“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.

We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.

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