The Science of Achieving Well-Being: Yale University

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About Course

In this course, you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. In preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.

THE SCIENCE OF WELL-BEING WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE DAVID F. SWENSEN FUND FOR INNOVATION IN TEACHING.

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What Will You Learn?

  • misconceptions about happiness,
  • annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do,
  • the research that can help us change
  • How to Integrate Wellness into your life

Course Content

Week1
Why take this course? Learning Objectives Assess your current level of well-being and produce a baseline measurement of well-being Discover your signature strengths and apply them in your life for at least one week

  • Start a New Journey! (V)
    01:00
  • Welcome Letter from Professor Santos
  • Become Happier by Learning & Applying Psychological Science (V)
    05:00
  • Why This Course Exists (V)
    04:00
  • Boosting well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • What is the G.I. Joe Fallacy? (V)
    05:00
  • Course Requirements
  • Course Rewirements
  • Rewirement Tracking
  • Measure Your Happiness and Discover Your Strengths
  • References & Notes
  • Ways to Learn More
    23:00

Week 2
What do we think will make us happy? Learning Objectives Understand that simply knowing is not enough to change behavior Give examples of what things won’t make you as happy as you think they will Revise and reconsider goals and aspirations that will not lead to improved well-being Practice savoring and gratitude every day for at least one week

Week 3
Why do we mispredict what makes us happy? Learning Objectives Understand that our strongest intuitions are often misleading (Annoying Feature of the Mind #1) Understand that we judge ourselves relative to reference points which are often irrelevant and make us feel worse than we should (Annoying Feature of the Mind #2) Understand that our minds are programmed to adapt and ultimately get used to things (Annoying Feature of the Mind #3) Understand that we don’t realize how good we are at adapting and coping and mispredict how certain outcomes will make us feel (Annoying Feature of the Mind #4) Discover how cognitive biases (Annoying Features of the Mind) impact your daily life Practice kindness and social connection every day for at least one week

Week 4
How we counteract our annoying features of the mind? Learning Objectives Understand that experiential purchases are a better investment than material ones Give examples of intentional activities you can do to overcome cognitive biases and improve your mood Practice healthy habits like exercising for 30 minutes a day and getting over 7 hours of sleep a night

Week 5
What can we do to improve our happiness? Learning Objectives Understand that seeking a higher salary and good grades can sometimes make us happy with the right mindset List the behaviors scientifically linked to improved well-being, such as being kind, connecting with others, valuing time, meditating, getting more sleep, and exercising Practice meditation and conduct a gratitude visit

Week 6
How can we intentionally put these strategies into practice and build healthier habits? Learning Objectives Understand that your surroundings play a key role in the types of behaviors you engage in List elements of effective goal setting Design your environment and practice goal setting strategies to build better habits Enjoy your time affluence

Week 7
What rewirement will you commit to for the next 4 weeks? Learning Objectives Develop a personal plan to execute your Rewirement Assignment

Week 8
How can you rely on others to help you change your behaviors? Learning Objectives Understand and utilize the power of making a social commitment to change your behavior

Week 9
How can you design your environment to help you change your behaviors? Learning Objectives Understand and utilize the power of your environment to change your behavior

Week 10
What mindset can you have to appreciate your progress so far and continue your progress beyond the course? Learning Objectives Understand and utilize the power of your mindset to change your behavior

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