Sun Dec 10 2023

Mental Health Crisis Among College Students:

• Over 40% of college students report being too depressed to function most days, over 60% feel overwhelmingly anxious, and more than 50% say they're very lonely most of the time.
• More than 1 in 10 college students has seriously considered suicide in the last 12 months.

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Crisis:

• Increased pressure due to changes in technology and its impact on social expectations and constant connectivity.
• The culture of achievement in childhood education is shifting towards external rewards, leading to individualistic competition at the expense of mental well-being.
• Changes in educational structures have shifted focus from internal rewards like learning to external rewards such as grades and school rankings.

Science of Happiness and Well-being Strategies:

• Circumstances do not necessarily lead to happiness; significant increases in happiness can be achieved by changing behaviors and mindsets.
• Behaviors that positively affect happiness include increasing social connections, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, practicing gratitude, showing compassion, and allowing oneself rest or "time affluence."
• Mindsets focusing on gratitude and compassion can improve overall happiness levels and physical health.

Behavior Change for Happiness:

• Recognizing that behavior change is possible with consistent effort and engagement with evidence-based strategies.
• Simple measures within reach (e.g., improving sleep habits, increasing social connections) have a significant impact on happiness.
• External partnerships or accountability help make behavior change stick and increase longevity. This collaborative approach provides support during the process of adopting new habits.

Importance of Social Connection:

• Engaging in activities with others fosters social connections and holds individuals accountable for maintaining healthy habits.
• Social support is a crucial aspect of engaging in activities with others, providing motivation and encouragement.

Behavior Change and Baby Steps:

• Initiating behavior change through small steps rather than overwhelming oneself with multiple changes at once is more effective.
• Giving oneself grace when things don't work out perfectly is essential during the process of behavior change, promoting self-compassion and resilience.

Technology Platforms Impact on Leisure:

• Technology platforms often provide quick dopamine hits, leading to a preference for relaxing but ultimately unfulfilling leisure activities.
• Engaging in slightly challenging or stimulating activities contributes more to overall happiness than passive leisure activities like scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows.

Influence of Young People on Culture Shift:

• Encouraging young people to prioritize wellbeing over hustle culture may lead to collective action and a shift in societal values towards healthier lifestyles.
• Educating young people about evidence-based happiness practices can inspire them to advocate for healthier lifestyles and challenge detrimental cultural norms.

Funtervention and Embracing Playfulness:

• Funtervention involves consciously seeking delight, engaging in socially fun activities without external rewards, and embracing playfulness even if one is not naturally skilled at an activity.
• The concept of funtervention encourages individuals to incorporate more socially connected play into their lives, promoting positivity, enjoyment, and deeper social connections.

Monkeys' Mindfulness Lesson:

• Observing monkeys has highlighted the importance of presence and mindfulness, emphasizing the value of being fully engaged in the present moment as a key factor in happiness.