I took Yale's course on happiness, here's the takeaways

[@doma3554]

It's nice that she covered the basic needs topic at the very beginning. A lot of self-help advice, on KZbin or not, doesn't mention that.

[@JaniceIcheYT]

Very important.

[@TheFetus132]

So true. i dont come close to meeting my basic needs. I just want some happiness man.

[@NandiniGupta1]

Agreed this actually really important as it distinguishes a well versed person from a loud one

[@milenamartins21]

​@@TheFetus132I'm really sorry for you! Hope you can change your life and be happy soon. Best of luck ❤

[@HyDeph0]

consumption interruption is a good one! i don't binge tv shows now. i just watch one or two episodes (maybe 3) and come back later. i want the greatness of the show to last in my head longer.

[@hicristy]

Yes!! I miss the one episode per week because I used to think of what could happen for seven days and was so excited to watch it. I do it myself but I miss the debate and making jokes with other people

[@Zelomakitoko]

I've really been enjoying Only Murders in the Building, bc it's something to look forward to every week + helps me know/care what day it is

[@HyDeph0]

@hicristy YEEESSS you see cuz now people just binge it all and their takeaway isn't as strong, plus its harder to remember everything because you just absorbed so much content at once..

[@HyDeph0]

@Zelomakitoko i had to bring back my toonami nights and just pick the anime i wanna watch and i'll watch one of each and have my anime marathon that way. i love my saturday nights again (if i'm not out)

[@hollywood499]

@@Zelomakitoko yes came here to say this lol. & show appreciation for shows that come out weekly instead of all at once.

[@LalaLala-yv1tf]

This is the first time ever I saw anyone who actually acknowledge how these things only applies you one actually have basic needs in their life .. this needs to be addressed more

[@artistlovepeace]

Practicing gratitude is really a good practice. Thank yourself for yourself, thank others for their help and wisdom and count your blessings.

[@skie6282]

Ever since i heard this maybe a year ago my baseline happiness has gone up. Not like it cured everything but in general things dont seem so bad and its just easier seeing good things.

[@piumirajapaksha7620]

@@skie6282 yep! I've kept a daily gratitude journal for over 3 years now and went from being extremely dissatisfied with life to loving waking up every day

[@xristinarose2409]

I visited an old castle where kings and queens used to live. When i saw the cold rocks and gross toilet (dirty hole in the floor), i tought: whoa, i live better then kings and queens many years ago! 😄 what a wonderful life. To have glass windows, tap water and a toilet, what a luxe. So glad to live these days 💙😊

[@AlwaysSummer22]

I had the same thought when I went to Versailles!

[@ITGirlll]

I took this course in the beginning of the pandemic & it literally changed my life. The vocation test they had us take made me switch to tech & now I have a BS in Software Dev, MS in IT Project Management & tech certs. It's amazing how one, superfluous seeming choice can change the course of your whole life 😲❤

[@edwardmitchell6581]

In 3 years? How? My wife is waitressing because she can’t find a well paid job as a translator.

[@Xylomag]

I took this course during the pandemic too! It made me a better person in realising just how warped our ideas of happiness are, and it greatly humbled me. Recommend for anyone watching.

[@binbin6076]

Got a link to the vocation test? Been looking for a good one

[@ITGirlll]

@@edwardmitchell6581 Lol I get do get this question a bit - I talk about it on my channel, but the short version is that I decided to go back to school (WGU), was obsessed & used acceleration to finish my BS in a little over 1yr & MS not that long after (acceleration again), worked at a small tech company during that time & then opened my own business because I also didn't like the job market.

[@ITGirlll]

@@binbin6076 Idk what I did with the results (thought I saved them so the site would be on them...) but the link should still be in the course, I'm guessing

[@rahjahknows]

Thanks for consistently putting out these insightful videos, "tiny Asian lady". 😄 Great topic, so much to unpack. Gratitude and thankfulness is always difficult to practice when you are constantly goal setting and chasing the next thing.

[@nikkimiddlekillsday5161]

I don't think she's THAT tiny compared to the Asian ladies I've been around 😂

[@beaumatthews6411]

@@nikkimiddlekillsday5161 Meanwhile a student I tutor is 5'11". At one point I thought she was taller than I was but it was just a matter of distance/angles (can you tell what I primarily tutor?)

[@johnhempfling5301]

I think it would be pretty cool for someone to make a super class conscious version of this aimed at all social classes. Like, the first section would cover how having more money *is* super effective at improving your happiness if you're poor. Then you would address monied people and what works best for them. And lastly you could try to cover what works well for everyone.

[@YESHTOFU]

Anna Akana is like the street pharmacist of therapy. Give me a LINE of that HEPPINESS.

[@christopherortiz9330]

Unlicensed = unqualified

[@MrDavidKord]

Untrue. Ask a hacker if they're qualified for a cybersecurity job.

[@bouncingnick9747]

I took that course about 3 years ago and I totally forgot everything 😅

[@sweetestdrugMJ]

Great content, as usual, Anna! ☺️ I wanna share that on top of everything helpful that Anna shared, another strategy to be happy (that works for me) - which I also learned from Laurie Santos - is this thing called SPLITTING GAINS. So, like, instead of doing everything in one go like buying a nice dress, eating at your favorite restaurant, and *insert something that’d make you happy*, you don’t do them all on the same day. Perhaps you treat yourself again the next day or the following weekend (whatever works for you). Doing this sustains your happiness because you have something to look forward to! 😊 And always remember: Not all happy people are grateful, but all grateful people are happy! 🥰 P.S. Stay awesome, Anna Akana! 😎

[@Scrofar]

I like that too! I'm gonan keep it in mind :)

[@Thaoy_]

"Not all happy people are grateful, but all grateful people are happy! " I love thatttt quote!!

[@swathi5773]

Enough money to meet basic needs To be happy: How? Invest in experience Thwart hedonic moment(moving goal post) Savouring enjoyable moments /grounding in present Using negative visualisation Think today is your last day Practice gratitude Reset your reference point/comparison of life reference point to something else Interrupting consumption What makes us happy? Signature strengths in a job -appreciated and valued Flow in job for fulfilment/sense of engagement Growth mindset Practising kindness Social connection Time affluence Mindfulness via meditation Exercise Good sleep How? Situational support-take things out of sight what you don’t want Set specific goal Practice goal implement intention(nitty gritty -what time, where/place, what do you do/behaviour) Wish, outcome, obstacle, plan to overcome obstacle / mental contrast

[@default_user_exe]

Better Help was coughs sending personal and private data to FB, Snap, Pinterest etc. just fyi. And also they didn’t stop after getting caught.

[@ryanciani3324]

what?

[@Spenceristired]

I’m pretty sure I just need more Anna in my life.

[@bkzrsth5065]

Hello Anna, I'm a teenager who is suffering from depression and lives in a family that doesn't believe that it is real. I started Zoloft two weeks back and after the first week it made me feel like I can feel joy again and enjoy things, I finally felt motivated to play basketball for my school team and study, but the last two days have been rough and I feel the same again, that dark cloud following me everywhere I go, it really hurts to see your life fall apart before your eyes in your prime years when you finally got a hope that it could actually improve. I used to be good at academics and prided myself in that, I can't score good grades now, and lost a part of my sense of self. It would really mean a lot to me if you shared your journey and if this feeling will ever end, because I don't know how long I can take it. Thank you for your content, it's really amazing.

[@hootsnmoots]

Hi there, I'm in my mid twenties and want to share with you that I have had depression for half my life and have pulled through. For me, it took years of finally finding a supportive relationship, physically distancing myself from family (staying out in school or work till night time), ugly crying in therapy, connecting with kids through part time jobs and stumbling into a career. While I still deal with social anxiety and self doubt, the dark cloud only comes back a few days a year. I too mourn that the loss of my teenage years to depression, but have come to embrace this quote: "Its okay that you have flaws. How could our lives be as clean and white as a blank piece of paper?" Depression has left scars but there are opportunities to rebuild life. I am proud of you for trying to be here each and every day and want you know that there are people who loves or will love you for who you are, with depression and all. There can be a way through this darkness, and you may already be stumbling through it. Sending you love and strength x

[@TaliahLewis]

TL;DR: it doesn't get harder than what you're going through now. I lived with depression as a child and through my teen years, meds and all. Found out as an adult that it was hereditary and that I'd be dealing with it for the rest of my life. I personally didn't find this crushing. It felt like everything clicked into place and I remember turning to my mother, my grandmother, my grandfather, and saying "YOU KNEW?!!!?!?!? You could have told me sooner!!!" but they didn't even know what depression was -- they're from a little village in the far east of Europe, honestly they thought it was just demons getting them down and they needed to go to church more. I still think it's funny. Hopefully it's not hereditary for you, hopefully you'll be able to overcome and pull through this darkness. I know I'll never be able to, but as an adult (I'm 24 as of writing this), I've learned to wear it like a warm weighted jacket. I'm doing my Masters in university, got a nice paying job lined up, had a few relationships. I'd had to go the long way around - Diploma through TAFE, then my Bachelor, then a few months gap then Masters (Thank you COVID). Depression doesn't stop you from living life, and when there's those moments you can't move off the bed, I've taken them on as time for introspection. Of course it's bothersome when it's just before assignments need to be handed in, or exams are right around the corner. Coping with it differs per person, and I find listening to my lectures like a podcast help the most - my teachers were more than happy to provide audio recordings as an alternate means of accessing their course once I was open and honest with them. I also had to have a real chat with myself: what did I see as achievement? What did I see as progress? Was I living for somebody else's form of dopamine? Is my worth measured by another person's metrics, or do I define myself? (please understand, if you do see yourself as per another person's metrics, and you feel like it benefits you most, then there is no shame in continuing. I didn't, but I also know some people need that external validation in their healing journey). There's also the question: Am I me when I am with others, or do I come out when I am alone? (At this point, I personally had to move out of home because I realised I needed my own space to heal and be a person, which helped me in my journey). Yes, therapy would be highly beneficial, but do not force yourself into anything if you aren't ready. Therapy is a way to confront the depression on a fundamental level, and it's important to find a therapist who is qualified to explore it with you. And it's important to know that life with depression is a journey with it's ups and downs, and sometimes you'll be on top of the moon, other times you won't want to wake up. But one day there will be more periods of moonwalking than curling up at the bottom of the barrel. That's what makes life worth it.

[@grahambuckingham7295]

Personally exercise works, also listing things you are grateful for each day and comparing them to the bad things helps.

[@aprameena7359]

As a teenage in same situation I love that for you

[@markzalewski1697]

Thanks Anna. I have been seeking YT guidance in regards to my own mental state(s) and your presentations are both informative and hilarious. OMG, I looked myself in the mirror and tried some positive affirmations this morning. Before I got the first one out my inner voice was sledgehammering me with rebuttal...so I was todays years old when I took full realization that I am on a long journey. But I have friends I haven't met yet, like you, to help me along the way. I am safe, I am supported and I have guidance. I have a ton of people who love me, I want to join them and see what all the stink is about. Thanks again...With Love...Zalmo

[@jadziak6997]

I guess I pride myself in enjoying the little things, stopping to actually savor the moment, etc. Some "friends" think I'm not doing or accomplishing much but I'm doing what I WANT to do (and that's after I finish what I NEED to do). Am I 100% happy...no. But I'm more content than others. Some are so go-go-go and do-do-do and they are NEVER satisfied. Just because you're Satisfied, doesn't mean you're Settling (which is what other "unhappy" people think). To each their own, but at least I won't die from Stress....thanks Anna!! :-))))

[@RayMak]

Thank you very much for this Anna =)

[@beautiful6423]

What makes me happy is waking up to food to eat, whether I have to prepare it or not, from a sleep that was comforting, peaceful, quiet, and with a soothing temperature that produced fresh air in the room I slept in.

[@shamishussein8441]

BABE ! this was so good, as someone who has been struggling to create lasting contentment/happiness in conjunction with therapy, this was so beautiful to read/watch. I'm trying to accomplish goals and circling the proverbial sink with it, the WOOP method is something I will definitely implement

[@Myamyahm]

These are things that I've come to learn through observation along with trial and error. It's fun to know that there are courses that go over such information. I also found that practicing stoicism helps as well. Finding ways to minimize stress is a good course of action for general well-being.

[@15.johnsonangel]

I'm taking the teen version of this course. I thought it was to learn about supporting teens well-being, but it's FOR teens. Still going to go thru it tho 👌🏿💯✨ thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@fireflythinking1290]

Thanks for the reminder Anna, I meant to take this class but I forgot. I finished my masters so it will be one occasion to keep learning in a structured way 😊

[@JtRiddell]

Anna, thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your sense of humor, your dedication to integrity and care, and your insight. You are appreciated.

[@godshigodsh]

I am here and ready to learn

[@Mr.DeadEyes]

📝⏰

[@JM-gg8ko]

Thank you so much for sharing and saving me some money from taking that course in Yale. Moving to Venezuela to find miserable people so i can appreciate my happiness.

[@FelixFelicis968]

I've been still watching your content for like a decade. Not like this I'm so old. Oh sorry reminiscing, great content as always Anna XD

[@Sam.A.M]

minecraft switch/click effect goes hard, thank you editor

[@MegaKhelditia]

One thing, as an over-apologizer, that I have found to boost my mindfulness and perspective, is to thank the person. Maybe for patience or flexibility or grace, even if they display little: *any* is more than none. "Sorry for being late again," "Thank y'all for waiting for me!.. again... 😅"

[@KingGl00m]

I developed that habit too when I lived alone. Pausing multiple times on a movie that is a first-time viewing experience allowed me to take time to digest and develop a fuller understanding of what I am processing. Also I am a smoker and even when living alone I prefered to be outside take my breaks.

[@thechatterbot]

Thank you tiny Asian lady! Can we talk about how she has continuously make quality videos since the OG times. Bravo Anna!🎉

[@carloselerma]

0:36 THE MINECRAFT SOUND hahahhaa

[@emeliaphia1567]

The WOOP method sounds sooo much better for perfectionistic/anxious people than the SMART methods everyone and their dog tells you to use!

[@Max_Jacoby]

One more trick to be happy is to be subscribed to Anna 😊

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Yale has a free course? Interesting. First step is making me happy already lol

[@andersnelson6888]

Really good tips The editing of the text is really good too. Adds a good touch 👍🏻 Keep up the good work

[@nonsenseshortsorignial]

Thank you for this brief summary! I will definitely have a look at this course. The Woop Strategy was new to me and I think this is a very good way to overcome procrastination on goals, you actualy want to achieve but then loose out of sight because of an obstacle.

[@stratavosstuff7575]

thank you Miss Akana. it really is important to stress that this is about the peak of maslow's hierchy of needs, without the other stuff covered, this isn't as important.

[@sealwhiskers3515]

Wow. I never enjoyed binge watching because I just can't stare at a screen so long unmoving, I just slowly feel ill. Didn't realise I also enjoy the show more because I don't binge!

[@Kaalidh-js5ip]

Your....... Contents have given me more........ Wisdom than the entire Universe!!!!!!! Simple, short, on-point, precise and it works... that's Anna 😊 Thank you Anna sister........❤

[@MagisterialVoyager]

This is HIGHLY appreciated, Anna!

[@8020drummer]

Here are?

[@verydenise]

So we’ll explained ! Love this. I’m a teacher and my job is very fulfilling in all the ways mentioned

[@00BUKO]

I’ve been watching you for years… still mind blowing

[@isaalghazi9131]

It's not about the material items, it's about the ATTITUDE toward them.

[@freddykrueger7406]

Ana you’re the best I swear. Don’t ever forget that. Love from Jersey✨

[@PhoebusG]

This is why you rock our world, thanks again Anna

[@katrinashaw2195]

i love that I already do most fo this cause I had to live in my car in Canada. lot of people arent gratufl for a shower or not fearing a cop will wake you up by banging on your car window next to your face.

[@welcometotheteam9405]

thank you for your suggestion

[@ssjjulion4]

The course doesn't teach you to be happy. It teaches you how to teach other people how to be happy.

[@shemarlosscott2656]

Brilliant Performance Anna Akana

[@777mxr]

Wow, I learned all of those "How to be happier tips" just through my own life experiences. Good for me. Also, probably why I am a pretty happy person.

[@yujiinagaki]

Happiness manifests itself from non-attachment. It doesn't matter what it is - once you are attached to something and you can't let it go this is where the downfall starts. Navigate life with curiosity, never attach to anything.

[@VKat]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@thingswebuild]

I think the single most devastating sentence that goes against people finding happiness is, "I'm never settling."

[@RayDoeksen]

"if your therapist isn't the right match, you can switch for free" irony

[@pumpkinsfield3588]

thank you anna!

[@thefierydew]

Thank You Anna, really appreciate it 😊

[@eriadnaduca]

thank you anna

[@joseandres7075]

I've been watching your content for like, ten years or so, but now I will call you "tiny asian lady" Thanks for this piece, great as always!

[@nicolepozo3610]

thanks anna

[@罗ロナ纳ル德ド]

practicing "yelling" kindness 3:40 =/ jargon -> basically, the source of a lot of hinderance

[@pranayomama]

"make us happy" ... there in lies the misconception... happiness, being an emotion, is a decision, but we can only choose what we know, have experienced... which is why we use external influences to "make us happy" because we don't understand how to "be happy" ....while all that is required, is an understanding of what happiness is, in a neurobiological sense, and then a conscious will and effort to meditate on the feeling of happiness, and doing our best to maintain its presence cognitively... it's not about anything materialistic, it's an internal decision, like tuning your favorite musical instrument...

[@ababyrat3576]

Honey you slayed this, love you so much always 🤍

[@jakegreen2409]

Big WOOP Thank you for this!

[@dreski83]

Thanks for summing that all up ☺

[@anilbalram7768]

Well if the basic needs thing isn't covered then this class really can't apply to anybody. There are too many of us without our basic needs met.

[@adamcm82]

Thank you!

[@vtr0104]

Hearing a reference to Sparknotes brought a damned tear to my eye.......

[@marcushawkinsmusic]

This is golden!!

[@dewdew80]

Most early hunter gatherer societies kept on the move, seeing new lands and experiences. We've always been long distance hunters with a migratory urge, so it makes sense we'd have a restlessness driving us for something new. Taking hold of our own stimulation seems key in controlling our satisfaction with life.

[@TheGreatAmphibian]

Not true. Hunter gatherers attempt to stake out one especially productive territory and learn it well. Playing tourist for the sake of it is suicidal: you might starve, or you could start a war and be exterminated when you trespass on the land that another group relies on to survive.

[@dewdew80]

@@TheGreatAmphibian are you not familiar with nomadic hunter gatherer groups? Because some hunter gatherers stayed put, that is true, but some migrated constantly.

[@TheGreatAmphibian]

@@dewdew80 No, this is bs. Groups that migrated were either shuttling between two know gathering grounds with the season, or in search of a permanent basis. Your two main assets as a hunter gather are a superior location and detailed knowledge of that location. The idea of people moving permanently just for fun - including pregnant women and small children on foot! - is idiotic. Even beyond the risk of starvation and war, you will suffer immense child mortality. Go look at a map of how Homo sapiens spread out of Africa and the dates: it took thousands of years to move short distances. People without transport to move families and food reserves don’t migrate unless they are desperate. Because only an idiot would - and idiots that great don’t pass on their genes.

[@TheSultan1470]

@@dewdew80 Because they had to, not because they liked it...

[@dewdew80]

@@TheSultan1470 reward systems sometimes evolve after a need a created...you're following me around KZbin replying to my comments and your name is very generic. Bot or paid shill?

[@TheSpinoza43221]

I find it hard to believe that being in a great romantic relationship does not make you happy. I'm curious what evidence they collected about this.

[@QuanticDreamer]

A great romantic relationship makes you happy, but it's usually the result of you growing capable of supporting yourself first. It's why mature people tend to have better chances of lasting together. Also, if you rely on someone else for your happiness and can't be happy without them, it is also a source for anxiety, insecurity, and inner turmoil, and might wear down the other person gradually. Even a good relationship can be emotionally tricky.

[@djs12007]

WOW! Ana Akana is even MORE beautiful than I remember.

[@ayla8345]

I don’t know why but whenever I like a show or movie, I don’t finish it. I have about 5 shows that I absolutely LOVE on hold because I don’t want them to end. I do this with everything. When I like something, I take it away so I don’t feel sad afterwards. I don’t know why I do this. I’m addicted to the feeling of having something to look forward to. But I never end up doing it / continuing it.

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

The first thing is to see who are stress agents and move away from them. From tere, learning to be happy when being alone is key, and then and only then, it is when you meet a partner, you have a chance tp be happy with a partner.

[@aurora6920]

Great advice, it's just sad when happiness is out of control e.g. abusive neighbours who play loud music all day to your attaching house, or abusive managers/co workers - Everyone please treat each other with respect, kindness and empathy! if we all do this we will make each other's lives a lot happier 💖

[@jameswong5535]

WOOP, thank you.

[@jessicagony5064]

Thanks sweet❤ 😊

[@imlv2614]

Interesting topic❤Tx for your content❤

[@168mooncakes]

Anna, I'm just happy watching your informative videos! 🥰

[@hernrypalacios2219]

Ohh right...ease your mind, find refuge in the sea 🌊 thanks to 🌞

[@totowashere]

Love the casual bi lighting

[@pursueflow]

Gratitude is the most important one for me, we're all so incredibly lucky especially as westerners, to live in peaceful serenity, in for what is the most part beautiful clean homes with technology and opportunities our ancestors literally couldn't dream of because of how advanced we are in some aspects. You have to stop to smell the roses. It's all an incredibly blessed life.

[@carlosfamilia5736]

Thank u!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awe job Ana.

[@CoffeeStained]

You really should have had highlighted BetterHelp at the point where you say ads make us appreciate the show more.

[@rw6836]

Certain mindset might help. e.g. Background reality is empty, without dualities; think of the experience of a rock or a tree. Anything extra on top of emptiness is ours to play with and appreciate. Practising turning crap into gold, negative into positive, helps.

[@brembojoe]

Anna you need to meet Angela Lee! Please reach out to her! This is from a true fan of both of you.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Also it's wild how dopamine regulation has an even greater influence on our physical health and fitness than exercise. There's a potential systematic upgrade to metabolism with cutting back on what's consuming all our dopamine. Besides the obvious cutting back or cutting out toxic substances like alcohol, cutting back on excess technological dopamine flooding activities without much change in a fitness routine can apparently reveal even greater physical health results over time - boosting things like Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT - about 20%-30% of daily caloric output) auto-pilot movement through the day and thus the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR - about 50-70% of daily caloric output). Exercise is much more important in tuning and maintenance of the system compared to the total calories from exercise alone - the BMR and healthy diet are primarily responsible and require the proper care, both physically but also especially mentally with healthier dopamine regulation that primarily affects quality and quantity of movement.

[@musiqsoulstar06]

Is it me or is Anna getting more and more refined? I'm like woah. Something feels different.

[@oldsmobilethompson1658]

And Better Help is NOT the father.

[@CajonesandCannolis]

this is funny cus i was going to sign up for that! 😆 but didn’t want to put in the time if it was just gonna be a waste. Thanks for the review 🙏

[@BkhammoYou]

If only more people were grateful, then the world might be a slightly better place.

[@jaday7318]

I was looking forward to taking this course, but it said its specifically for 14-18 years old or for people that are dealing with teenagers. I'm 24 but I'm still going to take it

[@saskia6648]

the coursera course is definitely not just for that age group, it was originally a series for uni students at yale and talks about things that are more relevant to adults (jobs, what you spend your money on etc.)

[@saskia6648]

I just checked and there are two separate courses - one from 2023 for teens and the original one from 2018

[@thomassenbart]

Happiness is a weak goal. We should all aspire to live meaningful lives, not happy ones. This means doing what is best, what is meaningful, being dependable/strong, focusing on character building, self-discipline, virtue, using talents and or developing them, helping others and seeking God, likely the most important of all. Yes, gratitude. It's all about perspective and expectations. Unrealistic expectations doom most to a life of misery.

[@denovo3949]

I love your videos. Thank you :)

[@kusy]

The secret of happiness is that you must imagine it. You can imagine Sisyphus or yourself happy with less passiveness and more initiative.

[@jimmyxflare7347]

thank you for sharing smart and beautiful queen

[@JulianHaldenby]

Many of these studies that this advice is based on have not been replicated and really should not be broadcast like this as truth.

[@ClumsyToast]

Here ARE the takeaways

[@nanostar7660]

4:30-woop Wish Outcome Obstacle Plan

[@ginagina9592]

WOOP is pretty dope when you take a moment to try it out