In these trying times, it’s important to find something, anything to be happy about.

That’s why the news that Yale University has made their famous “happiness” course available online for free via Coursera should be welcome news.

Per the Connecticut-based Ivy League college’s news site, “The Science of Well Being” is a course taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos. In this course, Santos discusses what makes people truly happy.

The course was first given out in 2018 as an in-person class titled “Psychology and the Good Life.” Prior to her opening the happiness course, Santos would join the students each day as they ate as was “shocked at the kind of mental health issues” she observed in them.

Ever since the class started, it has grown in popularity with around 1,000 students enrolling in it and making it one of the most popular classes in the university.

Almost a quarter of Yale University’s students enroll in the course each year and the high demand prompted it to be transitioned into an online class.

The online class has allowed both students and non-students to attend the lecture, complete assignments, get a grade, and earn a certificate upon completion.

“We’re in a particularly challenging time not just for this health crisis, this physical health crisis, but also a potential mental health crisis as well,” Santos told CNN.

And while most believe that happiness results from having a bigger house or finding a more attractive partner, Santos explains that it’s the simpler things in life that drive happiness.

“What plays a much bigger role are our simple practices, simple acts like making a social connection, or taking time for gratitude, or taking time to be in the present moment,” Santos explained.

Catie Henderson, 29, from Atlanta and a philosophy major in college, had taken the course last year because she wanted her “learning and development” to continue.

Completing the course opened Henderson’s eyes about all the misconceptions that people hold about happiness in life.

“Getting your dream job or dream spouse won’t create happiness. You have to build habits,” Henderson said. “And connecting with others is important, but getting right with yourself is equally important.”

Want to take the course? Sign up here.

 

Replaced!