6 TED Talks To Watch On Your Lunch Break That’ll Make You Rethink Your Life

Got roughly 15 minutes and a pair of headphones? Settle in.
If you’re like most people, you spend your lunch break repeating the same tired routine: crack open a can of tuna, dump it over your supermarket salad, go find a spot you can escape people for 20 or so minutes, and absentmindedly plough through your meal while scrolling through inane memes on your Facebook feed.
Chances are also high then, you don’t return to your desk feeling particularly reinvigorated, or ready to take on the next big project. That’s where the following thought-provoking, and – dare we say – life-changing TED X Talks come in.
No need to give up that 20 minutes of uninterrupted bliss munching on your mixed kale leaves while contentedly tuning out the world. You can change your entire mindset and recharge your motivation levels simply by plugging in your earphones.
Whether it’s your approach to relationships, work, or your health that needs a makeover, by the time you’ve finished tuning in to these six inspirational talks, you’ll never look at your life the same way again…
1. Searching For Love To Escape Ourselves, Hayley Quinn
Who it’s good for: Anyone who’s not getting what they want out of their love life.
In this introspective 15 minute talk, former dating coach Quinn forces us to take an uncomfortably confronting but worldview-shifting new look at the way we approach love and romantic relationships.
2. How To Make Work-Life Balance Work, Nigel Marsh
Who it’s good for: Anyone feeling suffocated by their work life, or looking to recreate balance.
Acclaimed author and CEO, Nigel Marsh presents a refreshingly hilarious take on the way we think about work-life balance, and offers practical solutions for getting off the never-ending treadmill of running the rat race and reinstating balance in your life.
3. How To Practice Emotional First Aid, Guy Winch
Who it’s good for: Honestly everyone should watch this.
In his eye-opening 17 minute talk, renowned psychologist Winch makes us take an eye-opening look at the ways in which we neglect taking care of our mental wellbeing, to the detriment of our physical health, relationships and career, giving us encouragement to start putting into practice what he calls regular ’emotional hygiene’.
4. Try Something New For 30 Days, Matt Cutts
Who it’s good for: Anyone wanting to kick-start a new skill or habit.
In this quick five minute talk, Cutts reflects on his experiments into taking on 30-day challenges; including taking a picture every day, writing a book, biking to work and quitting sugar and postulates that anyone can achieve just about anything by committing to trying it for 30 days. This is just the motivation you need if you’ve been umming and ahhing over trying that hot yoga class.
5. How To Live To Be 100+, Dan Buettner
Who it’s good for: Anyone wanting to overhaul their health.
New York Times bestselling author Dan Buettner explains his research into the world’s ‘Blue Zones’ – communities whose elders live to record-setting ages – and the dramatic impact mimicking their diet and lifestyle habits can have on extending your own life.
6. The Secret To Desire In A Long-Term Relationship, Esther Perel
Who it’s good for: Anyone looking to reignite their sex life.
This provocative Ted Talk became a viral sensation on YouTube after it was delivered by psychotherapist Esther Perel in 2013, due to its highly relatable analysis of the decline of sex in long-term relationships, and refreshingly practical strategies on how to get back your spark with your SO, no matter how long you’ve been together.
Media via youtube.com.
Comment: What’s your fave Ted X Talk of all-time?
Nadia is a journalist, media commentator and editor with a penchant for hoarding makeup and an opinion on just about everything. Her work has been published in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Thought Catalog, Cosmopolitan, and many more. She's a passionate advocate for destroying mental health stigma and sexually empowering women, and has absolutely no concept of TMI. Follow Nadia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.