The Science of Happiness from edX

"A free eight-week Science of Happiness course that will offer practical, research-backed tips on living a happy and meaningful life." - The Huffington Post

We all want to be happy, and there are countless ideas about what happiness is and how we can get some. But not many of those ideas are based on science. That's where this course comes in.

"The Science of Happiness" is the first MOOC to teach the ground-breaking science of positive psychology, which explores the roots of a happy and meaningful life. Students will engage with some of the most provocative and practical lessons from this science, discovering how cutting-edge research can be applied to their own lives. Created by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, the course will zero in on a fundamental finding from positive psychology: that happiness is inextricably linked to having strong social connections and contributing to something bigger than yourself--the greater good. Students will learn about the cross-disciplinary research supporting this view, spanning the fields of psychology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and beyond.

What's more, "The Science of Happiness" offers students practical strategies for tapping into and nurturing their own happiness, including trying several research-backed activities that foster social and emotional well-being, and exploring how their own happiness changes along the way.

The course's co-instructors, Dacher Keltner and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, are not only leading authorities on positive psychology but also gifted teachers skilled at making science fun and personal. They'll be joined by world-renowned experts discussing themes like empathy, mindfulness, and gratitude--experts including Barbara Fredrickson, Paul Ekman, Sonja Lyubomirsky, and Jon Kabat-Zinn. Health professionals who register can earn continuing education units for their participation.

Consider signing up for this course with a friend or group - tweet about your registration, share it on Facebook, and use the buddy system to stay on track. Join the conversation on The Greater Good Science Center Facebook page, or in the BerkeleyX: GG101x The Science of Happiness Facebook group.

NOTE: This course is a self-paced course on edX.

What's inside

Learning objectives

What happiness really means and why it matters to you
How to increase your own happiness and foster happiness in others

Why social connections, kindness, and community are key to happiness
Which mental habits are most conducive to happiness and how mindfulness can help

What happiness really means and why it matters to you
How to increase your own happiness and foster happiness in others
Why social connections, kindness, and community are key to happiness
Which mental habits are most conducive to happiness and how mindfulness can help

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the link between social connections and happiness, demonstrating why positive relationships are important for well-being

Teaches research-backed activities that foster social and emotional well-being, giving students practical strategies for nurturing their own happiness

Utilizes multi-modal learning with videos, readings, and discussions, providing a varied and engaging learning experience

Features renowned experts in the field, such as Barbara Fredrickson and Paul Ekman, enhancing the credibility of the course material

Emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and gratitude, providing practical tips for incorporating these practices into daily life

Reviews summary

Happiness science explained

Learners say the Science of Happiness is an engaging course that illuminates the foundations of the positive mindset. With research-based teachings and expert insights, this course improves happiness by exploring elements such as gratitude, mindfulness, empathy, self-compassion, and forgiveness. Although it may seem lengthy, students found its insights valuable. The course utilizes happiness journals and exercises, making it an immersive and enriching experience.

Utilizes interactive elements to enhance learning

"Fantastic course. Enjoyed doing the exercises to put the learning into practice."

"The neuroscience is not very rigorous..."

"A particular highlight was the tracking of feelings, a Journal kind of thing to record and understand your state of mind."

Structured to enhance understanding

"The course was very enjoyable. I also liked having the videos instead of needing to read everything."

"This course looks at positive qualities of human beings and the attributes that if incorporated in one's personality would make them happier."

"This course took some time to do, but it is well worth it."

Grounded in scientific research

"A course looking at the science behind our feelings of happiness..."

"An absolutely wonderful course that I highly recommend to those interested in gaining greater insight into positive psychology..."

"so there would be research studies and a lot of sciency side of it."

May feel like a long commitment

"From a personal standpoint, I thought the course is a bit overdone in terms of length (11 weeks)."

"Although it may seem lengthy, students found its insights valuable."

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 The Science of Happiness with these activities:

Collect articles and resources on happiness

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Collecting resources on happiness can help you deepen your understanding of the topic.

Browse courses on Happiness

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Search for articles, books, and websites on happiness.
Save or bookmark the resources that you find most helpful.
Review your collection of resources regularly.

Practice gratitude exercises

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Gratitude exercises have been shown to increase happiness and well-being.

Browse courses on Gratitude

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Write down three things you're grateful for each day.
Send a gratitude message to someone who has made a positive impact on your life.
Meditate on the things you're grateful for.

Write a journal entry each day about your happiness levels

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Regularly tracking your happiness levels can help you identify patterns and triggers, and develop strategies for increasing your happiness.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

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Set aside a specific time each day to write in your journal.
Rate your happiness level on a scale of 1-10.
Describe what activities or events contributed to your happiness that day.
Identify any challenges or stressors that impacted your happiness.
Reflect on what you can do to increase your happiness in the future.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Read 'The Happiness Advantage' by Shawn Achor

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This book provides a research-based overview of the science of happiness, offering practical tips for increasing your own well-being.

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

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read one chapter per day.
Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
Reflect on how you can apply these principles to your own life.

Watch TED Talks on happiness

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TED Talks offer inspiring and informative presentations on a variety of topics, including happiness and well-being.

Browse courses on Happiness

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Search for TED Talks on happiness.
Watch at least one TED Talk per week.
Take notes on key takeaways.
Reflect on how the ideas presented in the TED Talks apply to your own life.

Create a happiness vision board

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A happiness vision board can help you focus on your goals and aspirations, which can contribute to increased happiness.

Browse courses on Visualization

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Gather images, quotes, and affirmations that represent your happiness goals.
Create a collage on a piece of poster board or in a digital format.
Hang your happiness vision board in a place where you'll see it often.

Join a happiness support group

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Connecting with others who are also interested in increasing their happiness can provide support and motivation.

Browse courses on Community

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Search for happiness support groups in your area.
Attend a meeting of a support group.
Share your experiences and learn from others.

Volunteer your time to a cause you care about

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Volunteering has been shown to increase happiness and well-being.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Identify a cause you're passionate about.
Research volunteer opportunities in your area.
Sign up for a volunteer shift.
Show up and make a difference!

Career center

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

Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior, helping people understand and overcome mental health challenges. They conduct research, provide therapy, and develop interventions to promote mental well-being. The Science of Happiness can supplement a Psychologist's training by providing a foundation in positive psychology and its applications. By integrating these principles into their practice, Psychologists can enhance their ability to help clients increase happiness, build resilience, and live more fulfilling lives.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and Family Therapists help couples and families improve their relationships and overcome challenges. They work with clients to identify and address issues such as communication, intimacy, parenting, and conflict resolution. The Science of Happiness can provide Marriage and Family Therapists with valuable insights into the science of relationships and well-being. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Marriage and Family Therapists can develop more effective strategies for helping their clients build stronger and more fulfilling relationships.

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Life Coach

Life Coaches help people identify and achieve their personal and professional goals. They work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming challenges, building self-confidence, and living a more fulfilling life. The Science of Happiness can provide Life Coaches with insights into the importance of motivation, self-efficacy, and social support in the coaching process. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Life Coaches can develop more effective strategies for helping their clients achieve their full potential.

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Teacher

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people by providing education and support. They create a positive and engaging learning environment, inspiring students to develop their intellectual, social, and emotional skills. The Science of Happiness can help Teachers understand the importance of creating a classroom culture that promotes happiness and well-being. By incorporating research-based strategies into their teaching practices, Teachers can foster a sense of belonging and purpose among students, which can lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address issues that affect their health and well-being. They build relationships with community members, develop strategies for change, and advocate for policies that promote social justice. The Science of Happiness can provide Community Organizers with insights into the importance of social connections, civic engagement, and collective action in creating healthy and thriving communities.

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Meditation Teacher

Meditation Teachers teach meditation classes to people of all ages and backgrounds. They help students learn how to meditate and develop a regular meditation practice. The Science of Happiness can provide Meditation Teachers with insights into the science of meditation and its benefits for physical and mental health. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Meditation Teachers can develop more effective strategies for helping their students find happiness and well-being through meditation.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease in communities. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and workplaces, helping people make informed decisions about their health. The Science of Happiness can provide Public Health Educators with insights into the importance of motivation, behavioral change, and social support in promoting healthy behaviors. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Public Health Educators can develop more effective strategies for helping communities improve their health and well-being.

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Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and workplaces, helping people make informed decisions about their health. The Science of Happiness can provide Health Educators with insights into the importance of motivation, behavioral change, and social support in promoting healthy behaviors. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Health Educators can develop more effective strategies for helping people improve their health and well-being.

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Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapists use recreation and leisure activities to improve the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community centers, helping people develop skills, increase independence, and improve their quality of life. The Science of Happiness can provide Recreational Therapists with insights into the importance of play, social interaction, and purpose in the rehabilitation process.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate the challenges of life by providing counseling, support, and resources. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address issues such as mental health, poverty, and addiction. The Science of Happiness can provide Social Workers with a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to well-being, as well as practical strategies for fostering happiness and resilience in their clients.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructors teach yoga classes to people of all ages and abilities. They help students improve their physical and mental health through the practice of yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. The Science of Happiness can provide Yoga Instructors with insights into the importance of mindfulness, self-compassion, and social connection in the practice of yoga. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Yoga Instructors can develop more effective strategies for helping their students find happiness and well-being through yoga.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals of all ages to improve their speech, language, and swallowing abilities. The Science of Happiness can provide Speech-Language Pathologists with insights into the social and emotional factors that can impact communication and swallowing. By understanding the principles of positive psychology, Speech-Language Pathologists can develop more effective strategies for helping their clients communicate effectively and participate fully in society.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people restore and improve their physical function and mobility. They work with individuals who have injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions, helping them regain strength, range of motion, and balance. The Science of Happiness can provide Physical Therapists with insights into the importance of motivation, self-efficacy, and social support in the rehabilitation process.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people regain and improve their ability to perform daily activities that are meaningful to them. They work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, helping them develop skills and strategies to overcome challenges. The Science of Happiness can provide insights into the importance of motivation, purpose, and social connections in the rehabilitation process.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses play an essential role in the healthcare system, delivering care to patients in various settings. They assess patients' conditions, administer medications, and work with other members of the healthcare team to develop and implement treatment plans. The Science of Happiness can supplement a Registered Nurse's training by providing valuable insights into the importance of social connections and well-being in patient care. By understanding the science behind happiness, Registered Nurses can enhance their ability to create a positive and supportive environment for both patients and colleagues, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

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