The science of happiness with Laurie Santos | How to Be a Better Human
Dec 29, 2023
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Laurie Santos, Yale professor and host of 'The Happiness Lab' podcast, joins the show to discuss surprising evidence on happiness, the mental health crisis among college students, understanding behaviors and well-being, the relationship between money and happiness, and practical tips to increase happiness.
Increasing social interaction can boost happiness, even through small acts of reaching out to loved ones.
Acknowledging and addressing negative emotions is crucial for finding true happiness.
Deep dives
The Power of Social Connection
Lori Santos, host of The Happiness Lab podcast, emphasizes the importance of social connection for happiness. Research shows that happy people have more social connections, and increasing social interaction can boost happiness. Even small acts of reaching out to a friend or loved one, such as texting or calling them, can have positive effects on one's well-being.
Understanding Negative Emotions
Lori Santos highlights the significance of negative emotions in our lives. She explains that negative emotions, such as sadness and anxiety, serve as signals that something is amiss and that we need to take action. Rather than avoiding or suppressing these emotions, it is crucial to acknowledge them and address the underlying issues. By allowing ourselves to experience and understand negative emotions, we can take steps towards finding true happiness.
The Fresh Start Effect: Making Changes
Lori Santos discusses the concept of the fresh start effect, which refers to moments that motivate us to make changes, such as New Year's. However, she emphasizes the importance of choosing the right goals and approaching them with self-compassion. Instead of setting unrealistic resolutions, focusing on achievable changes like increasing social connections, practicing gratitude, and being present in the moment can lead to long-term happiness and well-being.
Small Steps Towards Happiness
Lori Santos highlights the power of small actions in improving happiness. Engaging in practices such as expressing gratitude, volunteering, and giving to others can have a significant positive impact on one's well-being. These actions don't require major time commitments but can be incorporated into daily life. By recognizing the potential of small steps and implementing them consistently, individuals can experience a gradual increase in happiness.
The phrase "comparison is the thief of joy" might be the kind of cliché that makes you roll your eyes — and yet, it's an idea that is, scientifically, pretty accurate. In today's episode, psychologist Laurie Santos — a Yale professor and host of "The Happiness Lab" podcast — discusses some of the surprising evidence behind what does and doesn't make us humans happy. Laurie also shares strategies on how to improve our well-being, discusses the irony behind "self-care" and explains why happiness is often a journey not just within, but beyond, ourselves. This is an episode of How to Be a Better Human, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. Listen to How to Be a Better Human wherever you get your podcasts.