We all have rough days and sometimes, there’s not much to do but just rid it out of the system. We all have different coping mechanisms for bad days and I, well, it could be watching cute cat videos. But recently, I’ve found healing in the form of inspiring TED talks.
If you had a bad day or a blue week, here are 10 motivating TED Talks that could help you when things are going rough.
1. The Museum of Four in the Morning
Tom Rives, a performance artist, talks about why he is in love with the time, 4 a.m. He talks about the media and pop culture that he has collected from strangers all over the world.
2. Living Beyond Limits
Amy Purdy’s love for skateboard and travel was challenged when she suddenly lost both of her legs, right below the knee. However, her story post-amputation has impacted people down to the core.
Let me give you just a glimpse of how amazing her TED Talk is with just one sentence: “Because my legs haven’t disabled me. If anything they’ve enabled me.”
3. Your Elusive Creative Genius
This inspirational TED Talk is perfect for anyone who’s going through a creative block. The author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert, shares why we shouldn’t think of people as “geniuses” but instead, think of them as “vessels” for genius.
Listening to her will give you that boost and confidence about your abilities and works.
4. The Three A’s of Awesome
Neil Pasricha, whose blog, 1000 Awesome Things, won an award for two years in a row, shares his secrets to a blissful life. Pasricha’s philosophy will make you feel better than ever.
5. A Guerilla Gardener in South Central LA
It’s nice to know that there indeed genuine good human beings out there, trying to make a difference in this cruel world.
Ron Finley is one of them. He and his group transform abandoned spaces and lots into urban gardens. His story will brighten your day and might even inspire you to cause some changes in your own way.
6. A Virtual Choir 2,000 Voices Strong
Eric Whiteacre, a composer and conductor, had a dream. He dreamt of leading a virtual choir. The dream didn’t stay as a dream as he shares his journey on how he convinced people from all around the world to send him recordings of their “performance.”
The final product will give you goosebumps but the aftermath, the stories of what happened after the video was posted will warm your heart to the core.
For those who are feeling lonely, the video is worth watching.
7. The Surprising Science of Happiness
Dan Gilbert, a “human happiness expert” tells us that happiness can be synthesized. He shares several stories, including a man who spent 37 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and called the experience “glorious.”
If you are looking for an inspirational talk that will help understand and put happiness in your life, this video is a must-watch.
8. How to Makes Stress Your Friend
It’s chilling to think that stress can be a friend. I mean, how? It is something that most (maybe even everyone) would like to avoid as much as possible, however, as long as we have a purpose, responsibilities, and obstacles in life, stress can never be avoided.
Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., a health psychologist, proposes a life-changing solution. Make stress your friend. It seems impossible but watch the video, let her techniques sink in, and try it for yourself.
9. Love Letters to Strangers
Hannah started writing to strangers to battle out her depression. The project gave overwhelming experiences and if you are willing to write out a few letters of your own, will make you feel better about being a human.
10. Nature. Beauty. Gratitude
A picture is worth a thousand words and sometimes, it might be just what we need. Louie Schwartzberg’s breathtaking timelapse photography, along with the wise words from a Benedictine monk, will give you thousands of reasons to be grateful each day.
