Managing Happiness from edX

What is happiness? What makes you happy?’ Can you get happier through study and effort?

Maybe you have pondered these questions over the course of your life, but haven’t been able to come up with any definitive answers. Still, you’d like to think that happiness is something you can understand and manage, right? ****

This is a class that answers these questions and shows you how you can use the answers to build a happier life. It introduces you to the modern science of human well-being and shows you how to practice it. Unlike other happiness courses, Managing Happiness goes a step further and demonstrates how you can share the ideas with others, thus bringing more happiness and love to the world and supercharging your own well-being efforts. ****

Led by Harvard professor, author, social scientist, and former classical musician Arthur Brooks, this course will introduce cutting-edge survey tools, the best research, and trends in social science, positive psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy to help learners unlock the strategies to create a more purposeful life, full of long-lasting enjoyment and satisfaction. Managing Happiness uses philosophical and technical insights to challenge your assumptions about happiness — helping you break bad habits that hold you back and build good ones you can use for the rest of your life. ****

Happiness is a core competency for those that want to be in charge of their lives — both personally and professionally. The concepts learned in this course will lead to enduring improvements and lifelong learning. At the end of the course, you will take away key concepts and actionable insights to apply to your daily routines. People around you will notice the difference.

Start getting happier today, with Managing Happiness.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explore diverse definitions of happiness and understand its function in everyday life
Learn how genetic, social, and economic influences impact your happiness
Apply the science of the mind, body, psychology, and community to manage emotions and behaviors for greater happiness

Develop a happiness portfolio focused on your deepest goals and desires
Recognize how success and achievement impact short versus long-term happiness
Write your ending — build happiness strategies for your work and life at any age or stage

Explore diverse definitions of happiness and understand its function in everyday life
Learn how genetic, social, and economic influences impact your happiness
Apply the science of the mind, body, psychology, and community to manage emotions and behaviors for greater happiness
Develop a happiness portfolio focused on your deepest goals and desires
Recognize how success and achievement impact short versus long-term happiness
Write your ending — build happiness strategies for your work and life at any age or stage

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines happiness, a core competency for personal and professional growth

Led by Arthur Brooks, a renowned social scientist and former classical musician

Develops foundational concepts and actionable insights for long-term happiness

Builds a happiness portfolio that aligns with individual goals and desires

Synthesizes diverse disciplines including neuroscience, philosophy, and positive psychology

Provides strategies for sharing happiness with others, enhancing collective well-being

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing Happiness with these activities:

Find a Happiness Mentor

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Connects you with individuals who can provide guidance, support, and insights on your journey to greater happiness.

Browse courses on Happiness

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Identify potential mentors who align with your goals and values.
Reach out to your potential mentors and express your interest in connecting.
Establish a mentoring relationship and meet regularly.

Review 'Stumbling on Happiness'

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Complements the course material by providing a broader perspective on the science of happiness.

View I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book.
Summarize the key concepts of the book.

Review 'The Happiness Advantage'

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Builds upon the course's foundation of happiness science by providing a popular treatment of the field.

View How to Make a Shark Smile: How a Positive... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book.
Summarize the main points of the book.

Five other activities

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Happiness Discussion Group

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Fosters a supportive and collaborative environment for discussing and applying the concepts of happiness and well-being.

Browse courses on Happiness

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Find a group of peers who are interested in exploring happiness.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material, share experiences, and provide support.
Engage in activities that promote happiness and well-being.

Positive Psychology Exercises

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Provides an opportunity to practice the techniques and exercises introduced in the course.

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Identify positive psychology exercises that align with your interests.
Practice these exercises regularly.
Reflect on your experiences and identify any benefits you notice.

Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop

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Provides practical tools and techniques for managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall well-being.

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Find a mindfulness and meditation workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises.
Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques regularly.

Happiness Plan

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Enables you to apply the concepts learned in the course to create a personalized plan for enhancing your happiness.

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Identify your values and goals.
Research and identify strategies for achieving your goals.
Create a plan that outlines your actions and timeline.
Implement your plan.
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Happiness Blog or Podcast

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Provides an outlet for sharing your knowledge, experiences, and insights related to happiness and well-being.

Browse courses on Happiness

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Choose a platform for your blog or podcast.
Develop a content plan and schedule.
Create high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and inspiring.
Promote your blog or podcast and build an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Managing Happiness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Data Analysts because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Data Analysts better understand the factors that contribute to happiness and develop strategies to promote well-being in the workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice to businesses and organizations. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Consultants because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Consultants better understand the needs of their clients and develop strategies to help them achieve their goals.

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Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Professors because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Professors better understand their students' needs and develop strategies to help them live happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Nurse

A Nurse provides care to patients in a variety of settings. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Nurses because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Nurses better understand the needs of their patients and develop strategies to help them achieve optimal health and well-being.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people cope with personal and social problems. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Social Workers because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Social Workers better understand their clients' needs and develop strategies to help them live happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Entrepreneurs because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Entrepreneurs better understand the challenges and rewards of starting their own business and develop strategies to achieve success while maintaining their well-being.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Teachers because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Teachers better understand their students' needs and develop strategies to help them live happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Urban Planner

An Urban Planner designs and plans the development of cities and towns. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Urban Planners because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Urban Planners better understand the needs of their communities and develop strategies to create healthy, happy, and sustainable places to live.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its components. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Environmental Scientists better understand the impact of their work on people's lives and develop strategies to promote well-being.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts scientific research to answer questions about the world. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Researchers because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Researchers better understand the factors that contribute to happiness and develop strategies to promote well-being.

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Life Coach

A Life Coach helps people identify and achieve personal and professional goals. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Life Coaches because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Life Coaches better understand their clients' motivations and needs, and develop strategies to help them live happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Therapist

A Therapist helps people with mental health issues and emotional problems. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Therapists because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Therapists better understand their clients' needs and develop strategies to help them live happier, more fulfilling lives.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Nonprofit Managers better understand the needs of their employees and clients, and develop strategies to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Public Policy Analysts because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Public Policy Analysts better understand the impact of public policy on people's lives and develop strategies to promote well-being.

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Physician

A Physician provides medical care to patients. This course, Managing Happiness, may be useful for Physicians because it provides insights into the science of human well-being and happiness. This course can help Physicians better understand the needs of their patients and develop strategies to help them achieve optimal health and well-being.

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