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This is a transcript of a podcast featuring an interview with Lori Santos, a professor at Yale University who teaches a popular course on happiness. The main topic of the discussion is evidence-based approaches to increasing happiness. In the interview, Lori covers a wide range of topics related to happiness, including gratitude, acts of kindness, negative visualization, leisure activities, attention, time affluence, and healthy habits.
Gratitude is a key factor in happiness. Expressing gratitude can lead to positive emotions and enhance social connections. Engaging in acts of kindness towards others can also increase happiness. Negative visualization involves thinking about how life could be worse, which can help us appreciate what we have and increase our resilience.
Leisure activities can be a source of happiness, but it's important to choose activities that are challenging and induce flow. Flow-inducing activities are engaging and often social. Attention is crucial in maintaining happy relationships. Responding to bids for attention can lead to positive social connections. Having a little bit of free time, or time affluence, can also be crucial for happiness.
Taking care of our bodies is also essential for happiness. Exercise and sleep can have significant positive effects on mental health. Overall, these evidence-based approaches can help us increase our happiness and well-being.
It's important to note that these approaches are not a one-size-fits-all solution. People may have different preferences and needs when it comes to happiness. However, incorporating these approaches into our lives can lead to positive changes in our mental state and overall well-being.