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Scientific

Cal Professor Details How to Live Optimally

People talk about living a "balanced life," but what, exactly, are they balancing? Seth Roberts, Berkeley professor emeritus of psychology, has spent a dozen years geeking out on this very subject — mostly by meticulously testing himself, i.e. his own moods, energy, weight, etc. (In the process, he has apparently demonstrated that "self-experimentation" can be very effective.) Anyhoo, according to Professor Roberts, there are twelve activities one needs to juggle to live "optimally." Some of these are expected, like exercise and social time. Others are less so, like hunger, morning sunlight (about an hour), and foot stimulation. Dr. Roberts' bottom line? Go barefoot (especially on cobblestones), blog, and make sure you talk to a real person shortly after waking up. Here's the full list.