An Interview with Laurie Santos

By Susan Borison

Laurie Santos, psychology professor at Yale College and host of the Happiness Lab podcast, explains what makes us blissful and small issues we will do that may enhance our well-being. Listed below are a number of the highlights from our interview together with her:

As dad and mom, our mind-set may be “contagious.” If now we have a way of well-being, we will set the tone for the remainder of our household and start a optimistic spiral.

Analysis has recognized particular behaviors that do, actually, enhance our sense of well-being. A few of them could also be difficult, however even child steps will make a distinction. We have to additionally remember the fact that as we make efforts to extend our happiness, we have to guarantee that now we have self-compassion. Beating ourselves up for not doing one thing received’t assist.

Behaviors that Result in a Sense of Properly-Being:

1. Wholesome habits

Getting common train and a very good evening’s sleep are key. It’s been discovered {that a} half hour of train a day may have a major affect on temper. However once more, even when it’s one leaping jack, something is healthier than nothing.

As for sleep, it’s been significantly tough for a lot of dad and mom to sleep properly throughout this time. Once more, there are methods which are rooted in science that may assist us sleep higher.

• Prioritize sleep hygiene —ensuring your room is darkish and the telephone shouldn’t be close to you.
• Regulate feelings earlier than mattress by taking gradual, deep breaths. Usually, our physique is aware of that now we have stressors which are activating our “combat” mechanism. Deep breaths trick your mind into considering that the concern is gone.

2. Social connections

Usually, we’ll plop down to observe Netflix or scroll on our telephone. These issues are simple to do, however they don’t essentially make us really feel higher.  We have to determine “nutritious” actions. Collect on Zoom to socialize or do yoga. Make an old style telephone calls to meet up with somebody.

3. Deal with others

Analysis has proven that the act of doing one thing good for another person offers an individual a happiness enhance, whatever the motive. Whether or not you donate to charity or give blood, you discover that it feels good to provide of your self so the secret’s to beuild in some of these actions, that are additionally “nutritious.”

Getting Teenagers to Purchase In

1. Plant the seeds

If we embody these behaviors, they are going to trickle all the way down to our teenagers. They watch what we do and emulate it, the nice and the unhealthy.

2. Incorporate construction

We’re creatures of behavior. Due to this fact, having a schedule to depend on reduces the stress we really feel once we are unsure. For youngsters who’ve misplaced their independence and company, it’s essential to provide them a voice in what the schedule appears like by letting them select, permitting for flexibility inside the schedule, and even having them decide the routine).