BONUS! Helen Russell on The Happiness Lab Podcast

BONUS! Helen Russell on The Happiness Lab Podcast

Imagine if feeling sad could actually lead to a happier life. That’s exactly what Helen Russell discusses in this special bonus episode of The Happiness Lab Podcast. This time, the tables are turned as Helen, usually the host of 'How To Be Sad', becomes the guest. She chats with Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab, about why we need to rethink our views on sadness.

Helen argues that sadness isn’t just a byproduct of terrible events; it can also stem from things like the arrival fallacy – the idea that achieving our goals will make us perpetually happy. She highlights how different cultures handle sadness and why some of our reactions to it are less than helpful. Ever felt guilty for being sad? Helen dives into that too, explaining why we often apologize for our emotions and how this can be counterproductive.

The conversation also touches on the dangers of perfectionism and hyper-busyness, offering practical tips on how to allow yourself to feel sad without letting it take over your life. By being honest about our feelings and accepting temporary sadness, we can actually build resilience and find more lasting happiness. So if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a better way to deal with those 'bad' feelings, this episode is a must-listen.

Helen and Laurie’s discussion is both enlightening and comforting, reminding us that sadness is a natural part of life and, when embraced, can lead us to greater joy.