr. Rangan Chatterjee [0:48:03]
“I have found that as I have fewer rules around what I do, I'm actually much more sustainable with what I do. What I mean by that is, self-compassion has been something I've worked on a lot over the last few years.” — Dr. Rangan Chatterjee [0:55:49]
“The one practice that I truly believe would help every single person live a happier, more content, more healthy life, is a daily practice of solitude.” — Dr. Rangan Chatterjee [01:23:26]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee on LinkedIn
Feel Better, Live More with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee Podcast
The 4 Pillar Plan: How to Relax, Eat, Move and Sleep Your Way to a Longer, Healthier Life
Happy Mind, Happy Life: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Great Every Day