Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a groundbreaking happiness researcher and professor at UC Riverside, shares her insights on the science of happiness. She discusses the transformative power of social connections, gratitude, and kindness, and challenges myths surrounding happiness. The surprising effects of psychedelics like MDMA on emotional well-being are explored, highlighting their potential to enhance connections. Sonja emphasizes mindfulness and embracing current emotions over the relentless pursuit of joy, offering evidence-based strategies for a more fulfilling life.

Leading happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses underrated and overrated factors of happiness. Topics include the relationship between money and happiness, the benefits of aging, the power of kindness, the impact of self-care and acts of kindness, the drawbacks of obsessively pursuing happiness, and the significance of goals and the controversy of parenting's effect on happiness.

Today we welcome Sonja Lyubomirsky who is a distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Originally from Russia, she received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in Social/Personality Psychology from Stanford University. Her research has been featured in hundreds of magazines, newspapers, shows and documentaries in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Dr. Lyubomirsky’s best-selling books The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness have been published and translated in over 16 countries.In this episode, I talk to Sonja Lyubomirsky about happiness. Across all of her research, Dr. Lyubomirsky has found that connection is what makes people happy. So then, how do we form high-quality connections? Dr. Lyubomirsky gives us insight on how to use kindness, reciprocity, and gratitude to maintain and strengthen our relationships. We also touch on the topics of psychedelics, interpersonal chemistry, and social media.Website: drsonja.netTwitter: @slyubomirsky Topics01:38 Sonja’s interest in happiness research03:56 The Happiness Pie Chart07:55 The Set-point Theory of Happiness10:42 Connection is the key to happiness15:19 Are extroverts happier? 20:12 Psychedelic social psychology25:25 The Happiness Boomerang Effect29:58 What makes for great conversation?34:16 High-quality connections36:47 How to create interpersonal chemistry42:44 Can you count too many blessings?45:27 Apps that make us happy and unhappy 51:39 Kindness boosts immunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a distinguished professor and authority on happiness, dives into the science behind well-being. She shares how cultural factors, gratitude, and kindness influence happiness even on a genetic level. The discussion highlights the surprising impact of meaningful spending, psychological barriers like rumination, and the transformative potential of psychedelics for mental health. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of authentic connections and how technology may help combat loneliness in our modern age.

Social psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky shares insights on happiness interventions and how changing habits can boost happiness levels. Topics include genetic predispositions, Scandinavian happiness rankings, power of gratitude and social connections, and personalized interventions for mood enhancement.