A simple smile, a friendly gesture or an offer of help and friendship, could help us all live longer, healthier lives. International Day of Happiness (March 20) is celebrated by the United Nations as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.  There is scientific data that suggests people who embrace the benefits of a positive attitude, are rewarded with a greater sense of well-being. Catherine Sanderson is a psychologist and professor in Life Sciences at Amherst College in Massachusetts. In her book, The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, Dr. Sanderson explores the science behind our mindset, and how, she says, anyone can learn to adopt a more positive outlook. In this LLAMA podcast interview, with Peter Bowes, Dr. Sanderson explains how kindness, gratitude and genuine friendships can help promote better physical and mental health. 

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In this interview we explore:

• Why someone who is not “naturally happy” has written a book about happiness?
• What does it mean to be happy?
• Are we genetically programmed to be either happy or more melancholy in our demeanor?
• Does having stress and adversity in life help, ultimately, promote happiness? 
• What if bad things happen? 
• What does MRI data showing levels of "brain activation" tell us? 
• Why do our brains react differently when we’re surrounded by nature?
• How much control do we have over our mindset? 
• Do we spend too little time thinking about and practicing happiness? 
• How powerful is a smile? 
• How a positive attitude can make us feel better and better tolerate adverse experiences. 
• Why are so many people keeping gratitude journals? 
• Bedtime rituals to help us sleep better.
• Does social media make us feel less happy?
• Why Dr. Sanderson says “relationships are the number one best predictor of our happiness."
• Is happiness contagious?
• Why changing our mindset is not easy.
• Scientific data that supports the idea that happier people live longer.
• Why does volunteering make up happier?

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.