In this episode, my guest is Dr. Laurie Santos, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University and a leading researcher on happiness and fulfillment. We discuss what truly increases happiness, examining factors such as money, social comparison, free time, alone time versus time spent with others, pets, and the surprising positive impact of negative visualizations. We also explore common myths and truths about introverts and extroverts, the science of motivation, and how to adjust your hedonic set point to experience significantly more joy in daily life. Throughout the episode, Dr. Santos shares science-supported strategies for enhancing emotional well-being and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning and happiness.
Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Laurie Santos
00:02:52 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & ExpressVPN
00:06:00 Happiness, Emotion & Cognition; Emotional Contagion
00:11:18 Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Rewards
00:14:43 Money, Comparison & Happiness
00:21:39 Tool: Increase Social Connection; Real-Time Communication
00:32:16 Sponsor: AG1
00:33:47 Technology, Information, Social Interaction
00:39:22 Loneliness, Youth, Technology
00:42:16 Cravings, Sustainable Actions, Dopamine
00:47:01 Social Connection & Predictions; Introverts & Extroverts
00:57:22 Sponsors: Function & LMNT
01:00:41 Social Connection & Frequency; Tools: Fun; “Presence” & Technology
01:07:53 Technology & Negative Effects; Tool: Senses & Grounding; Podcasts
01:15:11 Negativity Bias, Gratitude, Tool: “Delight” Practice & Shifting Emotions
01:25:01 Sponsor: David
01:26:17 Importance of Negative Emotions; Judgements about Happiness
01:34:16 Happiness & Cultural Differences, Tool: Focus on Small Pleasures
01:41:00 Dogs, Monkeys & Brain, “Monkey Mind”
01:47:40 Monkeys, Perspective, Planning
01:53:58 Dogs, Cats, Dingos; Pets & Happiness
02:00:49 Time Famish; Tools: Time Affluence Breaks; Time Confetti & Free Time
02:07:46 Hedonic Adaptation; Tool: Spacing Happy Experiences
02:15:27 Contrast, Comparison & Happiness; Tool: Bronze Lining, Negative Visualization
02:24:08 Visualization, Bannister Effect; Tool: Imagine Obstacles
02:29:12 Culture; Arrival Fallacy, Tool: Journey Mindset
02:37:11 Mortality, Memento Mori, Tool: Fleeting Experiences & Contrast
02:44:33 Awe
02:48:15 Timescales; Community Engagement & Signature Strengths; Tool: Job Crafting
02:56:55 Strength Date, Leisure Time; Tool: Doing for Others, Feel Good Do Good
03:01:42 Tool: Asking for Help
03:05:32 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter
