Is more free time really the key to happiness—or is it actually hurting your well-being?

In this rebroadcast of a fan-favorite episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Cassie Holmes, a UCLA researcher and author of Happier Hour, to challenge the myth that more time automatically leads to more happiness. Whether you feel overwhelmed by busyness or lost in retirement, this conversation offers science-backed insights to help you rethink how you spend your hours—and your life.

• Learn why too much free time can feel just as draining as too little, and how to find your personal "sweet spot"
• Discover how a simple time-tracking exercise can reveal the real sources of joy and drain in your day
• Gain practical tools to align your daily activities with what truly fulfills you—at work and at home

Take a deep breath and discover how to reclaim your time and transform your happiness—one intentional moment at a time.

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With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Do your challenges leave you feeling stuck, drained, or frustrated — like you’re carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks you never asked for?

In this episode of Whole Again, Michael O’Brien shares a powerful mindset shift he discovered in his own recovery: turning problems into puzzles. This simple reframe can help you swap stress for curiosity, open the door to creative solutions, and bring more energy into every challenge — whether it’s a health setback or just the Sunday crossword.

• Learn how a puzzle mindset keeps you from getting stuck in all-or-nothing thinking
• Discover practical questions to spark curiosity and creativity when facing obstacles
• Find out how small wins (even in a crossword) can build momentum for bigger breakthroughs

Take a deep breath and learn how to reframe your struggles as puzzles — and unlock more resilience, curiosity, and wins in your daily life.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.

Do you ever feel like you have to fix everything right now? Like if you're not doing the next thing, you're falling behind?

In this calming microdose meditation, you’ll be invited to set that pressure down. Instead of racing ahead, this practice gently returns you to the present moment—where healing and clarity actually begin.

• Learn how to use breath to soothe your nervous system in under 5 minutes
• Release the urge to “do it all” and feel grounded in what’s real, right now
• Use a powerful mantra to help you stay present when your mind spirals ahead

Take a deep breathe and give yourself a break from what's next—and return to what’s now.

Receive my free text messages by texting Whole Again to 866-612-4604

Did you know that stickers are wonderful visual cues to help you create healthy habits? You can get one of my free Pause Breathe Reflect stickers by clicking sticker.

To discover more and sign up for My RIPPLE EFFECT newsletter by clicking Ripple Effect.

We can also connect on LinkedIn. or at Michael@PauseBreatheReflect.com

Subscribe to be sure you don’t miss any of the micro-meditations, wellness tips, and guidance that I publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:11 am.

With Whole Again: A Fresh Approach to Healing, Growth & Resilience after Physical Trauma through Kintsugi Mindfulness, listeners explore resilience through personal stories of trauma, scars, and injury while learning to overcome PTSD, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and perfectionism with self-compassion, self-love, and self-worth. Through insightful discussions on building resilience, resilience building, resilience and fitness, fitness and resilience, stress management, mindfulness practices, and digital wellness, the show offers practical tools like breathwork, micro-dose meditation, grounding techniques, visualization, and daily affirmations for anxiety relief and stress relief. Inspired by the art of kintsugi, the podcast embraces healing as a process of transformation, encouraging a shift in perspective from worry and being overwhelmed to gratitude and personal growth. By exploring the mind-body connection, micro-dosing strategies for emotional well-being, and holistic approaches to self-care, this podcast empowers listeners to cultivate emotional resilience and live with greater balance and intention.