Coping Amid the Crisis: With Guest Laurie Santos

TL;DR

Psychologist Dr. Lorie Santos shares insights on how the science of happiness and well-being can help individuals cope with the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transcript

hi everyone this is Katie Milkman signing on today for my home in Philadelphia with a very unusual special episode of choiceology all of us at choiceology wanted to find a way to be helpful to you in the face of the covid-19 crisis as we thought about how Behavioral Science could help you make better decisions in the midst of a pandemic we quickly ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 The science of happiness provides actionable tips for improving well-being during the COVID-19 crisis.
• ❓ Maintaining social connections through technology is crucial and requires intentionality.
• 🥹 Gratitude practices, exercise, and mindfulness techniques can contribute to emotional well-being.
• 🤳 Self-compassion and giving oneself the benefit of the doubt is important during this challenging time.
• 👶 Building new habits and routines can help individuals cope with stress and uncertainty more effectively.
• 🛟 It is important to limit exposure to negative news and social media to preserve emotional well-being.
• 🧘 Practicing mindfulness and meditation can regulate emotions and reduce anxiety.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can the science of happiness help individuals manage the emotional challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The science of happiness provides actionable tips that can improve well-being, such as practicing gratitude, staying socially connected, engaging in physical exercise, and utilizing mindfulness techniques.

Q: What can individuals do to maintain social connections while practicing social distancing?

It is important to be intentional about social connections during this time. Utilize technology such as FaceTime and Zoom to connect with friends and family, engage in virtual activities together, and check in on loved ones regularly.

Q: How can practicing mindfulness and meditation help individuals during the crisis?

Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote overall well-being. Focusing on deep belly breathing and practicing loving-kindness meditation can be particularly beneficial.

Q: How can individuals ensure they get enough sleep during this stressful time?

Establishing a sleep routine and creating a habit of prioritizing sleep is crucial. Avoid social media before bed, replace it with alternative activities like reading a physical book, and practice future-oriented processing to envision a better outcome in the future.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dr. Lorie Santos created a course on the science of happiness after witnessing a mental health crisis among college students at Yale University.

• The science of happiness offers actionable tips to improve well-being, especially during stressful times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Taking care of social connections, practicing gratitude, engaging in physical exercise, and utilizing mindfulness techniques can contribute to emotional well-being during the crisis.