Life Examined Yale happiness guru Laurie Santos on the power of time off and modern parenting traps
May 27, 2025
Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist from Yale and host of the Happiness Lab podcast, shares insights on overcoming burnout and the necessity of sabbaticals for mental clarity. She introduces her online course designed for parents grappling with stress in today’s fast-paced world. The discussion explores the challenges of modern parenting, emphasizing the importance of kids' independence and emotional connections. Santos also redefines happiness, encouraging a balance between joy and discomfort, and advocates for prioritizing well-being in both personal and professional spaces.
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Recovery Through Sabbatical
- Laurie Santos took a year-long sabbatical to recover from early-stage burnout experienced during COVID.
- This break brought clarity on her priorities and improved her overall well-being and work focus.
Sabbaticals Benefit Organizations
- Organizations recognize the value of employees more when they step away temporarily.
- Allowing sabbaticals builds organizational resilience and trains new leaders.
Use Work Breaks for Well-Being
- Check if your employer offers extended leave or sabbaticals even if you're not in academia.
- Use small bursts of unexpected free time for creativity and rest to boost well-being.