“Research shows that people who do new things are happier—even something as simple as trying new restaurants," says Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen, a leading happiness scholar and bestselling author, joins us to discuss how to tap into your five senses—which, in turn, helps strengthen your mental health, creativity, and energy—plus:
- Why Gretchen wrote a book on the 5 senses (~00:11)
- How to make mindfulness more approachable (~05:03)
- What you need to know about the 9 senses (~09:59)
- The reason some people love rewatching TV shows (~12:30)
- The health benefits of Opposite Day (~15:45)
- How to find joy in the mundane (~19:44)
- The benefits of boredom (~25:27)
- How to become a better listener (~27:29)
- How to use music to boost your energy (~32:57)
- The interplay of smell & taste (~36:25)
- How to know if you’re an abstainer or a moderator (~43:26)
- The healing power of touch (~48:31)
- What to do when you walk into a party alone (~50:47)
- Why touch is so tied to emotion (~54:38)
- How your brain filters sensory information (~58:27)
- How the 5 senses can reduce stress & boost energy (~01:01:34)
Referenced in the episode:
- Gretchen's book, Life In The Five Senses.
- Gretchen's podcast, Happier With Gretchen Rubin.
- Gretchen's previous book, Better Than Before.
- mbg Podcast episode #350, with Gretchen.
- Listen to Gretchen on Dan Harris' podcast.
- Research on new experiences & happiness.
- A study on phones at the table & distraction.
- The Nostalgia Machine.
- Gretchen's Five Senses Quiz.
- mbg Podcast episode #272, with Gary Taubes.
- mbg Podcast episode #365, with Mark Schatzker.
- Sign up for The Long Game.
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