Bruce Hood has been a Professor of Developmental Psychology in Society at Bristol University since 1999, and for the past 5 years he has been concentrating on how to make students happier. He undertook his Ph.D. in neuroscience at Cambridge followed by appointments at University College London, MIT and a faculty professorship at Harvard.
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The big takeaway
Bruce Hood, professor and happiness researcher, unpacks science-backed strategies to boost happiness and optimism—even when life’s a mess. He argues lasting happiness isn’t about chasing constant highs or relentless self-focus, but instead about connecting with others, building resilience, and intentionally steering our attention away from toxic comparison.
Stop caring what other people think: Science-backed secrets to authentic happiness
Key takeaways:
Shift from “me” to “we”: Happiness increases when you move your focus from self-critique and comparison toward connection and supporting others.
Your brain’s wired for negativity—be intentional: Our minds naturally fixate on negative events, but with practice, we can redirect attention and rewrite our self-narratives.
Social connection trumps self-obsession: Quality relationships—and micro-interactions—are a major predictor of both mental and physical health.
Authentic happiness is resilient, not constant: Even in tough times, applying skills around perspective, gratitude, and social support leads to real well-being.
7 practical ways to get out of your own head:
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