Dr. Robert Waldinger on the Science of Happiness and What Makes a Good Life

Episode Highlights With Dr. WaldingerHow he became a zen master who teaches meditation around the worldThe science of meditation and the science of why it is beneficialWhat the Harvard study of adult development is- the longest study on the same group of people since 1938Key takeaways from this extremely long studyThe surprising key to happiness and why human connection and relationships are so importantHelpful questions for checking in on your own relationshipsHow childhood experiences shape mental health later in life and what children really need to feel safe and secure in lifeWhat the data says about things that extend lifespan and things that shorten itHow human connection correlates to a longer lifespanStrong relationships are natural stress reducers - the science of how this worksWhy happiness is not something we can “achieve” past our basic human needsHow to build a safety net of well-being to help increase happiness and calm even in tough timesWays to use our feelings as signals but exercise choice in how we act and respondHow to increase “social fitness” and nurture relationships in your lifeA rule of thumb when it comes to relationshipsWhy kids need to see us model prioritizing relationships and taking care of ourselvesWhat empathetic accuracy is and how to get better at itThe W.I.S.E.R method for handling emotionally challenging situationsThe best investment you can make in your own well-being (it might surprise you)Health and lifestyle trends that stood out from the data in this studyResources We MentionRobert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | TED TalkThe Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger, MDWherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-ZinnThanks to Our Sponsors! Hiya Children's Vitamins - A clean line of children's vitamins that provides growing kids with all the essential nutrients that might be missing from their diet. Wellnesse - My line of clean, non-toxic personal care products such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and much more!"If the path before you is clear, you're probably on somebody else's path." - Joseph Campbell