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8 TED Talks That Will Make Your Life Better In Minutes

Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Watch It… Before Your Next Job Interview

If you’re the kind to curl up before stressful events, it’s time to get loose. Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy reveals how a simple change to how you sit can increase levels of testosterone, decrease stress hormones and make you perform better in job interviews. Turns out you can fake it until you make it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

Dan Buettner: How To Live To Be 100+

Watch It… Next Time You Check Your Pension Pot

In his research into health and ageing Dan Buettner identified a handful of ‘blue zones’ – areas of the world that have significantly elevated life expectancies. Here, he analyses the common threads that seem to keep people alive longer. If you fancy your own royal telegram then ditch meat, start meditating and get a healthier group of friends. Easy, right? http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_buettner_how_to_live_to_be_100?language=en

Dan Pink: The Puzzle Of Motivation

Watch It… Next Time You Find Yourself Procrastinating

Shouldn’t you be doing something else? Dan Pink explores why we avoid tackling the things we should – and how we can change the rewards we work towards to spend less time slacking off. Consider this one YouTube video an investment in your future productivity. http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation?language=en

Kelly McGonigal: How To Make Stress Your Friend

Watch It… Whenever Deadlines Are Keeping You Awake

We tend to see stress as a negative force. But it’s evolved for a reason – to make us function better in periods of risk. The negative impacts only come when you view stress as a negative; if you can see it as your body doing what it should, then your blood pressure drops and the associated health impacts disappear. It’s all in your head. http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?language=en

Pamela Meyer: How To Spot A Liar

Watch It… When You Ask Your Boss For A Pay Rise

Today you’ll be lied to up to 200 times. Some will be big, others will be small. But all will have an impact on your life. Pamela Meyer reveals the tricks to separating fact from fiction, so you can assess when the people you interact with are being deceitful – and figure out if it’s best to let the lie slide, or call them out. http://www.ted.com/talks/pamela_meyer_how_to_spot_a_liar

Matt Cutts: Try Something New For 30 Days

Watch It… When You’re Stuck In A Rut

It might seem like the kind of thing that clogs up your Facebook newsfeed, but Matt Cutts’ philosophy of embracing novelty is proven to make you happier. Turns out one month is long enough to set habits and figure out if you like something, but short enough to stick to. Which means you can suddenly discover a newfound love of exercise and green veg, without even trying. http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days

Nilofer Merchant: Got A Meeting? Take A Walk

Watch It… While You Take A Walk

The biggest risk to our society is inactivity. But you don’t need to dedicate hours to the gym. Merchant shows how small changes can create huge results – take a few meetings outside and you can rack up 20 miles a week without thinking about it. http://www.ted.com/talks/nilofer_merchant_got_a_meeting_take_a_walk

Dan Gilbert – The Surprising Science Of Happiness

Watch It… When Something Doesn’t Go Your Way

When our brains evolved imagination, it was a way to picture and assess potential scenarios so we could avoid danger and head toward pleasure. But society has twisted that logic, so not getting something we predicted can make us miserable. Gilbert shows how reframing your expectations can make you happy even when you don’t get the things you want. http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy

Tom Banham

Jocks & Nerds deputy editor Tom Banham is an outerwear addict with bylines in GQ, Men’s Health and Mr Porter. He’s fascinated by the collision of high fashion and streetwear, but also knows his way around a soft-shouldered blazer. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @banham_tom