
scienceApr 11, 202648:36failed
Why Rituals Are So Important & Healthy Living Made Simple – SYSK Choice
About this episode
Where do you do your best thinking? It’s probably not where you spend most of your time working. In fact, the environment you choose can quietly influence how clearly you think, how creative you are, and how well you perform. There’s a simple shift that can make a noticeable difference. Source: Edward Hallowell author of Driven to Distraction (https://amzn.to/3PQgv1u).
Rituals are everywhere—handshakes, morning routines, lucky habits, traditions we repeat without thinking. Even people who don’t consider themselves “ritualistic” rely on them every day. But why? Michael Norton, professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Ritual Effect (https://amzn.to/3U65Zpn), explains that rituals do far more than add structure—they can reduce anxiety, strengthen relationships, and give meaning to everyday experiences. He explores why humans are drawn to rituals and how they can be used intentionally to improve your life.
Health advice can feel overwhelming—contradictory studies, complicated plans, and endless “must-do” lists. But what if getting healthier didn’t have to be so complicated? Jacob Sager Weinstein, writer for The New Yorker, HBO, and the BBC, and author of Be Healthier Now: 100 Simple Ways to Become Instantly Healthier (https://amzn.to/4cZedXV), cuts through the noise with practical, science-backed ideas that are simple to implement and surprisingly effective—no jargon, no extreme routines, just small changes that can make a real difference.
Revenge is often described as “sweet.” And just imagining getting even with someone can feel surprisingly satisfying. But what is it about revenge that makes it feel so good—even before anything actually happens? https://theconversation.com/revenge-isnt-always-sweet-but-it-can-be-beautiful-73653
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
DUTCH: If your pet is still scratching and you’ve tried everything at the pet store –it’s time to stop guessing and go prescription.Support us and use code SYSK for $40 off your membership at https://Dutch.com
RULA: Thousands of people are already using Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that’s actually covered by insurance. Visit https://Rula.com/sysk to get started.
QUINCE: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!
SHOPIFY: See less carts go abandoned with Shopify and their Shop Pay button! Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk
PLANET VISIONARIES : We love the Planet Visionaries podcast! In partnership with The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you are listening to this podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Something You Should Know publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Something You Should Know

The Bizarre World of Product Testing & Understanding Highly Sensitive People
Something You Should Know
Sep 10, 202648:08completed

SYSK TRENDING - What Makes Someone Credible
Something You Should Know
Sep 8, 202627:19completed

The Nocebo Effect: Placebo’s Evil Twin & Weird Facts You Never Knew
Something You Should Know
Sep 7, 202648:33completed

Why Secrets Are So Hard to Keep & The Curious Quirks of Language - SYSK Choice
Something You Should Know
Sep 5, 202648:33completed