Laurie Santos - The Real Scoop on How to Be Happier (From the Most Popular Course in Yale History)

Daily Exercises

Laurie Santos emphasizes the importance of daily exercises like meditation, cardio, and sleep for boosting well-being. She shares that even small acts of kindness, such as buying coffee for the next person in line, can create a ripple effect of positivity. Cardio exercise, in particular, is highlighted for its profound impact, equating a half-hour of cardio to the effectiveness of antidepressants like Zoloft 1.

We prescribe students to do a half hour of cardio a day. There's research suggesting that a half hour of cardio is as effective as a prescription of Zoloft for reducing depression.

--- Laurie Santos

Sleep is another critical factor, with Santos noting that even minor sleep deprivation can significantly affect mood and well-being 1.

   

Gratitude Practices

Practicing gratitude can dramatically shift one's mindset and resilience, according to Laurie Santos. She explains that students who focus on what they are grateful for tend to handle setbacks better, maintaining a positive outlook despite challenges 2.

When they really flipped the switch and they said, what am I grateful for? It kind of really changed the resilience they had.

--- Laurie Santos

Santos also discusses "rewirement" practices, which include making new social connections and writing gratitude letters. These activities are designed to foster a sense of community and personal fulfillment 3.