The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Move to Your Happy Place

Sep 19, 2022

Helen Russell, a journalist who left London for rural Denmark, shares her adventure in seeking happiness in the world's happiest country. She explores how the Danish lifestyle, emphasizing work-life balance and hyggelig moments, transformed her view on joy. Dan Buettner introduces 'Blue Zones' and the role of community in enhancing well-being. Russell also discusses adapting to cultural differences and offers insights on boosting happiness without relocating, proving that a happier environment can be cultivated anywhere.

31:32

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Episode guests

Helen Russell

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Episode notes

Intro

5min

Secrets of Longevity and Happiness

8min

A Journey to Happiness: Navigating Cultural Differences in Denmark

4min

The Danish Way: Work, Happiness, and Hygge

6min

Finding Happiness in New Environments and Local Transformations

4min

Reviving Communities Through Grassroots Initiatives

6min

The Power of Community in Enhancing Happiness

2min

People who live in some places are happier than others. But if you move to a happy country, happy city or happy district, will it make you feel better? And what can do if you can't uproot from your current home, can you make sad spaces happier?

Dan Buettner introduces us to his "Blue Zones", and explains why these places score so highly in wellbeing surveys. Helen Russell tells her story of moving to one of the happiest nations on earth...in bleak midwinter. And Texan Jason Roberts admits he had to break the city laws to make his neighborhood in Dallas a bit nicer.

For further reading:

Helen Russell - The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country.

Dan Buettner - The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World's Happiest People.

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