The Science of Happiness: How To Live The Life You Want with Dr. Laurie Santos

On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes welcomes Happiness Expert and Yale Professor Dr. Laurie Santos to explore what makes humans happy. This science-backed conversation looks at the key mindset, habits and behaviors that drive a person’s happiness, beyond chasing achievements. Dr. Santos shares the information you need to create lasting joy and quiet negative emotions when they arise. Each practical tool shared in this episode will help to overcome stress, perfectionism and create the self-compassion needed to truly improve your everyday life. (00:35) Inside Dr. Laurie Santos’s Record-Breaking Yale Course(02:04) Differentiating Happiness and Joy (And How To Find Both)(03:33) The Importance of Finding Purpose(05:52) What Happens When You Aren’t Aligned With Your True Self(09:54) The Largest Misconception When It Comes To Happiness(11:40) Happiness in Athletes: Overcoming The Need For Achievement (15:05) Quieting A Negative Mindset (18:52) The Key Mental Shift for Fulfillment(21:36) Fighting Back Against Perfectionist Self Talk(24:50) How Social Comparison is Taking Away (29:39) Impactful Effects of Gratitude and Kindness Meditation(32:26) Creating Psychological Safety & How It Impacts Happiness(33:30) What Role of Sleep Play in Happiness?(39:19) Benefits of Scheduling Your Worry(40:30) The Overwhelming Impact of Social Connection on Health and Happiness(41:50) Social Connection For Extroverts vs Introverts(50:39) Happiness in Marriage: Finding Joy Within Yourself and Your Partner (52:25) How Ruminating In Negative Thoughts Can Hinder Growth(55:38) Attention and Intention in Mindfulness and Meditation(01:01:01) How to Dr. Santos Defines A Good Life(01:01:47) 3 Ways To Bring Happiness Into Your Life TodayFollow Dr. Laurie SantosInstagramYouTubeXWebsiteSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInBuy Aligned by Dr. Kristen Holmes: Follow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn