A new study from the University of Graz (Austria) found a direct link between everyday physical activity (simple walking or moderate exercise) and greater creativity and inventiveness. The researchers found that active people came up with significantly more—and more innovative—ideas during tests (whether conceiving of new usages for an umbrella or finishing partial drawings) than sedentary people. ACCESS STUDY
With all the challenges of the last year, the mindset of the economic profession has shifted, with a flurry of research papers pointing to the vital importance of social capital. Notions like trust, state capacity, community-building, social cohesion, and social values like empathy and altruism are now seen as a prerequisite for prosperity and welfare. All these social values and other notions pertaining to social…
The dominant narrative about China’s growth (“the only major economy currently growing”) is misleading. China’s GDP rose by 6.5% in Q4 2020 only because the authorities decided it would. In their bid to reach this target, China’s government has moved in areas that previously, for the purpose of rebalancing growth, they were keen to abandon: industrial production, real estate and net exports. Meanwhile, consumption—which the…
Prosperity comes at ‘devastating’ cost to nature–BBC, February 2, 2021 A landmark report (the Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity, commissioned by the UK Treasury) concludes that prosperity has come at a “devastating” cost to the natural world. It argues that losses in biodiversity are undermining the productivity, resilience and adaptability of nature, which in turn put economies, livelihoods and wellbeing at risk. The…
Honoring Black Wellness History: The Plants of Black Freedom with Leah Penniman In the GWS 2021 Wellness Trends Report’s “Adding Color to Wellness,” Global Wellness Institute Research Fellow Tonia Callender stated, “The wellness industry does not value Black wellness. Mainstream wellness companies ignore Black wellness consumers and rarely market to them.” These can be hard words to hear, but far too often in the wellness…
The Definition of WONDER To have a desire or curiosity to know more To feel surprise mixed with admiration To uncover something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable TIPS, HINTS, & INSPIRATION: Read February’s article by Renee Moorefield, member of the GWI Advisory Board and CEO of Wisdom Works Group, and learn how to use WONDER as a springboard to inspire actionable steps, tangible involvement, and active…
