Small Steps to Happiness: The Science of Mindful Living with Laurie Santos | From The One You Feed
Summary
Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the power of small, consistent habits for well-being, emphasizing that "little and often" changes outperform big, perfect ones. She explores gratitude practices, including Ross Gay's "delight" method, to combat hedonic adaptation and depression. Santos also shares insights on sonic happiness, the optimal amount of discretionary time, and the importance of reframing obligations as choices to boost agency and happiness.
Topics discussed
Intro, ChatGPT ad, and Kashi Gut Health Granola sponsor
Dr. Laurie Santos introduces guest Eric Zimmer
The 'Good Wolf' parable and the importance of action
Opportunity cost of chasing the wrong happiness
Dogs, mindfulness, and animal cognition
The 'Little and Often' rule for habits and social media
Compassion, doability, and positive momentum
Hedonic adaptation and avoiding rote gratitude
The 'Delight' practice and training attention
Specificity, depression, and self-compassion
Noticing small rewards above baseline
Sonic happiness and meditating on ambient sound
Investigating negative sounds and meta-awareness
Sponsors: Quince, ChatGPT, 4imprint, Dr. Thiel's
Discretionary time and the 'sand in the glass' metaphor
Reframing obligations through values and agency
Exercise, motivation, and the 'should' trap
Neuroscience of wanting vs. liking and pleasure centers
Mindfulness hacks and sponsors: ChatGPT, 4imprint, Dr. Thiel's
Addiction, learning disorders, and brain tweaks
Behavior change, support systems, and environment
Beliefs vs. practices in religion and 12-step programs
Loneliness, cognitive biases, and reaching out
Social strategies and the value of virtual connection
Outro and sponsors: Amica Insurance, Simon Pearce
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