“Research shows that people who do new things are happier—even something as simple as trying new restaurants," says Gretchen Rubin.

Gretchen, a leading happiness scholar and bestselling author, joins us to discuss how to tap into your five senses—which, in turn, helps strengthen your mental health, creativity, and energy—plus:

- Why Gretchen wrote a book on the 5 senses (~00:11)

- How to make mindfulness more approachable (~05:03)

- What you need to know about the 9 senses (~09:59)

- The reason some people love rewatching TV shows (~12:30)

- The health benefits of Opposite Day (~15:45)

- How to find joy in the mundane (~19:44)

- The benefits of boredom (~25:27)

- How to become a better listener (~27:29)

- How to use music to boost your energy (~32:57)

- The interplay of smell & taste (~36:25)

- How to know if you’re an abstainer or a moderator (~43:26)

- The healing power of touch (~48:31)

- What to do when you walk into a party alone (~50:47)

- Why touch is so tied to emotion (~54:38)

- How your brain filters sensory information (~58:27)

- How the 5 senses can reduce stress & boost energy (~01:01:34)

Referenced in the episode:

- Gretchen's book, Life In The Five Senses.

- Gretchen's podcast, Happier With Gretchen Rubin.

- Gretchen's previous book, Better Than Before.

- mbg Podcast episode #350, with Gretchen.

- Listen to Gretchen on Dan Harris' podcast.

- Research on new experiences & happiness.

- A study on phones at the table & distraction.

- The Nostalgia Machine.

- Gretchen's Five Senses Quiz.

- mbg Podcast episode #272, with Gary Taubes.

- mbg Podcast episode #365, with Mark Schatzker.

- Sign up for The Long Game. 

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