Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

BITESIZE | 3 Simple Science-Backed Ways to Boost Your Happiness | Professor Laurie Santos #523

Feb 14, 2025

Join Professor Laurie Santos, a Yale psychologist celebrated for her global ‘Science of Wellbeing’ course, as she reveals the surprising truths about happiness. She discusses how our assumptions about joy often mislead us, emphasizing that social connections are key to lasting well-being. Discover the uplifting power of interactions with strangers and the importance of mindful technology use. Laurie also highlights the joy of altruism, suggesting that helping others can significantly boost our own happiness. Reconnect with your innate joy through meaningful practices!

19:23

Creator website

Episode guests

Laurie Santos

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Material possessions provide fleeting happiness, emphasizing the disconnect between intuition and reality in pursuing joy.

Fostering social connections and engaging in mindful practices are essential for enhancing overall well-being and long-term happiness.

Deep dives

The Misconception of Happiness

Common beliefs about happiness often lead to misguided pursuits, as many individuals think acquiring material possessions will bring lasting joy. Research indicates that such acquisitions, whether it's a new car or a vacation home, provide only fleeting happiness rather than enduring satisfaction. This phenomenon highlights a disconnect between intuition and reality, where individuals may continue to chase after circumstances they believe will elevate their happiness levels. Ultimately, changing external conditions fails to deliver the long-term happiness people expect.

Intro

4min

The Happiness Boost of Social Interactions

5min

Mindful Engagement with Technology

5min

The Altruism-Happiness Connection

2min

Rediscovering Innate Happiness

4min

We all want to be happy, but what truly brings us happiness is often not what we think.

Today’s clip is from episode 151 of the podcast with Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University. Laurie’s ‘Science of Wellbeing’ course has developed into a global phenomenon, with over 4 million people signing up to study her evidence-based strategies for happiness.

In this clip, she explains that our intuition is often wrong when it comes to happiness and shares the results of some surprising research that could help us live happier lives.

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Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/151

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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