As the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, my work is dedicated to measuring and understanding what improves people’s wellbeing and overall quality of life. We’re based in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, one of the countries that is consistently ranked the happiest in the world. Danes are often surprised by this fact. As someone … Read more
As a faculty member at Yale, I teach hundreds of people every year. I’ve observed that although all of my students have extraordinary qualities, only some of them go on to live extraordinary lives. What makes them so special? They have a healthy relationship with themselves. Most people, however, have the opposite: a toxic relationship … Read more
In a little-known mountainous area called Hunza Valley, located far north of Pakistan, people seem to defy all medical odds. It is primarily home to the Burusho and Wakhi people, who for centuries have survived and thrived in remote villages â with minimal amenities and rudimentary health facilities. Studies have found that the average life … Read more
So many unhealthy relationship dynamics are fueled by poor communication skills. As a Harvard-trained psychologist who has spent 20 years working with couples, I’ve found that the most damaging way to communicate with your partner is with contempt. Contempt is the belief that a person is beneath you, worthless, or deserving of scorn and ridicule. When someone … Read more
Why higher emotional intelligence boosts happiness Emotional intelligence, which is the capacity to understand and control our emotions, as well as being sensitive to others’ feelings, nurtures our relationships and boosts our empathy. This can lead to stronger social connections. And as we age, our social bonds become even more vital to our well-being. With … Read more
As parents, we want so many things for our children — good health, success, happy relationships, and purpose in life. One thing we can do to try to guarantee these things is to help them develop emotional intelligence skills, which are key predictors for happiness and success. How do you know if your child is … Read more
As a psychologist, I’ve spent nearly 20 years studying how to care for and raise good humans. The overlooked skill I always tell new parents to teach is inner efficiency. Inner efficacy is an individual’s belief in their own capacity to do what it takes to meet their goals. Self-esteem might say, “I’m amazing!” but … Read more
As a retiree, when I look back at my life and reminisce with friends, it’s easy to focus on the negative. So for 2024, I’ve resolved to acknowledge and congratulate myself for things I did in the past. There were many choices I took for granted that turned out to be wise decisions. They’ve brought … Read more
In June 2018, I packed three suitcases and booked a one-way flight from Texas to join my husband in Denmark. We met in 2016 and had been dating long-distance for much of our relationship. We were excited to get married and build a home and life together. We found a wonderful apartment online in a … Read more
Imagine walking into a job interview and feeling 100% ready. You’ve polished your resume and prepared good answers. But as an HR and career expert with 20 years of experience, I’ve found that the interview process isn’t just about impressing potential employers — it’s also about protecting yourself from a toxic work environment. To prevent … Read more
