Why the Longest Study on Happiness Says You're Focusing on the Wrong Things
Why the Longest Study on Happiness Says You're Focusing on the Wrong Things
27 minutes
Hosted by Darin Olien
Sponsored by Therasage

Episode Description

<p data-start="272" data-end="691">In this uplifting solo episode of the SuperLife podcast, Darin Olien dives into the science and soul of happiness—what it really is, why we’ve misunderstood it, and how we can rewire ourselves for true contentment. Backed by decades of research (including the 85-year Harvard study on happiness), Darin explores the power of relationships, gratitude, movement, nature, and intention-setting as daily tools for thriving.</p> <p data-start="693" data-end="915">Whether you're feeling disconnected or just looking for new ways to deepen your joy and resilience, this episode is packed with actionable steps, mindset shifts, and real talk to help you reconnect with what truly matters.</p> <p data-start="693" data-end="915"> </p> <hr data-start="917" data-end="920"> <p data-start="922" data-end="2289"> </p> <p data-start="922" data-end="2289"><span><strong data-start="922" data-end="944">What You’ll Learn:</strong></span></p> <p data-start="922" data-end="2289"><br data-start="944" data-end="947"> <strong data-start="947" data-end="959">00:02:15</strong> – The <em data-start="966" data-end="972">true</em> art and science of happiness in a chaotic world<br data-start="1020" data-end="1023"> <strong data-start="1023" data-end="1035">00:03:45</strong> – How to build resilience by stepping outside the “matrix”<br data-start="1094" data-end="1097"> <strong data-start="1097" data-end="1109">00:04:21</strong> – The #1 predictor of long-term health and happiness<br data-start="1162" data-end="1165"> <strong data-start="1165" data-end="1177">00:06:35</strong> – Harvard’s 85-year study on relationships and longevity<br data-start="1234" data-end="1237"> <strong data-start="1237" data-end="1249">00:08:12</strong> – How close connections protect your brain and body<br data-start="1301" data-end="1304"> <strong data-start="1304" data-end="1316">00:09:48</strong> – Why “social fitness” is just as important as physical fitness<br data-start="1380" data-end="1383"> <strong data-start="1383" data-end="1395">00:11:16</strong> – The surprising benefits of aging: boundaries & positivity<br data-start="1455" data-end="1458"> <strong data-start="1458" data-end="1470">00:12:32</strong> – Meaningful goals vs. meaningless ambition<br data-start="1514" data-end="1517"> <strong data-start="1517" data-end="1529">00:14:10</strong> – Darin’s mindfulness and breathing routines for mental clarity<br data-start="1593" data-end="1596"> <strong data-start="1596" data-end="1608">00:15:46</strong> – Why sleep is the ultimate superpower (and how he gets 8.5 hours)<br data-start="1675" data-end="1678"> <strong data-start="1678" data-end="1690">00:16:13</strong> – Micro-habits that reset your mood instantly<br data-start="1736" data-end="1739"> <strong data-start="1739" data-end="1751">00:17:56</strong> – The ripple effect of small acts of kindness<br data-start="1797" data-end="1800"> <strong data-start="1800" data-end="1812">00:18:16</strong> – Using nature and awe as powerful antidepressants<br data-start="1863" data-end="1866"> <strong data-start="1866" data-end="1878">00:19:46</strong> – Smiling as a nervous system hack<br data-start="1913" data-end="1916"> <strong data-start="1916" data-end="1928">00:20:04</strong> – Reframing negative thoughts and using them for insight<br data-start="1985" data-end="1988"> <strong data-start="1988" data-end="2000">00:21:42</strong> – The power of <em data-start="2016" data-end="2030">deliberately</em> scheduling positivity<br data-start="2052" data-end="2055"> <strong data-start="2055" data-end="2067">00:22:25</strong> – Why writing out your “perfect day” can transform your life<br data-start="2128" data-end="2131"> <strong data-start="2131" data-end="2143">00:24:39</strong> – How contentment is your default state (and how to return to it)<br data-start="2209" data-end="2212"> <strong data-start="2212" data-end="2224">00:25:23</strong> – Darin’s upcoming Patreon and the future of SuperLife content</p> <p data-start="922" data-end="2289"> </p> <hr data-start="2291" data-end="2294"> <h3 dir="ltr"> </h3> <h3 dir="ltr">Thank You to Our Sponsor:</h3> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"> <strong>Therasage:</strong> Go to <a href="http://www.therasage.com/">www.therasage.com</a> and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <hr data-start="2549" data-end="2552"> <p data-start="2554" data-end="2780"> </p> <p data-start="2554" data-end="2780"><span><strong data-start="2554" data-end="2569">Get More From Darin Olien:</strong></span></p> <p data-start="2554" data-end="2780"><br data-start="2569" data-end="2572"> Website: <a href="https://darinolien.libsyn.com/" data-start="2581" data-end="2628">www.darinolien.com</a><br data-start="2628" data-end="2631"> Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/darinolien" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2642" data-end="2689">@darinolien</a><br data-start="2689" data-end="2692"> Podcast: <a hre