The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Finding Holiday Happiness (Dr Laurie on the How God Works podcast)
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Dec 16, 2024 Join Dave DeSteno, a psychology professor and host of How God Works, as he chats with Dr. Laurie Santos about finding happiness during the often stressful holiday season. They explore the emotional challenges of winter festivities and the importance of adjusting expectations. Discover the uplifting power of giving and creating meaningful connections, plus practical strategies like gratitude journals and simple acts of kindness. Embrace holiday rituals to enhance joy and connection, ensuring this season is a fulfilling one.
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Winter Blues
- The darker, colder days of winter can lead to a drop in serotonin and changes to circadian rhythms.
- This can result in feelings of stress, gloominess, anxiety, and isolation for many people.
Manage Expectations
- Manage holiday expectations, as high expectations can lead to disappointment.
- Even a decent holiday can feel bad if your expectations are too high.
Savor the Journey
- Avoid the "arrival fallacy" of delaying happiness until after finishing holiday tasks.
- Savor the present moment instead of rushing through it.