The Science of Well-Being (Coursera)

Offered by Yale University,
The Science of Well-Being (Coursera)

In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.

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Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction

WEEK 2
Misconceptions About Happiness
What do we think will make us happy?

WEEK 3
Why Our Expectations are so Bad
Why do we mispredict what makes us happy?

WEEK 4
How Can We Overcome Our Biases
How we counteract our annoying features of the mind?

WEEK 5
Stuff that Really Makes Us Happy
What can we do to improve our happiness?

WEEK 6
Putting Strategies into Practice
How can we intentionally put these strategies into practice and build healthier habits?

WEEK 7
Start Your Final Rewirement Challenge
What rewirement will you commit to for the next 4 weeks?

WEEK 8
Continue Your Rewirement Challenge
How can you rely on others to help you change your behaviors?

WEEK 9
Continue Your Rewirement Challenge
How can you design your environment to help you change your behaviors?

WEEK 10
Submit Your Final Assignment
What mindset can you have to appreciate your progress so far and continue your progress beyond the course?

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