Code Switch Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving
Nov 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, shares insights on the science of gratitude. She explains how practicing gratitude boosts our overall well-being, enhances relationships, and even improves our future self-care choices like eating healthier and saving money. Dr. Santos highlights the surprising effects of gratitude on workplace performance and underscores its potential as a public health tool to promote mental and social benefits year-round.
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Share Evidence-Based Happiness Tools
- Teach and practice evidence-based happiness strategies; people actively seek tools to feel better.
- Laurie Santos created a popular Yale class to provide actionable tactics for mental wellbeing.
Gratitude Promotes Present And Future Helping
- Gratitude is a pro-social emotion that shifts attention from self to others and motivates helping behavior.
- Laurie Santos explains gratitude also makes people invest in their future wellbeing, like healthier eating and saving more.
Remembering Good Traits Strengthens Bonds
- Remembering others' positive traits (find, remind, bind) strengthens bonds and triggers relationship-building actions.
- Laurie Santos references Sarah Algoe’s theory linking gratitude to behaviors like calling or texting to maintain ties.