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 …

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 su…

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…

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 i…

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 …

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.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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 Scoo…

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 cultu…

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.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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…

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…

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 pass…

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.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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 attentio…

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…

We learn techniques for working across the aisle without compromising our values from a Democratic politician in one of the most conservative states, Oklahoma.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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 h…

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 ta…

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.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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 comforta…

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 he…

Playfulness can improve your relationships, help you excel at work, and reduce stress. We explore a strategy shown to help you become more playful.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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 pla…

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…

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.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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…

Our guest tried a practice in radical acceptance, a Buddhist principle made popular by today's expert, psychologist Tara Brach.By Science of Happiness Podcast

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 Ph…

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, …