Week 4
Thoughts
that make us happy
6 videos
In this unit, students will learn about thought patterns that lead to better moods. Dr. Laurie Santos addresses the power of focusing our thoughts and developing the right mindset in order to experience gratitude, practice mindfulness, and get some perspective.
1. What Make Us Happier: Thoughts
In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos explains how we can control our thoughts to improve our happiness. Learn that we do have the capacity to steer our thoughts, explore how thought pattern influence our happiness, and explore ways to exert more mental control.
2. Experiencing Gratitude
In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the transformative power of gratitude in boosting our happiness. Discover the psychological benefits of expressing gratitude, understand how it fights hedonic adaptation, and learn practical steps such as maintaining a gratitude journal and expressing appreciation to others to bring more joy into your life.
3. Practicing Mindfulness
In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the concept of mind-wandering and its impacts on our happiness. She introduces mindfulness and meditation as powerful tools to counteract mind-wandering, discussing scientific evidence on their benefits, including enhanced academic performance and brain growth.
4. Fighting Your Inner Critic
In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos explores how negative self-talk impacts our happiness, while emphasizing practical strategies to combat it. Discover the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness, and self-kindness in enhancing mental health and overall well-being.
5. Getting Some Perspective
In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos reveals powerful techniques to overcome worry and rumination, enhancing happiness and performance. Explore the power of distanced self-talk, the role of a wise observer, and the surprising benefits of expressive writing.
6. Developing the Right Mindset
In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos delves into the power of mindsets and beliefs in shaping our happiness and achievements. Drawing from the inspirational story of Roger Bannister and comprehensive research by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, learn how to foster a growth mindset and realize your potential for positive change.
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