Stanford class teaches students how to live a happier, healthier life

Today, the San Francisco Chronicle offers a look at a Stanford course aimed at teaching life skills and boosting students’ happiness and health. In the article, Fred Luskin, PhD, one of the course instructors, discusses some of the core principles of the class and how it’s helping students balance their busy college schedules:

One important message the instructors hope to convey is that racking up accomplishments won’t necessarily lead to fulfillment.

“Achieving the most for yourself doesn’t lead to the kind of happiness you think it will,” Luskin told a student who questioned how she could reconcile her desire for a balanced life with the expectations that, at Stanford, you need to be “the best.”

He added that people who are in the best position for happiness are the ones who have strong relationships, and “interconnected webs” of people on whom they can depend for fun and support.

Later on in the story, Luskin provides five simple practices for reducing stress and increasing happiness, such as a few minutes of deep breathing and quiet reflection. It’s worth taking a moment to review and test out the techniques. I think you’ll find them useful, regardless of how long it’s been since you sat in a classroom.

Previously: A call to “legislate the good life”, Inspiration for high achievers: Try a little respiration, If spent wisely, can money buy you happiness? and How work stress affects wellness, health-care costs
Photo by wellofcreations