In this episode, my guest is Dr. Laurie Santos, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University and a leading researcher on happiness and fulfillment. We discuss what truly increases happiness, examining factors such as money, social comparison, free time, alone time versus time spent with others, pets, and the surprising positive impact of negative visualizations. We also explore common myths and truths about introverts and extroverts, the science of motivation, and how to adjust your hedonic set point to experience significantly more joy in daily life. Throughout the episode, Dr. Santos shares science-supported strategies for enhancing emotional well-being and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning and happiness.

Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Dr. Laurie Santos

00:02:52 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & ExpressVPN

00:06:00 Happiness, Emotion & Cognition; Emotional Contagion

00:11:18 Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Rewards

00:14:43 Money, Comparison & Happiness

00:21:39 Tool: Increase Social Connection; Real-Time Communication

00:32:16 Sponsor: AG1

00:33:47 Technology, Information, Social Interaction

00:39:22 Loneliness, Youth, Technology

00:42:16 Cravings, Sustainable Actions, Dopamine

00:47:01 Social Connection & Predictions; Introverts & Extroverts

00:57:22 Sponsors: Function & LMNT

01:00:41 Social Connection & Frequency; Tools: Fun; “Presence” & Technology

01:07:53 Technology & Negative Effects; Tool: Senses & Grounding; Podcasts

01:15:11 Negativity Bias, Gratitude, Tool: “Delight” Practice & Shifting Emotions

01:25:01 Sponsor: David

01:26:17 Importance of Negative Emotions; Judgements about Happiness

01:34:16 Happiness & Cultural Differences, Tool: Focus on Small Pleasures

01:41:00 Dogs, Monkeys & Brain, “Monkey Mind”

01:47:40 Monkeys, Perspective, Planning

01:53:58 Dogs, Cats, Dingos; Pets & Happiness

02:00:49 Time Famish; Tools: Time Affluence Breaks; Time Confetti & Free Time

02:07:46 Hedonic Adaptation; Tool: Spacing Happy Experiences

02:15:27 Contrast, Comparison & Happiness; Tool: Bronze Lining, Negative Visualization

02:24:08 Visualization, Bannister Effect; Tool: Imagine Obstacles

02:29:12 Culture; Arrival Fallacy, Tool: Journey Mindset

02:37:11 Mortality, Memento Mori, Tool: Fleeting Experiences & Contrast

02:44:33 Awe

02:48:15 Timescales; Community Engagement & Signature Strengths; Tool: Job Crafting

02:56:55 Strength Date, Leisure Time; Tool: Doing for Others, Feel Good Do Good

03:01:42 Tool: Asking for Help

03:05:32 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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Daily Dots - April 2, 2025