#266: Secrets to a Happier Life with Dr. Robert Waldinger

Themes: Relationships, Connection, Health, Mental Health, Transformation, Belonging, Purpose Summary: Today I’m nerding out with Dr. Robert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and co-author of The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness. Dr. Waldinger is also a Zen master (Roshi) who teaches meditation worldwide. In this episode, we explore Dr. Waldinger’s fascinating research on what makes a “good life” based on the longest study of adult life that has ever been done - the Harvard Study of Adult Development. He shares his insights on the power of relationships and how they affect our mental and physical health, practical tips for improving our happiness, and how to create and nurture thriving relationships. This is a pod you won’t want to miss! Discover: The power of relationships and how they affect our mental and physical health The types of relationships we need to thrive The impact of conflict and how to use it to nurture relationships How to improve the quality of our relationships Ways to build resilience and cope with conflict 00:00 Intro 01:55 What is the happiness study? 04:34 Relationships help us live longer 09:26 Impacts of life events 11:03 High-conflict relationships 12:27 Stress and the body 14:11 Attachment styles and relationship longevity 17:21 Relationships and the body 19:26 Social fitness 21:20 Be curious 24:30 Stratifying the data 27:42 Effects of the study on participants 31:39 Being in Zen 33:28 Religion and spiritual practice 36:39 Rituals and habits 38:38 Study results and expanding the research Links: Website | Harvard Study of Adult Development Book | The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness Sponsors: Cured Nutrition | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off sitewide at curednutrition.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands