The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Liam Elkind, a college student and founder of Invisible Hands, shares his journey in bringing neighbors together amidst the pandemic's challenges. David DeSteno, a psychology professor and compassion expert, explains how helping others not only aids the community but also boosts our own happiness and prevents burnout. The discussion includes inspiring stories of kindness during crises and highlights the power of compassion, reinforced by a guided Loving Kindness meditation to cultivate empathy and support.

Dan Harris, an ABC News correspondent and author of "10% Happier," shares his journey from panic attacks to inner peace through meditation. He discusses the profound impact of anxiety on mental health during crises and offers practical meditation strategies for families. Dan explains how short practices can help us navigate stressful times and emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and loving-kindness meditation. Listeners are encouraged to incorporate mindfulness into daily life, illustrating how one calm individual can influence their environment.

Bill Irvine, a philosophical heavyweight and author of "The Stoic Challenge," shares insights on navigating adversity with resilience. He discusses the power of Stoicism in transforming our emotional responses to setbacks, stressing the importance of viewing challenges as growth opportunities. Irvine highlights practices like negative visualization, which helps cultivate gratitude and mindfulness, turning anxiety into appreciation. His anecdotes effectively illustrate how embracing a Stoic mindset can foster a balanced, proactive approach to life's difficulties.

Ethan Kross, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, shares expert insights on managing emotions during crises. He discusses how to coach yourself through anxiety by cultivating psychological distance, allowing for clearer decision-making in stressful situations, like grocery shopping. Kross emphasizes techniques like third-person self-talk to ease public speaking fears and introduces the 'Batman effect' as a strategy for emotional regulation. His practical approaches aim to enhance resilience and inner calm when facing life’s challenges.

In this discussion, Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and author of 'The War for Kindness,' dives into the pressing issue of loneliness amid the pandemic. He explores the profound emotional effects of isolation and emphasizes the necessity of maintaining social bonds. Zaki offers practical strategies for nurturing connections, even through technology. He highlights how crises can evoke empathy and stress the importance of community support for mental well-being, inspiring listeners to seek meaningful interactions despite physical distancing.

Arianna Huffington, bestselling author and founding CEO of Thrive Global, shares her life-changing experience with sleep deprivation. She discusses the vital connection between sleep and overall happiness, stressing how her wake-up call transformed her perspective on rest. Listeners learn effective sleep rituals and the importance of prioritizing sleep for mental health and productivity. Arianna highlights societal misconceptions around sleeplessness and encourages a cultural shift towards valuing rest for a healthier, more joyful life.

Hedy Kober, a Yale mindfulness expert and neuroscientist, dives into the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. She explains how focusing on emotions and physical sensations can elevate happiness. Listeners learn about the toll of stress on mental health and the brain, as well as practical mindfulness strategies to navigate daily challenges. Kober shares compelling scientific research on mindfulness's benefits, with guided meditation techniques to enhance emotional awareness and reclaim joy in a distraction-filled world.

David DeSteno, a psychology professor at Northeastern University and author of Emotional Success, dives into the transformative power of gratitude. He explains how reflecting on kindness can improve decision-making and foster healthier habits. The discussion reveals how gratitude enhances self-control, allowing for better long-term choices. DeSteno also shares practical strategies like gratitude diaries that can boost emotional well-being and deepen our connections with others—ultimately making us better friends to our future selves.

Katy Milkman, a Professor at the Wharton School and host of the Choiceology podcast, dives into the science of making fresh starts in the new year. She discusses how specific time markers can ignite motivation and lead to personal transformation. The conversation touches on the 'fresh start' effect and its influence on setting achievable goals. Additionally, Katy shares innovative ideas like 'temptation bundling' to help build healthy habits and highlights the powerful link between exercise and mental well-being.

Discover how the holiday season can be a time for joy rather than stress. Learn the science behind the joy of giving and how it beats spending on oneself. Explore the powerful impact of gratitude and family rituals in enhancing connections and fostering resilience. Find tips for maintaining well-being through social ties and relaxation, as well as strategies for navigating family tensions with grace. Embrace these insights for a merrier, more meaningful Christmas!