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Imagine if happiness came with a user manual. What really drives happiness—and can we reliably enhance it through intentional practices?
As we explore the emerging research on social connection and its impact on well-being, a provocative question arises: should everyone even be pursuing happiness?
My guest today is Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and a pioneer in the field of happiness research. With over three decades of experience, Sonja has focused her career on understanding what makes people truly happy and how we can cultivate lasting contentment. Her groundbreaking studies on hedonic adaptation, gratitude interventions, and the impact of social connection on happiness have reshaped our understanding of emotional well-being.
Today, we debunk common happiness myths and explore how money, careers, and relationships unexpectedly affect our joy. Sonja introduces hedonic adaptation, a key concept in understanding long-term satisfaction, and explains why the impact of wealth on happiness isn’t as straightforward as we might think.
We examine evidence-based happiness strategies—including gratitude and acts of kindness—and their surprising effects on our biology. Sonja’s research reveals how acts of kindness can alter RNA gene expression associated with a healthier immune profile. She emphasizes the importance of finding strategies that “fit” our personalities and lifestyles.
“If you want to be happier and healthier, try to make someone else happier and healthier.”
– SONJA LYUBOMIRSKY
She challenges our assumptions about happiness across the lifespan, revealing that happiness tends to increase with age, often peaking in our late 60s or early 70s. We discuss the complex effects of parenting on emotional well-being and the often-overlooked benefits of aging.
Moving from broad patterns to personal insights, Sonja candidly shares her experiences with rumination. She demonstrates how applying research findings to personal challenges can provide inspiration and practical guidance, highlighting the importance of social connection in fostering happiness.
We also discuss her interest in studying MDMA and its potential to enhance our understanding of social connection and well-being, reflecting the evolving nature of happiness research.
Sonja’s work reminds us that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it’s a skill we can strengthen through intentional practice. Her research offers a powerful antidote to the cynicism often dominating our cultural discourse, emphasizing that almost everything that effectively increases happiness does so by making us feel more connected to others.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Whether looking to improve your life or just curious about the science of happiness, this conversation provides helpful insights and practical wisdom for living a more fulfilling life.
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- Connect with Sonja: Website| LinkedIn
- Psychology Today: Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D.
- Book: The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want
- Book: The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does
- The New York Times: Happiness Inc.
- Greater Good: What Psychedelics Can Teach Us About Human Connection
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