Afiniki's HAPPINESS OVER STRESS Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dr Afiniki Akanet
Real talk about reducing stress, living productive and happy lives, while protecting our mental health. Dr Afiniki Akanet is the author of Life Without Coffee (Choosing Happiness Over Stress), Money & Mental Wellbeing, Fortitude and other inspirational books. Afiniki is also a practicing UK doctor (GP/family doctor) and the founder of Forte, Charity for Inspiration. Read more and get in touch via Afiniki.co.uk #DrMMW #HappinessOverStress
Hannah Willow was the Glasgow tree-hugging champion in 2024, and it is interesting to hear more from her about the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. She has written some books, and you can hear more from her on Instagram - hannah.willow888
This bonus episode is thanks to my AI assistants, Jack and Jill, discussing happiness in marriage, based on Andrew Wommack's teachings - https://youtu.be/2Fn2LojpBoE?si=JKclCIWaG28iS4TT
Please feel free to comment, share and/or email your thoughts at Afiniki.co.uk
I am pleased to have Hannah Willow joining us from Scotland for this episode. She shares what happiness means to her, with tips on how to choose happiness over stress in the fleeting moments and unpleasant seasons of life - "This too shall pass". You can check out her books and work on Amazon and Instagram @hannah.willow888
I am sharing this one again to remind us that some things are better late than never. I am still struggling to enjoy the act of waiting, but I have definitely improved my time-keeping, mostly by eliminating many of the situations that were causing ongoing stress through a lifestyle redesign (new jobs and schools), by God's grace. Life is better when we live intentionally, and reflect regularly to make changes where needed. Feel free to share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk
I wanted to share this one again because I am still discovering the importance of silence, how it can be powerful and can even say more than words sometimes. Please listen and let me know what you think. Are there situations that could have been handled better with silence, or are there situations you have been too silent about? Reflecting can help us choose happiness over stress going forward. Have a good weekend! - Afiniki.co.uk
I am pleased to have Dr Andy Egwim, of Moneywisedoctor.com, again on the podcast with us talking about retirement planning, black tax and more. We know that finances can affect our mental health, and the choices we make today can affect our future and happiness. Please listen, and share if you find the tips helpful. The resources mentioned are all available from MoneyWiseDoctor.com. Have a great week! - Afiniki.co.uk
We are in the month of June, but I wanted to share this F.E.B. reflection about balance again, especially after the release of my book, Favourite, Based on the Story of Joseph. As a Christian doctor, I am keen on clarifying that faith does not erase the need for action and work. Whether we are talking about health, finances, family or personal growth, there will be a part we have to play if we want to be successful, and not just wishful thinkers. I hope you find something challenging and encouraging in this episode. Thank you for listening. - Afiniki.co.uk
I have been reflecting on the fact that many people are just coasting, especially in midlife. Some are just surviving with no excitement for life, while others are basking in past successes. I am sharing this one again to remind us to think big and dream bigger dreams. There is so much more to life than eating, working, sleeping and paying bills. Listen, and feel free to share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk. If you have got tickets to the Mums and Daughters Forte Charity Dinner next month, we will be hearing more about giving back there. Thank you for your support. Have a great weekend!
This bonus episode from Jack and Jill (my AI-generated AHOS podcast assistants) is based on Dr Miller's work. It discusses how we can choose happiness over stress even while dealing with chronic illness or other stressful life events. Health is wealth, but what do we do when health is lacking? Happiness over stress is not about denying the realities of life - we can choose to look after our mental wellbeing even in the tough seasons. Resilience is not about toxic positivity during sad or scary times; it is about choosing hope and gratitude even through the tears. Find more resources at Afiniki.co.uk #favGoodLife
Ref: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-mind-body-connection/202606/thriving-through-medical-adversity
It is a pleasure to have Dr Ndubuisi 'Andy' Egwim, GP and bestselling author of The Moneywise Doctor with us on the podcast this week. He has been investing for over 20 years and shares tips about how we can choose happiness over stress when it comes to our finances. Did you know that not all investing leads to passive income? Listen out for his R.E.S.T. framework for investing, and share this with a friend. There are useful resources and financial workshops to check out via moneywisedoctor.com. Have a good weekend! - Afiniki.co.uk
In this episode, I share a Hausa proverb from my childhood in Northern Nigeria, with a different explanation for our busy lifestyles today. Hausa is spoken in many African countries, and the folk tales from Africa often have important lessons. I am not very good with languages, so feel free to comment and correct my Hausa, if needed. We can choose happiness over stress by being intentional about how we spend our time and resources, counting the long-term cost of any decision and being flexible to change and retrace our steps when we know better. I have also shared an AI-generated explainer bonus podcast based on this podcast titled, The Wealth of Presence. Feel free to share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk. Have a great week!
This is a bonus AI-generated explainer episode based on my Hausa "Samu ya fi iyawa" story in the podcast episode titled User versus Owner. My AI podcast assistants, Jack and Jill, dive deeper into the ideas I shared, and leave us all with much food for thought this week. Whether you have a big decision to make about work, family and finances, or are feeling settled in your current situation, this one will definitely help you reflect on the unseen aspects of juggling life and family. Please feel free to share and comment. - Afiniki.co.uk
I had the privilege of joining Paul Wheeler on Radioplus Coventry for an interview about my motivational books and Forte Charity for Inspiration last month. I am sharing it here, because we spoke about some interesting topics. It will be good to see you at the charity dinner next month, if you can make it. Please find and follow the Afiniki's Happiness Over Stress Whatsapp channel for more regular updates and inspiration, if you have not already done so. Have a great week! https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCJftyKwqSYo5q2ow3v
Have you ever wondered about the origin of the saying, 'No cavalry is coming'? I recently read that it originated from Western movies where a cavalry often comes to bring help in just the nick of time, because the movies had to have a good ending. Sadly, life is not like the movies. If we do not take responsibility and use our initiative to help ourselves, we might be waiting forever for that cavalry. We encourage people to help each other, but there is only so much help others can give you when they have their own problems. Even the National Health Service is struggling to help everyone. I am sharing this to signpost you and your loved ones to mental health self-help resources, and invite you to my book signing on Saturday, December 6. It will be great if you can make it - Afiniki.co.uk
At a recent family reunion, I reflected on how much my mindset has changed since childhood. We can all keep improving ourselves, especially after we recognise unhelpful ways of thinking, or valid responses to previous trauma. I share here about my voluntary work through the educational charity, Forte charity for Inspiration, and my recent trip to Ghana. Feel free to email me your thoughts and feedback at Afiniki.co.uk and see photos on the charity's Facebook page.
I am sharing this one again to remind us to pace ourselves and focus our energy where it is most useful. When life gets overwhelming, it is worth pausing to think about whether we are wasting energy on pointless ventures and relationships. There will be times when running and juggling is needed, but there will also be times when you just need to intentionally drop some balls and walk well with others. Have a great week! Afiniki.co.uk
This is the very first podcast I recorded when I started podcasting 3 years ago. I can't believe how fast the time has flown! A lot has happened, and I am always reflecting and restructuring my lifestyle to fit my vision and goals. Remembering our 'why' can help us to decide if anything is worth continuing. Even though I have a less busy GP/doctor role now, I have decided to keep podcasting because of the encouraging feedback from you all! Thank you so much for listening and supporting. Please check out the Happiness Over Stress items and resources on Afiniki.co.uk.
What were your childhood dreams? Are you one of the lucky people who is currently living their dream, or have you changed to smaller 'more realistic' goals, like most of us? There is nothing wrong with reassessing and changing plans, but we should not settle for mediocrity in the name of realism. Success takes time and work, but nothing is impossible for those who believe. What dreams do you need to revisit, or do you need to dream bigger dreams because the ones you had were not big enough? Listen and share your thoughts please at Afiniki.co.uk
Where does the time go?! We are already in the final quarter of 2025, but it feels like yesterday when we said 'Happy new year!'. We often say that there seems to be not enough hours in the day for all we need to do, but we all have 24 hours. Why is it that some people seem to do much more with theirs than others? Even if we sleep for eight hours and work for eight hours everyday, we should have enough time to do things we want to do. Listen to find out how you can choose happiness over stress in this area. - Afiniki.co.uk
Some of you many have noticed the new motivational self-help resources on Afiniki.co.uk. I am so grateful to those who have already used them and sent feedback. Life is a journey of continuous learning for those who will do well. The mental health resources I have produced are there to support you through change and difficult times, because we all face them. Thank you so much for listening and sharing these Happiness Over Stress podcasts too. Let's be the change we want to see. Have a good week!
I wanted to share this one again for anyone who needs some motivation to finish something well. We often have excitement and motivation for the start of a new school term, new job, new project etc, but it can be difficult to maintain a good attitude towards the end, especially if we are moving on to something better. Remember that consistency is more important than intensity. Keep choosing happiness over stress, and have a good weekend! Afiniki.co.uk
This week we will be talking about an interesting word, which some have grown to love or hate. Resilience is defined as "the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness". What does this mean for us in everyday life? How can we choose happiness over stress in this area? Please feel free to share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk. Have a great weekend.
I am sharing this one again to remind us that great things start small. I was recently reminded about this when making my application for Section 12 approval as a GP with a special interest in mental health, and realised that my years of doing the small extra jobs to build my experience in mental health have led up to me being successful with this application based on experience and extra training, which I was not too proud to go for. I am hoping that today's podcast motivates us all to start taking the small steps needed to achieve our big dreams. Have a great weekend!
I am so pleased to have Dr Jaiye Olaleye, a medical doctor (GP) with a special interest in lifestyle medicine and women's health, with me on this episode. Please listen for practical tips on managing stress and enjoying life as you should. We all need reminders about the simple things sometimes, but I am sure that you will hear something new from Dr J on this one. Apologies in advance for the interruption from my phone! Have a great weekend.
I thought I would share this one again, as people get back into routine with school and work. It is important to step back and reflect on what perspective we are going with. Is our way of thinking helpful for our mental health and progress? We can change it, if not. Two people can be in exactly the same situation and perceive it differently, leading to different outcomes. Let us be intentional in choosing happiness over stress with our thoughts, which lead to actions and results. Have a nice weekend!
I am so excited to have been joined by Dr Jaiye Olaleye, the host of 'How do you keep well?' podcast for this episode. We discuss what happiness means and shared some practical tips for a happier life. When we recognise that happiness is a choice, we can intentionally choose happiness over stress. Have a great week!
We are now in the second half of 2025, and it might be looking very different from what you planned, or you might be excited to be smashing your goals according to plan. Whichever camp you sit in, I just wanted to encourage us this weekend to take a step back and see if we are truly experiencing a full and abundant life. If not, what's missing and what might we be able to do about it. For many, there will be nothing missing, but a need to find contentment and joy in what and who we already have. Have a great weekend!
Life is in seasons. Sometimes we get signs that a season is ending, and other times things change without notice. Whether it is a good or bad ending can sometimes be the only choice we get. Closure can look very different for different people, and it is important to reflect on how to have an ending we won't regret, when we recognise that seasons are changing. Remember that sometimes we have to let go of good things to make room for better things.
Life is full of stress. Even though we chose happiness over stress, have you noticed that it is a choice we have to make everyday? I am sharing this one again because something always comes up with the potential to stress us out. Even the happiness over stress choices we make might seem like a source of stress to someone else, but I believe it is all about choosing what you prefer to deal with. We are all different, so what bothers one might not bother another. Decide which type of problems you hate more and be intentional about tackling those. Have a lovely weekend.
We are now almost halfway through 2025. Let's not be too serious, and miss out on the really important things in life. Some goals have been achieved and others are looking like they won't be achieved this year - that's okay. As long as we are doing our best and using our time wisely, we can re-strategise and reach our goals eventually. Remember that you can still have fun while being focused and hardworking. This is also a reminder to myself, which is why I am sharing this one again. Continue to choose happiness over stress, my friends. Have a nice weekend.
As it is Fathers' Day in the UK this weekend, I decided to share this one again, with lessons from my father's story. Sometimes, life does not go as planned, but it is what we do about it that matters. Even if you did not have a father you could look up to, take time to reflect this weekend on what fatherhood really means, and appreciate a dad you know. I am so grateful to have a heavenly father as well, who welcomes all. Feel free to message me, if you want to find out more - Afiniki.co.uk
In a society where people struggle with authority, we are quick to accept that respect is earned when talking about someone else. How about when we look inward? I am sharing this one again to help us reflect this year. Are we earning the respect we expect? Listen to find out more about how we can choose happiness over stress in this area.
What do you think that 'finding yourself' would mean? What if you never lost yourself in the first place? A lot of the problems we have stem from issues with identity and self esteem. This week's podcast is encouraging us all to reflect on our true identity and purpose, so we do not get overwhelmed and eroded by the responsibilities and stresses of life. YOU deserve to be seen and heard. Hope you can choose happiness over stress in this area with me.
It was my birthday this week, and I like to call this 'birthday season' in my family, because there are more family birthdays coming up this summer. I wanted to share this one again to remind us that age is not just a number. Birthdays are a great opportunity to reflect on our choices, purpose and vision for life. I am actually now in my 40s. They say time flies, but remember that YOU are the pilot. Have a lovely weekend.
In this episode, I am talking about how we deal with hurt and racism in a way that helps us to choose happiness over stress. When we forgive, we are not just doing others a favour, we are protecting our own mental health. Some things are easier than others to forgive, but when we forgive, it frees us to stay happy and productive, which I think is the best revenge. Have a lovely weekend.
This is a bit of a difficult topic for me because I am not always on time, even though I am someone who is keen on time management and intentional living. It is something I am working on personally and professionally, but without making excuses, I wanted to share a different way of thinking about punctuality. There is a bigger picture to consider and sometimes we need to prioritize purpose and people over punctuality. Even as a GP (family doctor), I might give a depressed patient more than the scheduled ten minutes and run late, so that I can sleep well after a job well done. Should we be led by the clock or by the Spirit? What do you think?
My book of the same title is finally out on Amazon! Please check it out and write a review, if you can. Thank you to everyone who supported the live launch of "When You Love and Hate Your Job" on social media yesterday. I shared some important career "food for thought" in this episode, as we celebrate workers'/labour day (May 1, 2025). Have a good weekend. - Afiniki.co.uk
This is probably the first podcast I have ever recorded. I started podcasting around two years ago when I became a GP partner and realized there would be less time for my writing. A lot has happened in two years and I am happy to still be here - thanks to your encouragement as listeners! I am sharing this one again as motivation for us to keep going. There is no greater motivation to succeed than having a good reason to - Remember your 'Why".
I thought I would share this one again this week. Please check out my book, Life Without Coffee - Choosing Happiness Over Stress, if you have not had a chance to. This podcast is named after its subtitle, but is not aimed at stopping people from drinking coffee! Let me know via Afiniki.co.uk whether you are a coffee lover, addict or avoider.
This episode is inspired by my book, Money and Mental Wellbeing. Please check it out, if you haven't. The choices we make about how we make and manage money can affect our mental health and future. Listen to find out how we can choose happiness over stress in this area.
This episode was inspired by the song, Confidence - by Sanctus Real, which I have been enjoying these days.
What is the difference between confidence and arrogance? Please listen to reflect with me on how confidence can help us in our journey of choosing happiness over stress.
It is very common to see people being praised for qualifications, experience and certifications, but did you know that it possible to have all these things and still lack wisdom? Listen to find out more about getting wisdom and why it is important. If you are someone who prays, wisdom is definitely something we all need to pray for, as a way of choosing happiness over stress.
Whether you are leading a big organizaton, a small team or your own family, it is important to keep improving yourself because the team will only be as good as the leadership it has. People deserve good leadership, especially when they are humble enough to follow you. We can become better leaders by learning first of all to manage ourselves well. The leader who can manage/control his or her emotions, tongue, character and time is definitely on the path to success.
When I look back at the kinds of jobs I have done in my life, it reminds me that there is something to learn from every season in life. I would rather be doing a 'menial job' than remain idle because of pride. Work is not just about the money. As they say - there is dignity in labour. When we are faithful in the little we have, we can be trusted with better and 'proper' jobs.
This is one I needed to hear again, because lovely sunshine, heat and summer weather can make it more difficult to push ourselves to achieve our goals, especially when it seems as if everyone else is sitting in their gardens doing nothing or going on holiday. There is time for everything. We must make time for our own rest and relaxation, but we cannot afford to let this year go by with nothing to show for it because of procrastination.
Would you rather be broke and look rich, or be rich and look broke? Listen and share your thoughts on this one I wanted to share again to remind us to stop keeping up appearances, and choose humility and wisdom, as a way of choosing happiness over stress longterm.
I thought I would share this one again to motivate us all as we reach the second half of 2024. Do you also feel like time is flying by? Are you on track to achieve your goals for this year? Please listen and share your 'tried and tested' time management tips via Afiniki.co.uk
I recently had a conversation with my ten-year-old daughter about flowers, which inspired this episode. Please let me know via Afiniki.co.uk if you are on my side or her side when it comes to receiving flowers. Have a great week!
This episode is an interesting one with a 'very virtual' interview with Dr Seema Pattni, a GP turned careers coach for female doctors - drseemapattni.com
Listen to find out more about what happiness means to her, and how aligning our values to our work can help us choose happiness over stress.
Did you know that you can feel both happiness and stress at the same time? This podcast is about mixed emotions, and how we can understand and use our emotions even when there is a lot going on. Please feel free to email me with your comments via Afiniki.co.uk
It is already coming to the end of the first half of 2024. Many of us started the year with goals and plans. How is it going so far? They say nothing good comes easy. We may have had some 'lucky breaks' over the years, but most other things we want will require us to put in some work, patience and diligence. It is normal to feel tired and frustrated at times, especially when things are not going according to our timetable or plan, but I am just sharing this podcast again to encourage us all - myself included - to keep going. Please ignore the 2023 mentions and Christmas talk - we still have another 6 months to go!
My daughter is now ten years old, but we recorded this together when she was eight. I wanted to share it again as we have recently celebrated Fathers' Day in the UK. There is so much that children learn from watching us, not just from what we say. I hope that you find her words as inspiring, as I did, and keep choosing happiness over stress.
Some of you might know that I turned 40 last month (May 2024) and released a book called 'Power and Praise' on my birthday to mark it. I hope you all get a chance to read my reflections in what has been my most personal book yet. My lovely daughter also turned ten in the same month, and I feel so blessed to have wonderful children who make me happy. Thank God for every new year we get, but another ten years is a big deal and I am so thankful to everyone who helped make it special. Reflecting and recalibrating regularly between these birthdays is another way of choosing happiness over stress.
I recently shared an interview about why I chose to become a GP, which was recorded with Daniela C Barragan for her YouTube channel for medical students, and it motivated me to keep going. It is sometimes good to take our minds to the very beginning to find strength to keep going. Career, marriage, parenting and life in general can be a long journey, if we are blessed with longevity in those areas, but there will be days when we feel too tired to carry on. This is one of my first podcasts - recorded almost two years ago, which I am sharing again today to remind us all to find out WHY and keep moving forward. Have a great weekend!
How do you respond when things do not go your way? How do you handle a 'bad day'? How do we move on from sadness and grief? Is it okay to stay low? How long is too long? Listen to my reflections on a recent sad experience, and share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk
It is sometimes easier to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to finances, especially when we are blessed with a spouse or friend that enjoys managing money. This week I am reflecting on the need to educate and improve ourselves when it comes to handling money and making financial decisions, because it has a big impact on our mental health and future. Feel free to share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk
This one is mostly for us parents. It is challenging trying to be there for our children, while promoting independence. I have had some time reflecting on this after a recent school trip my daughter had. Please feel free to share your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk
Just sharing this one again as we try to keep up with our financial goals for 2024. Hope you find it helpful. Have a great week!
I am sharing this one again to remind us of the need to organise our mind spaces. Yes, our minds are like a space that need to be decluttered, tidied, shaped and organised regularly. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this mental health tip via Afiniki.co.uk
As I have been inspired by movies for some of this month's podcasts, I thought I would share this one again - my reflections from almost two years ago. Taking part this year as a delegate on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) has left me feeling even more motivated to highlight the amazing strengths of women and what we all can learn. Supporting each other helps to build stronger communities and a better future. - Afiniki.co.uk
Life can be tough. We will sometimes fall, crash or fail, but how do we react in those tough times? Do we wallow in self pity or pick ourselves up quickly? Do we depend too much on everyone else to help us get back up or have we built some self motivation and resilience to pick ourselves up, and even help others who genuinely need help? This might be a tough one to hear for some, but as they say, 'The truth can be bitter'. Let me know what you think - Afiniki.co.uk
It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this one! Survivors' guilt is something that holds a lot of immigrants and professionals back, especially when they have come from difficult backgrounds. How do we manage our emotions, and balance the need to make personal progress while helping our communities? Please feel free to share your tips with me about how we can choose happiness over stress in this area.
PS: My new book, Power and Praise, is available now from Amazon and Afiniki.co.uk
This one is about marriage and relationships. We can choose happiness over stress by being intentional in our relationships, so that we do not end up in regret. It is the little things that matter, especially in making people feel loved and wanted. Sacrifice does not have to be at the expense of our spark. How do we keep ourselves attractive and interesting after years in a relationship? Listen to find out more. Feel free to send me your thoughts via Afiniki.co.uk
I am sharing this one again because I have a "big birthday" soon. To celebrate, I am releasing an inspirational book called "Power and Praise" on May 21. It is available to preorder now on Amazon etc and Afiniki.co.uk. I will be having a book signing event in Leamington Spa, England on July 13, 2024 (details on my website). It will be great to see you there (with your copy of Power and Praise), if you can make it. Have a good week!
How's the new year going? Are you on track for the things you wanted to achieve this year? Is procrastination stopping you from making progress? Listen to find out how I deal with this and choose happiness over stress in the process. Have a productive week!
As we near the end of the first quarter of 2024, I just wanted to share this episode again to remind us all of how the choices we make regarding work and money can affect our mental health, with simple questions we can ask ourselves to help us make better decisions. You can read more about this in my book, Money and Mental Wellbeing - available from Amazon and Afiniki.co.uk
Who else is an introvert? Can people be lonely when they are around other people? I discovered something interesting about myself and am sharing tips to avoid loneliness in this episode. Please feel free to share your tips with me too via Afiniki.co.uk
Who else is happy when it is Friday? What is it about Friday that makes us so excited? Does working from home make Fridays less exciting? Some companies now have four-day weeks, so maybe we will soon be saying "Thank God it is Thursday!" I just want to say thank you for taking a few minutes to listen to me this Friday!
Life is full of beginnings and endings. We have different seasons and stages, which can have happy or sad endings. I recorded this podcast when I was finishing from a job I enjoyed and getting ready to start a new adventure as a GP partner. I have to keep reminding myself that it is not all about how we start but also how we finish. Listen to find out more.
Who remembers this?
"O God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our Leaders right:
Help our Youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace and justice reign."
Every country has its problems, but we can all help in one way or another. As JFK said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country".
Have you noticed how money keeps seeping out of your account, especially at this time of year? Even services that used to be free are now being charged for. Everyone wants some of that hard-earned money you are trying to save. To be honest, we too want to make more money for our labour. How do we choose happiness over stress with so many bills, bills, bills?
It is sometimes tricky to know when we are being arrogant, especially when it is linked to selfishness. We can be proud of our achievements and work, but we need to careful not to become prideful people that treat others badly. Doing that is a sure recipe for future stress and failure. This does not mean, though, that we should let people walk all over us and never say 'No'. Listen to hear more about how we can look after ourselves by knowing our priceless worth, in a world where almost everything has a price tag.
We can sometimes lose ourselves in our day-to-day work, and the challenges of juggling everyday life. Listen to find out how we can choose happiness over stress by staying focused where and when it matters. Intentional living helps us to reduce stress long term and see past our current difficulties. Feel free to share your thoughts also via Afiniki.co.uk
Whatever field/sector we work in, there will always be room for self improvement and leadership. We cannot manage others well without first managing ourselves. I struggle to trust someone in business if they cannot manage their own life and home well. We all have areas for improvement, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the AHOS forum at afiniki.co.uk
What is it that you have been kicking into the long grass this year? Is it to do with your health goals, money/career goals, family/relationship goals or another project you need to start? They say there is no time like the present, but procrastination can sometimes be done in a positive way. Listen to find out how we can choose happiness over stress by managing our time wisely.
As someone said, we are all growing older, but growing UP is optional. This week, I just wanted to reflect a bit more about how we behave when it comes to managing our finances. Are we still struggling with the same old bad habits or has there been any improvement over the years? Give yourself a pat on the back for even the 'little' victories and achievements! It is worth taking time to reflect on our money psychology to help us choose happiness over stress in this area also. #DrMMW
Having celebrated a "big birthday" for my husband recently, I wanted to share this again. Happy birthday to any August babies! Keep choosing happiness over stress :)
Today I'm talking about living a rich life, not just your 'best life'. It was inspired by a Netflix show called 'How to get Rich'. Happiness over stress is not about keeping up with the Jones' or keeping up appearances. It is sad to see people choosing stress over peace with the financial and work commitments they make. What is more important to you, money or time? I would love to hear your thoughts about how you choose happiness over stress in the area of work and finances. My book, Money and Mental Wellbeing, is available from Amazon and other good book retailers. - Afiniki. co.uk
This week I am reflecting on a movie called The Son. It raised so many issues to do with mental health and relationships. Listen to hear my happiness over stress advice especially if you are currently struggling with temptation to leave your marriage or feeling desperate to keep a relationship that is not working. Here are some useful links and numbers, as promised:
www.samaritans.org or phone 116 123
www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/
Premier lifeline: 0300 111 0101
Have you noticed that people often see and expect life as they live it? Someone who spends all their time watching pornography will find it hard to see people without thinking about sex. Someone who is kind will find it hard to believe that someone else means them harm. Listen to this podcast to find out how we can change what we see around us, as a way of choosing happiness over stress. - Afiniki.co.uk
Sometimes it is easy to complain about things without taking action. Whether it is a recurrent problem or consequence of our own choices, we can think about ways to reduce stress by finding solutions, that may sometimes feel uncomfortable at first. One may choose to work a job they hate because they hate the 'brokeness' and disrespect that comes with having no money to shoulder their responsibilities as an adult. Someone else may decide that they hate working more than begging, and would rather go around begging relatives/friends for handouts. I share my own hates in this podcast and invite you to consider yours. Afiniki.co.uk
What is it about Fridays that makes us so excited? Amongst workers, parents and students, the words 'Thank God it's Friday' have become so popular. I know some people love their jobs and lives so much that they also thank God it is Monday. I hope that as we choose happiness over stress with our life choices and perspective, we can be grateful for every day that we get. Not everyone made it through the first half of 2023, so we can at least be grateful to still be here, with hope that things can improve. Please listen and share.
My daughter wanted me to re-share this podcast that we recorded when she was eight, and I thought it was a good idea because she did make some very good points. Children are very observant and can sometimes teach us some lessons if we listen. As we finish the first half of 2023, I hope you will listen to the little people around you and continue to choose happiness over stress. Thank you for your support. Please feel free to share if you enjoy this.
It is almost Father's Day in the UK and some people will be spoiling their dads with appreciation, while some have nothing good to say about theirs. Sometimes people make mistakes and never quite know how to make amends, leading to fractured relationships and regret. We have all made mistakes at home and at work. This week, I wanted to re-share this podcast (originally recorded in January) with Happiness over Stress tips for handling mistakes. I would love to hear your thoughts on this when you listen.
It's almost the middle of 2023. Some of us are excited about how much we have already achieved, while some have given up and feel low about where they are at this point. It can be easy to be discontented and ungrateful when we look at how much time has passed, but choosing happiness over stress is about being intentional about our attitude to life and disappointments. If you are having to wait or work harder because things haven't happened as planned, take courage and choose to be happy where you are now. Happiness is not a destination - it is a choice.
These tips are from my latest book, Money and Mental Wellbeing. Do you often find yourself worried or stressed about money, even when you earn more than you used to? Listen to find out more about how you can look after your mental health when it comes to money. There is much more info in the book! Please share your thoughts on the AHOS page on Ainiki.co.uk
I have been so blessed to celebrate my father's 70th birthday with him in the UK this year. He had a difficult start to life but has achieved a lot in spite of all the challenges. As we look forward to celebrating Father's Day in the UK soon, I wanted to share my father's inspirational story to encourage anyone experiencing hardship or injustice. I would love to hear your own thoughts and (parent's) stories also on the AHOS podcast forum on Afiniki.co.uk
When was the last time you had a really good laugh? Laughter truly is good medicine. We can pay for laughs at comedy shows and spend hours finding something funny on TV, but it is so much easier to laugh in our everyday life when we are happy. Part of choosing happiness over stress is about reducing the sources of stress so that we can enjoy our lives and relationships more. Don't just type LOL, actually allow yourself to laugh out loud! Afiniki.co.uk
It seems that there is always something to celebrate for every month. Whether it is for commercial reasons or to avoid boredom, we seem to have something to be spending money on. Soon after Valentine's day and Mothers' day in the UK, the shops were full of Easter eggs and bunnies. I am not complaining (because I do enjoy chocolate!) but Easter gave me a chance to reflect on faith, which is an important part of spiritual wellbeing. Listen to find out ways we can choose happiness over stress in this area.
Is it a good thing to be irreplaceable? What does it even mean? Listen to find out the pros and cons of feeling (and probably even being) irreplaceable. There is so much to think about now, to avoid future regrets - wills, insurance, work systems, business succession plans, parenting, marriage etc. I would love to hear your thoughts on the AHOS forum at Afiniki.co.uk
We sometimes just want to get to our destination/goals, but this week I reflect on the importance of small steps. As much as goals help us to stay focused, they can sometimes also make us lack patience. Listen to find out why it is important to be patient with process.
Do you know someone who is always saying 'Sorry'? Do you know someone who never apologises? What makes a good apology? Listen to find out more. I would love to hear your thoughts via the AHOS podcast forum at Afiniki.co.uk
This is completely opposite to the popular 'Be Yourself' message we often hear on social media. There are ways and attitudes that come naturally to us, but may not be best for us and our goals long term. We need to decide whether continuing to be that way, or making some (painful) changes now, will be better for our mental health long term. Let me know what you think on the AHOS forum at Afiniki.co.uk
It's interesting to hear how the word 'Sacrifice' is being used these days, especially in marriage, parenting and career progression. Most of us would have had to make sacrifices to get to where we are today, but please listen and reflect on this podcast before you make any more sacrifices. As always, your feedback is welcome at the AHOS podcast page on afiniki.co.uk
It can be very easy to fall into one of two categories - those that expect trouble and bad luck all the time, and those that expect everything to always be perfect. Both have their downsides. We can find a good balance where we enjoy the good days and choose to think positively about challenges and tough times. Listen to find out more, and feel free to comment on the AHOS forum at afiniki.co.uk
Everyone likes to feel respected and treated with honour. When we feel disrespected or less significant, rather than getting upset at the people who have reacted to us in that way, it is worth looking at ourselves first to see if we are doing or have done anything to lose respect. Especially in African cultures, where respect is a big thing, we need to remember that respect is earned. Also in Western cultures, where there is often a lack of respect for authority, we can reduce stress by learning how to earn and keep respect - at home and at work. Please let me know your thoughts at Afiniki.co.uk
How much easier will it be to make decisions, be motivated and set goals when we have a clear idea of who we are and what our current priorities are? There is usually stress and mental unrest when we say one thing but live the opposite. Listen to find out more about why it is worth taking some time to discover and befriend yourself this week. Afiniki.co.uk
Did your parents ever tell you that 'There is time for everything'? Is it just something Christian parents say? I sometimes have to reflect on the things I say to my children to make sure that I am still applying the principles in my own life, not just expecting too much from them. Imagine how differently certain events or conversations might have turned out if they happened at a different time. Listen to hear more, and let me know your thoughts also via afiniki.co.uk.
This one contains some important food for thought for coffee lovers. We all have our habits and treats, but it is important to reflect, from time to time, on what we do and why we do it. As new information and research come to light, we would be wise to review our life choices regularly and make adjustments to improve. My book, LIFE WITHOUT COFFEE - CHOOSING HAPPNESS OVER STRESS, is not about stopping coffee, but about the bigger picture. Listen to learn more. I would love to hear your thoughts on the AHOS forum at Afiniki.co.uk
I always talk about my lovely children in my podcasts. While recording one Saturday afternoon, I asked my daughter, Sophie, if she wanted to speak, and she agreed to be interviewed here - no preparation, no editing, no prompts. I was really surprised and impressed by some of her answers! Listen and let me know what you think at Afiniki.co.uk
'Growing old is a privilege many are denied'. If this is true, why do so many of us dread the thought of growing old? What is it about old age that makes it less desirable? Is there anything we can be doing now to choose happiness over stress for our latter years? Listen and share your thoughts on Afiniki.co.uk
What makes a good leader? Whether you have a formal leadership role or not, this is a good one to listen to and reflect, because we all have something to contribute, and leadership is not all about being perfect. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Afiniki's Happiness Over Stress (AHOS) podcast forum at Afiniki.co.uk
What inspires you? Where do you find motivation for what you do? Whether you are feeling strong today or lacking motivation altogether, this is worth a listen. Don't laugh at how long it took me to do easy subtraction in this podcast - I usually have a calculator at work! I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, though - Join the conversation at Afiniki.co.uk
Why is it harder to make and keep real friends as we get older? How many of your 1000+ social media friends are real friends? They say "friends are the family we choose for ourselves". Listen to find out more about what makes friendships strong.
In this short clip from my BBC interview with Phil Upton on 17/01/2023, I share A.H.A. tips from my book, Money and Mental Wellbeing, and talk about stress management, intentional living and time management as ways to choose happiness over stress, and look after our mental health long term. You can listen to the whole programme on 'CWR Breakfast with Phil Upton' on BBC sounds. - Afiniki.co.uk
January feels like such a long month, with time to reflect after all the exciting celebrations in December. We can sometimes become low in mood when we focus on the mistakes we made in the past, especially if we are now suffering the consequences of some of our bad choices. Listen to hear more about how to choose happiness over stress this month.
Do you remember the game of Jenga? It was fun playing that when I was younger, to see how long we could carry on before it all crumbled. Such stacking and rearranging is fun for games, but not so funny when it comes to piling up issues in our minds that we do not make time to deal with. Listen to find out more.
Thank you for joining me on this interesting adventure of choosing happiness over stress - in a world full of opportunities for worry and stress. This is one of the first podcasts I recorded to reflect on why, as a busy medical doctor and writer, I have chosen to add podcasting to my list of jobs. Enjoy!
We all have 24 hours in a day. It is a new year and new beginning. What are your goals and plans? Listen to find out how you can make the most of the hours we have each day to make this a successful year, while choosing happiness over stress.
Have you seen The Bee Movie? This podcast episode was inspired by one of the conversations in that movie. There are benefits to be gained by taking things slow and steady sometimes. Listen to find out more.
Not long to Christmas and January now. Are you beginning to feel the days drag and wondering what is the point of all the good you do? We all get that feeling sometimes, but it is good to remind ourselves that we will reap a harvest for all we sow, if we do not give up. Listen to find out why it might sometimes seem like you may not be reaping what you sowed.
Listen to find out how having an attitude of 'No job too small' and 'No challenge too big' can help you become happy and successful. In a world where we like to 'keep up appearances' and worry about what others think of us, it is important to stay focused on our goals and be prepared to do what it takes to get there.
We are all guilty of this one. How do we reduce stress by managing our time better? There is often a good reason for procrastination, but I am sharing tips here on how best to get things done - even with procrastination. This will help improve our sense of life satisfaction, self-worth and happiness in the long term. Please listen and share your thoughts and tips also on the AHOS forum.
Have you ever noticed that feelings grow more feelings? When we choose to love someone or something, the feeling grows, but when we choose to hate it, it gets more repulsive with time. Sometimes we cannot make changes to our circumstances, so the only change possible is to change our attitude. Listen to my stories about loving what you have, and remember to share your thoughts on the forum at Afiniki.co.uk
How are you? How do you feel today? How important are our feelings? How much do we let our feelings determine what we do and say? This podcast is about focusing on the bigger picture more than feelings and sentiments, in order to choose true happiness and success.
Reflections from the fantastic Viola Davis movie, The Woman King, for Black History Month. As usual, no fancy editing, just real talk about how we can choose happiness over stress by fighting for our future. Thankfully we don't need physical strength to survive in today's society, but it is still survival of the fittest with other kinds of strength.
Age is not just a number when we realize that each number represents a whole year on this earth. How are we making the years count? Can we look back on our 'big birthdays' and recognize growth in our personal lives, family life, business, careers, finances etc? Or is it all about the parties and social media photos?
What's so special about Fridays? Why do people say, 'Thank God, it's Friday'?
You might not care so much about what day of the week it is but listen to find out what is so special about Fridays when it comes to choosing happiness over stress.
Happiness over stress is also about acting your age (maturity) and acting your wage (contentment). Join me to see if there are any ways by which we have been acting less than our age or more than our wage this year.
Summer is definitely over and the dull weather is here. It is so easy to feel demotivated and isolated in this season, but we can choose to keep our heads up even on the cloudy days. Listen to find out how that helps us in choosing happiness over stress and sadness.
Starting anything good takes courage but finishing what we started is not always so easy. So many projects, books, relationships, jobs and careers start out well, but there is sadly nothing much to see after a year or two. Finishing well takes even more courage, diligence, consistency, humility and wisdom. Listen to hear more about how we can reduce stress by focusing on the end from the beginning.
When it comes to spending, we all have our habits. Have you heard of the A.H.A. questions to ask yourself before making any significant purchase or commitment? How we manage our money can affect our levels of stress and happiness in future. There is more in my book, Money and Mental Wellbeing.
This is my very first podcast! There is no fancy editing or scripting - just real talk from me, Afiniki. I'm keeping it short, because we all have things to do and there is a lot more information in my books, but I hope that you can take a few minutes to catch up with me every week to reflect on how we can keep choosing happiness over stress!