The Health Benefits of Gratitude Journaling

Data scientist Brian Richmond has advanced the field of people analytics through his role at WeWork and his involvement with people analytic groups in the Bay Area and New York. In 2018, Brian Richmond accepted a position as senior data scientist for the startup Aura Health. Aura offers a wellness-focused app that offers guided meditations, life coaching recordings, and a gratitude journal.

The act of writing down what one is thankful for has become popularized in the health and wellness industry, due in large part to its multitude of physical and mental health benefits. Feeling gratitude releases many of the same neurotransmitters as happiness, such as dopamine and serotonin. This can improve mood and overall well-being.

In a study published by the Journal of Positive Psychology, adolescents who kept a gratitude journal were more likely to exhibit altruistic behavior. Other studies have linked gratitude journaling to lower stress levels, a more positive outlook, and healthier relationships. Establishing a daily gratitude journaling routine can also decrease depression and anxiety symptoms.

Typical Flavors of Mexican Cuisine

Over the course of his career in data analytics, Brian Richmond has worked with high-profile companies such as WeWork and Aura Health. In his personal life, Brian Richmond loves to cook and enjoys trying new recipes from Thai, Indian, and Mexican cuisines.

The unique flavor profile of Mexican cuisine combines Spanish and South American ingredients, herbs, and spices. Some of the most common components of a traditional Mexican dish include:

Chilis – Indigenous to Mexico, chilis are used in countless traditional dishes, including Mexican hot chocolate. Chilis range in spiciness, from the mild Anaheim pepper to the extremely potent chile de Arbol.

Corn – Corn has been grown in Mexico for thousands of years. Many Mexican staples, such as tortillas, tacos, and quesadillas, are made with a corn-based dough called mesa.

Epazote – This herb adds a pungent flavor to bean dishes. Epazote also has medicinal properties that can reduce stomach cramps, and ulcers and indigestion.

Pups Born to California’s Last Grey Wolf Pack

Outside of his work in the data analytics sector, Brian Richmond has a deep interest in the natural world. In addition to hiking and backpacking popular California trails, Brian Richmond enjoys learning about the state’s native animals.

Native to California, grey wolves were nearly driven to extinction by hunters in the 1920s. From 1924 until 2011, no grey wolves resided within the state. Since the first wolf entered from Oregon in 2011, only two packs have established themselves: the Shasta pack, which subsequently died out, and the Lassen pack.

Recently, the Lassen pack added three new pups to the family. Wildlife experts now estimate the California grey wolf population to be between seven and ten. While efforts to increase grey wolf numbers have been fruitless, the new pups’ arrival brings new hope to the state’s repopulation program.

Grey wolves are an endangered and protected species under both California and federal law. However, they have been removed from the federal endangered list in regions with larger wolf populations, such as the Northern Rockies. However, even those populations need our protection to survive and thrive in the long term.

Tips for Creating a Running Routine

Experienced data scientist Brian Richmond launched the innovative people analytics team at WeWork, and helped to organize analytics-focused meetups in New York and the Bay Area. Now a senior data scientist at Aura Health, Brian Richmond is an avid runner and runs at least three times a week.

For new runners, setting up a running routine can be the most difficult step. However, there are a few strategies that can make it easier to start and maintain a running habit:

Know your limits – Before starting any new exercise program, novice runners should assess their physical health, such as blood pressure and weight. Start with whatever is comfortable – a long walk, a walk-jog combination, whatever – and work up to a goal.

Set smart goals – Once a runner has a good idea of their physical limits, begin to draft measurable and time-bound goals. For example, a runner may pledge to run 10 miles every week or to complete a 3-mile run in under 20 minutes.

Don’t rush – Building up fitness and stamina takes time. While runners should challenge themselves, setting unreasonable goals can cause injuries and reduce motivation. Make it fun!