Self-Sufficiency, Playing with Dirt, Yoga in Bed, The Altruistic Brain, Couples Claustrophobia, Teaching Kids Independence

Self-Sufficiency (0:00:00) Financial independence is a serious challenge for many families. Unfortunately, some people who are working overtime or juggling 2 or 3 jobs are still living paycheck to paycheck. This can put serious pressure on both individuals and families. Luckily, there’s a non-profit in Colorado who is working to help those in similar situations, and they’re doing it in a unique way. Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, or RMMFI, is making families more self-sufficient by helping them develop their entrepreneurial business ideas. So, we invited Mary Kate Morr, community engagement manager, to talk about the mission of RMMFI and the steps to self-sufficiency. How Playing with Dirt could Make You Happy (0:16:00) It’s hard to keep your kids out of the dirt. They enjoy playing in it, making mud pies, and digging up worms. But, when kids play in the dirt, they get it everywhere and on everything. It’s a mess for parents. But, it also might be part of the reason your kids are so cheerful.  In fact, scientists have reason to believe that playing with dirt makes you happier. Studies have found a microbacteria in soil called mycobacterium vaccae that lowers stress and helps you feel happier. It almost seems too good to be true. So, we invited Dr. Christopher Lowry, professor of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder researching this phenomenon, to discuss the connection between dirt and happiness. Yoga in Bed (0:33:45) People have been practicing yoga for around four thousand years and its influence has spread across the world. There are many health benefits to practicing yoga, but unfortunately, we often feel like we don’t have time to do an hour session with a yoga instructor. Well, take a deep breath (take a deep breath) because we might have a way for you to fit the downward dog and sun warrior into your busy schedule. Joining us today is Stephanie Mansour to teach us a 5-minute yoga routine we can do from the comfort of our beds. She’s a nationally recognized Health & Fitn