132: Master of Arts in Happiness Studies: First Course Deep Dive (GHS-509)

This AI podcast is based on the materials of the first course in the Master of Arts in Happiness Studies at Centenary University. It's called “GHS-509 Foundations of Happiness Studies,” and it's packed with science-backed ways to feel better, live longer, and become more fulfilled. We explore how managing energy—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—is more important than just managing time. You’ll learn about the power of proper breathing, small daily movements, eating whole foods, sleeping enough, and taking breaks. We also talk about how to handle stress better, how your brain can change at any age, and how deep relationships and gratitude make the biggest difference. The goal is simple: small daily actions that lead to big, long-term changes in happiness.Soundbites- “Time is not the issue. Energy is.”- “You can’t run a high-performance life on empty.”- “Breathing through your nose changes your physiology — and your life.”- “Metabolism doesn’t crash after 40 — your movement does.”- “Sleep is where the magic happens.”- “Buy willpower at the store, not in your pantry.”- “Painful emotions are not problems — they’re part of being human.”- “It’s not the stress that breaks us, it’s the lack of recovery.”- “You’re not stuck — your brain is plastic, and that’s good news.”- “Praising effort creates resilience. Praising talent creates fear.”- “Motivation comes after action, not before it.”- “Gratitude isn’t fluffy — it rewires your brain for happiness.”- “Every small shift is a vote for the kind of life you want to live.”Takeaways- Managing your energy—not just time—is the foundation of sustainable well-being.- Small, consistent actions (MVIs) can create lasting change through compounding effects.- Nasal breathing and lung capacity strongly predict long-term health.- Movement throughout the day is more effective than isolated workouts.- Quality sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to every dimension of health and happiness.- Hidden sugars in modern diets are a major health threat; shop smart to win before the craving hits.- Embracing negative emotions is crucial; resisting them amplifies suffering.- Stress is not the problem—recovery is. Build micro, mid, and macro recovery rituals.- Mindfulness and focused attention can reshape the brain and boost immune function.- Shift from praising fixed traits to recognizing effort and strategy to promote growth mindset.- Action precedes motivation. Even five minutes of effort can build momentum.- Gratitude and relationships are the strongest predictors of happiness—more than wealth or achievement.#happinessstudies #ghs509 #centenaryuniversity #masterofhappiness #energyovertime #microhabits #wellbeing #positivemindset #neuroplasticity #gratitudepractice #mindfulnessdaily #resilience #mentalfitness #breathebetter #tinyhabits #emotionalwellbeing #growthmindset #livebetter #scienceofhappiness #selfimprovement