Just a few moments of tuning into nature can make you feel more inspired, connected, and less lonely. Let us guide you through a five-minute noticing nature practice — you don't even have to leave your neighborhood. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/aj34s585 How to Do This Practice: Find somewhere where you can focus on the natural environment, like your backyard. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Notice your belly and chest rise and fall as you br...
Jul 11, 2024•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Exploring novel places and having diverse experiences is important to our well-being and can make us feel happier. This week, Ike Sriskandarajah, a producer for This American Life, takes us with him as he explores new parts of New York City. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/seystc6c Episode summary : Shaking yourself out of your normal routine can be hard–but studies show it’s worth it. Creating space for variety, novelty, and awe in our lives is essential for our well-being. Expl...
Jul 04, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Connect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3at8hrsu How to Do This Practice: If possible, go outside and find some natural ground, like grass or dirt. If you're wearing shoes or socks, take them off and place the soles of your feet directly on the ground. Bring your attention to the earth beneath you. Allow it to hold you, paying attention to how it fe...
Jun 27, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Everyday activities, such as cleaning and gardening, can be sources of joy and opportunities for mindfulness. This week, our guest shares his experience practicing mindful sweeping on the temple stairs in Kyoto, Japan with Shoukei Matsumoto, a Buddhist monk. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3r6ju2wh The Science of Happiness is now Instagram, and we'd love for you to follow us! You can find us at @ScienceofHappinessPod . We're going to go behind the scenes of our episodes, and shar...
Jun 20, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last week on The Science of Happiness, we discussed the scientifically proven health benefits of the ancient Chinese practice of qigong with Harvard psychologist Peter Wayne. This week, we practice a standing meditation, with qigong master Sherry Zhang. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3t5wdexe How to Do This Practice: Take a moment to stand upright with your feet together and take a few deep breaths. Have your eyes looking forward. Soften your knee. Gently shift your weight onto ...
Jun 13, 2024•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Studies show qigong can strengthen your body and mind, and reduce cortisol levels. We explore this Chinese meditative movement practice that dates back over 4,000 years. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2ywsck4e Episode summary : Finding calm in your day to day life can be stressful, especially in a world that seems to be moving at such a rapid pace. Your life can change in an instant– and it can be really difficult to get yourself on your feet again. On this episode of The Scienc...
Jun 06, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Here's a favorite of ours: visualize your best possible self and tap into your inherent enough-ness with this guided meditation by Justin Michael Williams. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/ytakaaep How to Do This Practice: Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and visualize your ideal future self, the person of your dreams you’ve always wanted to be. Try noticing as many details as you can: What color are you wearing, how do you feel, what are you doing, is anyone with you? An...
May 30, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an autism advocacy leader. Guest Temple Grandin shares what kind of support systems led her to success, and we hear about how community, and lack thereof, affects our health and ability to succeed. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/y82vw4dv Episode summary: Having strong relationships is vital to our well-being. We tend to be happier and healthier when we’re involved with community. Today’s guest is the world-famous scientist Temple ...
May 23, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Experiencing awe can help us slow down and connect to the world around us. So how can we harness the power of this feeling? Host Dacher Keltner leads us in a colorful meditation to bring about awe. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3e9cyky5 Practice: Please find a space, either inside or outside, where you can take a moment and pause and look slowly at a scene in front of you. Settle into a pattern of deep breathing and ease. Really focusing on how that pattern of inhalation and ex...
May 16, 2024•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hearing birdsong can help us feel less anxious , recover from stress faster, and even reduce muscle tension ... but can it help us fall asleep? Drew Ackerman of Sleep With Me podcast listens to recordings of birdsongs to see if it'll help with insomnia. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5n7sxjtb Episode summary : Drew Ackerman, aka Scooter of Sleep With Me Podcast, has always struggled to get to sleep. Even as an anxious kid, worries would keep his mind churning as the night wore o...
May 09, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pilina is an indigenous Hawaiian word, or concept, that describes our deep interconnectedness. Harvard Clinical Psychology Fellow Jo Qina'au guides us through a contemplation of our profound interrelationships. Link to Episode Transcript: https://shorturl.at/npAM9 How to Do This Practice: Pilina comes from the indigenous Hawaiian language and culture. Pilina means connection, or interconnectedness. Settle into a comfortable position and observe your breath. Visualize someone to whom you feel mea...
May 02, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thinking about happy memories activates reward centers in our brains, and can help us feel more connected and accepted. Palestinian-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye discovers the joy-bringing power of recalling her good childhood memories. Link to Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2r63e6tn Episode summary : Whether it’s news notifications or work emails, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the stresses of our time every moment of every day. But what if there was something we could do to rekindle the gr...
Apr 25, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast A walking meditation led by 10% Happier Host Dan Harris How to Do This Practice: Begin walking. Bring your awareness to the present moment, noticing sights and sounds around you. When your mind wanders to worries or other thoughts, gently bring yourself back to what you notice around you. See if you can notice the sensations in your leg as you take each step. Continue walking this way as long as you wish. Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc2kpzmy Today’s Happiness Break host: Dan Harris the host ...
Apr 18, 2024•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Finding ways to bend tasks toward your strengths and passions can make you happier, more productive and find more meaning in your life — no matter your job. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4ky325rs Episode summary : When the poet and former professor Susan Glass first retired, she stacked her days with so many volunteer gigs and passion projects, she felt like she was working harder than ever before. Now, she wants to prioritize living a life of meaning and enjoyment. Susan tried...
Apr 11, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Accepting difficult feelings like anger or irritation can help us keep our cool, feel better overall, and find calm on the other side. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/n6hm5yhz How to Do This Practice: Begin the practice by settling your mind and body. Notice your breath and any sensations that arise in your body, Shift your attention away from your body, recalling an instance where you felt mildly irritated or frustrated. Give yourself a few moments to fully feel this emotion. No...
Apr 04, 2024•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast We learn techniques for working across the aisle without compromising our values from a Democratic politician in one of the most conservative states, Oklahoma. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/w2a9a42p Episode summary : Trying to have a conversation with someone who has an opposing view can be exhausting. This week, we explore what it means to have productive discussions when we disagree. Democratic Oklahoma State Senator Jo Anna Dossett recounts her experience bridging political ...
Mar 28, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Beyond just feeling good, studies show experiencing other people's joy makes us more compassionate and satisfied with life. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/kycnk4ca How to Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position to begin this practice, focusing on your breath. Visualize a person or situation that brings you a sense of joy or happiness. It might be a child laughing, the success of a friend, or even a dog wagging its tail. Connect with their joy and happiness, wishing them we...
Mar 21, 2024•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast When we remember the times someone had our back, it changes the way we view ourselves and the world. Our guest explores what happens when trying a practice to feel more supported. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc2kpzmy Episode summary : Ever since he was a young child, José Valladares has spent his life caring for others and has taken pride in supporting his family and community, For our show, he tried a practice where he recalled people in his life who he can turn to during a ...
Mar 14, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Indigenous artist Lyla June leads a 5-minute freewriting exercise about our personal journeys. Autobiographical writing has been shown to help do better in relationships and feel more satisfied in life. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3622n5s6 How to Do This Practice: You will need writing utensils for this practice. Find a comfortable place to start this writing practice, taking a few moments to ground yourself. Write the prompt, “I come from a place where…” For the next 5 minut...
Mar 07, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Playfulness can improve your relationships, help you excel at work, and reduce stress. We explore a strategy shown to help you become more playful. Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/b5xc78r3 Episode summary : Patricia Mebrahtu used to have so much fun as a child. Now, as a medical assistant and mother of two young children, she found herself feeling burnt out and irritable. For our show, Patricia tried a practice to infuse more playfulness into her life. From singing karaoke with he...
Feb 29, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast We all have a playful side, and research shows acting on it can help us when we need to move through challenging emotions, manage conflict, and be more creative. Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/4bxtn9ek How to Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position to begin the practice. Focus on breathing deeply. Think back to a moment of play during your childhood. Recall specific details like your age, what you were doing and who you were with. As you remember, notice how the memory is a...
Feb 22, 2024•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast When we devote a little time to the other people in our life, we actually feel like we have more of it. Our guest tried a practice to regain control of his time and schedule Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/mr3r6jfn Episode summary : Like many of us, our guest Bryant Terry felt like he never had enough time in his day. And while he was eager to reconnect with his family, his schedule was spiraling out of control. For our show, Bryant tried a practice proven to help you feel like yo...
Feb 15, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast When we treat ourselves with kindness and gratitude, research shows we feel more motivated and less self-critical. Meditation teacher Jack Kornfield leads in a practice where we gently turn inward. Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/yfbz28h2 How to Do This Practice: Find a comfortable position to begin the practice. Focus on taking deep breaths, relaxing your body. As you recognize the different sensations in your body, consciously envelope yourself in kindness. Thank your body for p...
Feb 08, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our guest tried a practice in Radical Acceptance, a Buddhist principle made popular by today's expert, psychologist Tara Brach. Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/362m4n3b Episode summary : Sometimes, a setback in work or life can leave us feeling defeated and uninspired. Nadia Zafar is a neurobiology student who has been pursuing her PhD for the last 6 years. Recently, her lack of progress had her spiraling in thoughts of self-doubt and unworthiness. For our show, Nadia tried a prac...
Feb 01, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast A meditation in meeting our most difficult emotions — like anger, disappointment, or fear — with mindfulness and gentle care. Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/48jas955 How to Do This Practice: When you come up against something challenging – you’re angry or frustrated or feeling any way about yourself, another person, or a situation, move through these steps. It might be helpful to sit somewhere you feel comfortable closing your eyes for a few moments, and begin by taking a few dee...
Jan 25, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when we intentionally look for beautiful things in our day-to-day lives? We explore a lab-tested practice shown to help you feel happier. Link to Transcript: http://tinyurl.com/yretvrkp Episode summary : When was the last time you witnessed a beautiful moment? Maybe it was a striking sunset, a kind exchange between strangers, or a hearty laugh between two friends. Beautiful moments surround us, and research suggests that taking the time to admire them can actually benefit our health...
Jan 18, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Research shows feeling connected with nature can lower our stress response. This visualization meditation can help you feel at ease, no matter where you are. Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/2k6pdh7n How to Do This Practice: It is encouraged to try this practice outdoors Begin the practice by focusing on your breath, and relaxing your body, noticing how it feels supported, particularly by the earth. Allow yourself to let go of anything you are mentally or emotionally carrying, visu...
Jan 11, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join our limited newsletter The Science of Habits to get curated, science-backed tips to help make your New Years resolution stick in 2024. https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/podcasts/habits We explore how the science of behavior change can help us form new habits and be happier while doing it.Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/4e294mdt Episode summary : Many of us are heading into the new year with a resolution we want to live by — a new good habit we’d like to form. But actually sticking to...
Jan 04, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast When we imagine our best possible selves in our relationships, we feel more motivated to achieve our goals and a greater sense of control over our lives. This week, Dacher leads a visualization exercise in preparation for the new year. Join our limited newsletter The Science of Habits to get curated, science-backed tips to help make your New Years resolution stick in 2024. https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/podcasts/habits Link to episode transcript: http://tinyurl.com/yj43srye How to Do This Practice: F...
Dec 28, 2023•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join our limited newsletter, The Science of Habits, to get curated, science-backed tips to help make your New Year's resolution stick in 2024. https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/podcasts/habits We explore how contemplating our heritage can make us feel more belonging, gratitude, and confidence in what we're capable of achieving. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5djerhbj Episode summary : Oral historian Mi'Jan Celie Tho-Biaz knows the profound impact the past can have on the present. For ou...
Dec 21, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
