The Science of Happiness

Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin. How to Do This Practice: Last week we explored the scientifically backed healing qualities of water, focusing on how connecting with water through sound, sight, and touch can support our well being. This week, indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin. Today’s Happiness Break Host: DR. YURIA CELIDWEN is an indigenous scholar of contemplative studies, and author of the new book, Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations For Collective Well-Being. Read more on Yuria: https://www.yuriacelidwen.com/#about Follow Yuria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuriacelidwen/ Read Yuria’s work on kin relationality: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.994508/full If You Enjoyed This Happiness Break, You Might Also Like: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with DacherHow to Ground Yourself in Nature, With Yuria Celidwen Check Out These Episodes of The Science of Happiness: The Healing Effects of Experiencing WildlifeHow to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself)How to Use Your Body to Relax Your Mind (The Science of Happiness)We’d love to hear how this practice goes for you! Let us know how you connect with water in your life. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu Find us on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzus Help us share Happiness Break! Rate us and copy and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/6s39rzus Transcript:

Discover how connecting with water through all five senses can support well-being as our guest experiences the calming and refreshing effects of natural waters.

A guided drawing meditation to help you break out of stale thought patterns and maybe even enter a state of flow. No talent required. How to Do This Practice: Today’s Happiness Break host: Chris Murchison is a meditation teacher, artist and speaker. He currently works as an independent advisor for organizations interested in improving their work cultures. Check out Chris’s GGSC profile: https://tinyurl.com/32htut6n Learn more about Chris’s art and other work: https://chrismurchison.com/about Follow Chris on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4auxk3ur Transcript: tinyurl.com/4cmucasc

We explore Día de los Muertos as a ritual that nurtures community, imbues loss with meaning, and helps us process grief while also connecting through shared joy. Summary: We investigate how Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, rituals strengthen family ties and cultural identity, and learn about its evolution from a 3,000 year old practice to a global celebration. We look at key elements like the ofrenda and explore how commercialization—like Mattel’s Day of the Dead Barbie—raises questions about balancing tradition with modern influences. Guest: Michelle Telléz is an Associate Professor in Mexican-American studies at Arizona State University. Learn more about Michelle: https://tinyurl.com/2ph3can7 Guest: Mathew Sandoval, a.ka. "Dr. Muerte," an artist and Associate Professor at Arizona State University. He is a leading expert on Día de los Muertos. Learn more about Mathew: mathewsandoval.com Transcript coming soon.

Discover Humming Bee Breath (Bhramari Pranayama), a soothing breathing technique that uses gentle humming to promote relaxation and mental calm. It’s important to take a moment to pause and take a long, slow exhale as we navigate life. In our podcast series, "Breathe Away Anxiety," we explore ancient breathing techniques alongside cutting-edge research that reveals the powerful effects of slow, controlled breathing on our mental and physical well-being. We also share Happiness Break meditations to guide you through these science-backed methods, helping you reduce anxiety and cultivate calm in your everyday life. Summary: Priyanka Gupta guides us through Bhrmari Pranayama, also known as Humming Bee Breath. Regular practice of this calming technique has been shown to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and support cardiovascular health. Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/549v3w62 Time: 15 minutes, or as long as it feels right. How To Do This Practice: Note: This version of Bhramari Pranayama, practiced without specific gestures (mudras), was studied by Dr. Gunjan Trivedi. Guest: Priyanka Gupta is a yoga and meditation instructor. Learn more about Priyanka: https://www.yogawithpriyanka.ca https://www.youtube.com/yogawithpriyanka https://www.instagram.com/yogawithpriyanka https://linktr.ee/yogawithpriyanka Related Science of Happiness episodes: The Science of Humming (Bhramari Pranayama): https://tinyurl.com/549v3w62 How Breathe Away Anxiety (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/4jyvkj4t How To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh Related Happiness Break episodes: A Breathing Technique To Help You Relax (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/3dtwyk44 A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22kr

Did you know humming can soothe your nervous system? Join us as marathon runner and activist Cal Calamia tries Bhramari Pranayama, a yogic humming breath technique, and we explore the research behind its stress-relieving power. Summary: Cal Calamia, the first nonbinary winner of the San Francisco Marathon, explores Bhramari Pranayama, an ancient yogic breathing technique that uses humming to promote relaxation. Dr. Gunjan Trivedi later explains how this "humming bee breath" enhances heart rate variability and why it’s key to managing stress. Part of our ongoing series, Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/4jyvkj4t Time: 15 minutes, or as long as it feels right. How To Do This Practice: Note: This version of Bhramari Pranayama, practiced without specific hand gestures (mudras), was studied by Dr. Gunjan Trivedi. Guest: Cal Calamia is an activist, teacher, poet, and the first nonbinary winner of the San Francisco marathon. Learn more about Cal: https://tinyurl.com/25ft296x Guest: Dr. Gunjan Trivedi is the cofounder of Society for Energy & Emotions at Wellness Space in Ahmedabad, India. Learn more about Dr. Trivedi and Wellness Space: https://tinyurl.com/r53x6x3x Read Dr. Trivedi's study about Bhramari Pranayama: https://tinyurl.com/2xnjk6ah Related Science of Happiness episodes: How Breathe Away Anxiety (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/4jyvkj4t How To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh Related Happiness Break episodes: Happiness Break: A Breathing Technique To Help You Relax (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/3dtwyk44 A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22kr Transcript: Coming soon.

Dr. David Spiegel guides you through cyclic sighing, a breathwork practice that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Summary: Dr. David Spiegel guides you through a simple yet powerful breathwork practice that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and boost overall well-being. Backed by Stanford research, this simple technique uses slow, controlled exhales to calm the nervous system and improve overall well-being. Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3dtwyk44 Time: 5 minutes Prepare:First InhaleSecond Inhale: Exhale:Repeat the Cycle: Reflect and Relax: Guest: Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is also the co-founder of the clinically backed self-hypnosis app Reveri. Read Dr. Spiegel’s cyclic sighing study here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkyr2 Related Science of Happiness episodes: Breathe Away Anxiety (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/3u7vsrr5 How To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh Related Happiness Break episodes: A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22kr Follow us on Instagram: @scienceofhappinesspod

We explore cyclic sighing, a simple breathing technique that can help lift your mood and lower anxiety by supporting your parasympathetic nervous system. Summary: Cyclic sighing is a breathing exercise that involves inhaling through your nose, filling your lungs, and then slowly exhaling through your mouth. The idea is to inhale briefly but deeply, and then exhale for longer. Research suggests that the slow exhale is what's most relaxing, and can trigger a self-soothing response in the parasympathetic nervous system. Time: 5 minutes Guest: Sarah Gerhardt is a pro-surfer chemistry professor based out of Santa Cruz, California Guest: Dr. David Spiegel is Willson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is also the co-founder of the clinically backed self-hypnosis app Reveri. Read Dr. Spiegel’s cyclic sighing study here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxbkyr2 Related Science of Happiness episodes: How To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh Related Happiness Break episodes: A Mindful Breath Meditation, With Dacher Keltner: https://tinyurl.com/mr9d22kr Transcript to come.

Dr. Kristin Neff guides us in a self-compassionate touch exercise, and shares the many research-backed reasons to cultivate kindness towards oneself. Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5xt3mz3h Summary: Dr. Kristin Neff guides us through various practices of self-compassionate touch, such as placing hands over the heart or cradling the face, to provide comfort and support. Research shows that self-compassion can improve mental and physical well-being and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress. Guest: Dr. Kristin Neff is an associate professor in the University of Texas at Austin's department of educational psychology. She's also the co-author of 'Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout,' which offers tools to help individuals heal and recharge from burnout. How To Do This Self-Compassionate Touch Practice: Take a moment to try these different touches and see which feels most supportive to you. Whenever you feel stressed or upset, or just need some extra support, use this compassionate touch to remind yourself that you’re here for you. Research shows the practice works best when practiced regularly. Duration: 20 seconds, practiced daily or as often as you can. Find a comfortable space. Sit or stand somewhere you feel relaxed and at ease. Try out these practices while thinking kind words to yourself, as though you were comforting a dear friend in distress. 1. Touch Your Heart: Place both hands gently over the center of your chest, one on top of the other. Apply just enough pressure to feel connected, but not uncomfortable. Focus on the warmth of your touch. 2. Feel Your Strength: If it feels right, make a gentle fist with your left hand, symbolizing strength, and place it over your heart. Rest your right hand on top of the fist to combine the feeling of strength and love. 3. Cradle Your Face: Gently cup each of your cheeks with your hands, holding your face as you would a loved one in distress. Let the touch be soft and caring. 4. Support Your Core: Place both hands over your solar plexus, just below your ribcage, and imagine you're holding and supporting your core. This can be particularly comforting if you're feeling fear or deep emotions. 5. Give Yourself a Hug: Cross your arms, resting each hand on the opposite shoulder. Gently squeeze yourself, adjusting the pressure to feel comforting but not overwhelming. Related Science of Happiness episodes: How to Feel Better About YourselfGive Yourself A BreakIf You Want to Be More Productive, Cut Yourself Some SlackRelated Happiness Break mediations: What to do When you're Struggling, With Spring Washam

We explore the science behind how self-compassionate touch can help us feel better about ourselves. Link to transcript: https://tinyurl.com/4nm5827f Summary: Brittany Luce, host of NPR's "It's Been A Minute," shares her experience with self-compassionate touch. She did it for 20 seconds, almost daily. to quiet her inner critic and foster self-compassion, especially during moments of stress or self-judgment. Researcher Eli Susman also shares the fascinating science behind this practice, and how despite being short and sweet —it may still be an effective way to cultivate self compassion -- especially if you find ways to make it a habit. How To Do This Self-Compassionate Touch Practice: Take a moment to try these different touches and see which feels most supportive to you. Whenever you feel stressed or upset, or just need some extra support, use this compassionate touch to remind yourself that you’re here for you. Research shows the practice works best when practiced regularly. Duration: 20 seconds, practiced daily or as often as you can. Find a comfortable space. Sit or stand somewhere you feel relaxed and at ease. Try out these micro practices while thinking kind words to yourself, as though you were comforting a dear friend in distress. 1. Touch Your Heart: Place both hands gently over the center of your chest, one on top of the other. Apply just enough pressure to feel connected, but not uncomfortable. Focus on the warmth of your touch. 2. Feel Your Strength: If it feels right, make a gentle fist with your left hand, symbolizing strength, and place it over your heart. Rest your right hand on top of the fist to combine the feeling of strength and love. 3. Cradle Your Face: Gently cup each of your cheeks with your hands, holding your face as you would a loved one in distress. Let the touch be soft and caring. 4. Support Your Core: Place both hands over your solar plexus, just below your ribcage, and imagine you're holding and supporting your core. This can be particularly comforting if you're feeling fear or deep emotions. 5. Give Yourself a Hug: Cross your arms, resting each hand on the opposite shoulder. Gently squeeze yourself, adjusting the pressure to feel comforting but not overwhelming. Guest: Brittany Luse is an award-winning journalist, cultural critic. and host of the NPR podcast “It's Been a Minute.” Learn more about Luse: https://tinyurl.com/3bjt6v7m Follow Luse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmluse Listen to the NPR podcast "It's Been A Minute": https://tinyurl.com/3uek8ey8 Guest: Eli Susman is a researcher and Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology at UC Berkeley Read Eli Susman's study on self-compassionate touch: https://tinyurl.com/2uh783z8 Related Science of Happiness episodes: How to Feel Better About YourselfGive Yourself A BreakIf You Want to Be More Productive, Cut Yourself Some SlackRelated Happiness Break mediations: What to do When you're Struggling, With Spring WashamTranscript coming soon.

Letting go of our regrets can motivate us to improve and help us grow. Alex Elle, a certified breath work and writing coach, guides us through a meditation to forgive and accept ourselves. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5dzrzm4z How to Do This Practice: 1. Take a deep breath. As you exhale, remember all you have done in the past that led you to come to be where you are today. 2. Remember that you are allowed to forgive yourself and let it go. Give yourself permission to release any shame that you’re carrying. Forgive yourself. 3. Think of the good things about yourself. Trust your worth and acknowledge that you are evolving. Remember, you are worthy of good things even when you think you are now. 4. When you’re ready, you can bring your attention back to the present moment. Take a few deep breaths in through the nose, and out through the nose. Drop your shoulder and unclench your jaw. 5. If you’d like to take this practice a step further, you can write your own letter of self forgiveness, it can start with “Dear self, I forgive you for …” Today’s Happiness Break host: Alex Elle is a certified breath work coach, author and restorative writing teacher. Her new book, How We Heal, will come out soon. https://www.alexelle.com/about https://www.instagram.com/alex/https://www.tiktok.com/@easewithalexlScience of Happiness Episodes like this one Happiness Break Related Episodes https://tinyurl.com/yynvm6avMessage us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

What if you had a magic wand and could better the world in any way? What would you do? We explore a practice shown to help you find your purpose and feel more motivated, resilient and fulfilled in life. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/bp7wv7ft Episode Summary What’s your greater purpose in life? It’s a tough question, especially if you’re feeling uncertain about your future. In this episode, our guest explores that very question—and gets handed a magic wand with the power to make the world a better place. How To Do The Magic Wand Practice Guest: Selina Bilal is a UC Berkeley undergraduate student who is studying psychology, and a Fellow at Greater Good Science Center, where we produce The Science of Happiness Expert Guest: Kendall Cotton Bronk is a professor of psychology in the Division of Behavioral & Social Sciences at Claremont University. https://tinyurl.com/3p5cepy3Science of Happiness Episodes like this one https://tinyurl.com/yc8j9a4uHappiness Break Related Episodes https://tinyurl.com/54uuvh7zMessage us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Our happiness is interconnected with the well-being of others, both people and the natural world. Step outside of you can, or imagine the outdoors from wherever you are now, and join us for a meditation that’ll help us be better stewards of the natural world. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/y3yfjsxa Episode Summary A meditation on how we can give back to the earth, led by indigenous activist, artist, and scholar Dr. Lyla June Johnston. How To Do This Practice Guest Host: Dr. Lyla June Johnston is an indigenous activist, artist, and scholar from the Naaneesht'ezhi Taach'iinii clan of the Diné Nation. https://www.lylajune.com/https://tinyurl.com/frbe5ya9https://tinyurl.com/bdfbf8yxhttps://tinyurl.com/4jj57n25Science of Happiness Episodes like this one https://tinyurl.com/dmsr2wkmHappiness Break Related Episodes https://tinyurl.com/erz2f5deMessage us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

With the U.S. election swiftly approaching, the political divide can feel overwhelming. But what happens when we recognize the limits of our knowledge? Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/83a5wbkp Episode Summary When we internally acknowledge the limits of our knowledge, we create space to engage with other points of view. Allowing new perspectives in can help us better assess arguments, and decrease hubris. We will hear from psychologists Tania Israel and Daryl Van Tongeren about embracing opinions different from our own. How To Do This Practice Reflect on an issue you feel strongly about. Ask yourself the following questions when listening to someone’s opinion that differs from your own: This episode was supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, as part of our project on “Expanding Awareness of the Science of Intellectual Humility.” To learn more, go to ggsc.berkeley.edu/ih. Today’s guests: Our guest host today is Allison Briscoe-Smith, a psychologist and Senior Fellow at The Greater Good Science Center. Tania Israel is a psychology professor at UC Santa Barbara and author of the new book Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation. Daryl Van Tongeren is a psychology professor at Hope College and author of the book Humble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World. https://tinyurl.com/p3eexvkfhttps://tinyurl.com/58z9vmvbFacing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation, https://tinyurl.com/yeyw7k6jHumble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic WorldScience of Happiness Episodes like this one: A Way to Make Work More Meaningful: https://tinyurl.com/mtpay9jw The Questions to Ask Yourself in an Argument: https://tinyurl.com/3uajhp4t When It’s Hard to Connect, Try Being Curious: https://tinyurl.com/nhzj52vc Making Difficult Interactions More Respectful: https://tinyurl.com/bddafcrw Happiness Break Related Episodes: A Meditation For Connecting In Polarized Times, With Scott Shigeoka: https://tinyurl.com/y6e4vdsd Direct message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. You can also e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Loving-kindness meditation, or “metta,” has its roots in Buddhist traditions that date back thousands of years. Studies show it can help nourish your capacity to express love, feel more satisfied in life, and enhance brain areas involved in emotional processing and empathy. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/5h3nfwjb Episode Summary Dacher guides us in a meditation that has been practiced over thousands of years. Together, we will mentally extend goodwill, kindness, and warmth towards others and ourselves, in a series of mantras. How To Do This Practice Today’s Host: Dacher Keltner Science of Happiness episodes like this one: https://tinyurl.com/3dnye335https://tinyurl.com/2afe5v79Happiness Break related episodes: https://tinyurl.com/3cd6xj23https://tinyurl.com/yc8emecmThis episode was supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation on "Spreading Love Through the Media". Tell us about your experiences practicing loving-kindness meditation! Direct message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. You can also e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Have you ever known you were dreaming while you were asleep? Our guests try practices to help induce lucid dreams, and we hear what they can teach us about consciousness.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and vastness of the sky. Dacher Keltner guides us through a practice of pausing to turn your gaze to the sky as a pathway to awe, creativity and wonder. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc5xfwp4 Practice: Today’s Happiness Break host: Dacher Keltner is the host of the Greater Good Science Center’s award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC’s popular online course of the same name. He’s also the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Check out Dacher’s most recent book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/4j4hcvyt Resources from The Greater Good Science Center: Why we Should Look up at the Sky (Podcast): https://tinyurl.com/fn3bttw6 Six Ways to Incorporate Awe into Your Daily Life: https://tinyurl.com/3j5hdtj7 How to Choose a Type of Mindfulness Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/py6b729h How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative: https://tinyurl.com/2fmpdpkj Why is Nature so Good For Your Mental Health? ​​https://tinyurl.com/23zavth3 Tell us about your experiences with wildlife! Leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. You can also e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Safe encounters with wildlife can deepen our appreciation for nature, and for other people. Craig Foster of “My Octopus Teacher” shares his transformational experiences with the animals of the ocean. Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/murmd98b Episode Summary Venturing into nature and experiencing wildlife can be transformative. Safe interactions with wildlife encourage us to be more in relation with nature, and each other. In this episode, we hear from Craig Foster of “My Octopus Teacher” and how his interactions with sea creatures have changed his life. We also hear from environmental researcher Liz Lev about the effect on our well-being that being in wild spaces provides. How To Do This Practice: The next time you want to explore the outdoors, find the “wildest” space you can think of. Explore the “wild spaces” in your neighborhood or city, and reflect on your experiences with wildlife. Today’s guests: Craig Foster is the director of My Octopus Teacher, and the co-founder of Sea Change Project. Liz Lev is an environmental researcher and research associate at Harder+Company who that specializes in the intersections of environmental and climate justice issues, mental health, and urban planning. https://tinyurl.com/tyctr6fuhttps://tinyurl.com/e87edt4bScience of Happiness Episodes like this one: Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher (Encore): https://tinyurl.com/aj34s585 How Exploring New Places Can Make You Feel Happier: https://tinyurl.com/4ufn2tpn Why We Should Look up at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/mpn9vj2t How Birdsong Can Help Your Mental Health: https://tinyurl.com/3tey4rb5 Happiness Break Related Episodes: Feeling the Awe of Nature From Anywhere, With Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/y4mm4wu9 How to Ground Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/2wv69kws This episode was supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation on "Spreading Love Through the Media". Tell us about your experiences with wildlife! Direct message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. You can also e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

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: Today’s Happiness Break host: Dacher Keltner is the host of the Greater Good Science Center’s award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC’s popular online course of the same name. He’s also the founding director of the GGSC and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. If you enjoyed this Happiness Break, you may also like these Happiness Breaks: Feeling the Awe of Nature From Anywhere, With Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/y4mm4wu9 How to Ground Yourself: https://tinyurl.com/2wv69kws Check out these episodes of The Science of Happiness Walk Outside with Inside Out’s Pete Docter: https://tinyurl.com/23vpuj8j Why We Should Look up at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/mpn9vj2t How Birdsong Can Help Your Mental Health: https://tinyurl.com/3tey4rb5 Tell us about your nature experience! Direct message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. You can also e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

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. Exploring new and diverse environments in our daily life can lead to better stress resilience and can make us feel better. In this episode, investigative journalist Ike Sriskandarajah, shares his experience exploring new places with his family in New York City. Then, we hear from Aaron Heller, a neuroscientist and assistant professor at the University of Miami's Department of Psychology, who studies how exposure to novel places can make us happier. Practice: Break out of your usual daily routine–take a route to work you have never taken before, or visit a park you’ve never gone to. Explore a place you have never been to. Today’s guests: Ike Sriskandarajah is an investigative journalist and Producer at This American Life. Aaron Heller is a neuroscientist and assistant professor at the University of Miami's Department of Psychology. https://tinyurl.com/4auuk7pdhttps://tinyurl.com/serhuyt5https://tinyurl.com/yxrpm944https://tinyurl.com/rr3ac6jwhttps://tinyurl.com/36trsaux Science of Happiness Episodes like this one https://tinyurl.com/bddavvbvHappiness Break Related Episodes https://tinyurl.com/y4mm4wu9https://tinyurl.com/y4mm4wu9Tell us about your experience exploring new places! Leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod, or e-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap