The Science of Happiness cover image

The Science of Happiness

Latest episodes

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4 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 9min

Happiness Break: A Breathing Technique To Help You Relax, with Dr. David Spiegel (Cyclic Sighing)

Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford researcher specializing in breathwork practices, shares insights on cyclic sighing to combat stress and anxiety. He breaks down the breathing technique, emphasizing the importance of slow, controlled exhales. Listeners learn how this simple practice can calm the nervous system and enhance overall well-being. The session includes a guided breathing exercise, demonstrating how conscious breathing can effectively manage emotional arousal and promote relaxation.
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7 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 24min

How To Breathe Away Anxiety

Discover the transformative technique of cyclic sighing, a breathing method that lifts your mood and fights anxiety. Learn how the simple act of mindful breathing can trigger a calming response in your nervous system. Hear personal stories, including one from a professional surfer, about using breath control to navigate stress. Explore the science behind longer exhales as a tool for relaxation and emotional resilience. This practice may change the way you handle everyday anxieties!
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Sep 19, 2024 • 10min

Happiness Break: The Healing Power of Your Own Touch, with Kristin Neff

Dr. Kristin Neff, a renowned researcher in self-compassion, shares profound insights into cultivating kindness towards oneself. She guides listeners through self-compassionate touch exercises like placing hands over the heart to enhance emotional well-being. Neff explains how these practices can reduce stress and activate healing responses in the body. Her innovative approach emphasizes the importance of regular touch to foster support and comfort, turning self-kindness into an everyday ritual for mental and physical rejuvenation.
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Sep 12, 2024 • 21min

How To Show Up For Yourself

Join Brittany Luce, an NPR host known for her insightful commentary, as she shares her transformative personal experience with self-compassionate touch. Eli Susman, a researcher, dives into the intriguing science behind this simple yet impactful practice. They discuss how a daily 20-second touch can combat self-criticism and nurture emotional well-being. Plus, they explore habit stacking to seamlessly integrate this practice into busy lives and emphasize the importance of self-kindness in finding purpose and connection.
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Sep 5, 2024 • 11min

Happiness Break: A Note to Self on Forgiveness, with Alex Elle (encore)

In this enlightening discussion, Alex Elle, a certified breath work and writing coach, dives deep into the transformative power of self-forgiveness. She shares insights on how letting go of past regrets can enhance personal growth and resilience. Listeners experience a calming meditation that encourages self-acceptance and compassion. Alex emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s journey and highlights the empowerment that comes from forgiving oneself. This episode is a gentle reminder of our worthiness and the healing potential within.
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Aug 29, 2024 • 20min

Are You Following Your Inner Compass?

Imagine if you had a magic wand to change the world! This thought-provoking discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their life purpose and how to make meaningful changes. Hear personal stories that highlight the importance of compassion and meaningful connections. Discover innovative practices, like the Magic Wand technique, to help you connect with your inner drive. Explore how a strong sense of purpose can enhance emotional well-being and positively impact health habits. Unleash your imagination to envision a better future!
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Aug 22, 2024 • 9min

Happiness Break: A Meditation on Becoming A Gift To Life

Dr. Lyla June Johnston, an indigenous activist, artist, and scholar from the Diné Nation, explores the deep connection between individual happiness and the well-being of our environment. She guides listeners through a meditation that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of nature. Johnston emphasizes how humans can become givers, showcasing the creation of bird baths as a symbol of our commitment to the natural world. She shares insights on Indigenous ecosystem principles, urging us to contribute positively to our local ecosystems.
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Aug 15, 2024 • 24min

How To Let In New Perspectives

Tania Israel, a psychology professor at UC Santa Barbara, and Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychologist focused on fostering dialogue, explore how embracing diverse perspectives can enrich our understanding. They discuss the emotional challenges of political discourse, emphasizing intellectual humility as a path to respectful conversation. The conversation highlights how acknowledging our knowledge limits can bridge divides and enhance personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to confront their biases and engage with differing opinions for deeper insights.
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Aug 8, 2024 • 6min

Happiness Break: Take a Break With Our Loving-Kindness Meditation

In this captivating session, Dacher, a seasoned meditation guide with roots in ancient practices, introduces listeners to loving-kindness meditation, known as “metta.” He discusses how this technique nourishes emotional well-being and promotes empathy. The meditation involves visualizing someone who has your best interests at heart, allowing feelings of support and joy to blossom. Dacher emphasizes the importance of extending goodwill not only to ourselves but also to those who may need extra love, enhancing our connections and daily happiness.
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Aug 1, 2024 • 21min

Catch Yourself in a Dream (Encore)

Dive into the captivating world of lucid dreaming where awareness meets control in our sleep. Discover techniques like reality testing that enhance emotional insights and dream recollection. Personal stories reveal the transformative power of engaging with dreams. Explore the connection between lucid dreaming and consciousness, linking it to philosophical queries about awareness. Plus, learn how a study on eye movements in dreams sheds light on creativity and mood enhancement. Unlock the mysteries of your mind's playground!

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