EPISODEJuly 28, 202626 min 8s
SYSK TRENDING-The Bright Side of Sadness
Most of us spend a lot of time trying to be happy and avoiding sadness whenever we can. But what if sadness isn't something to fear or eliminate? What if it's one of the most important emotions we have?
Why do we cry when we're grieving—but also when we're overwhelmed with joy? Why does listening to sad music often make us feel better instead of worse? And when does a good cry actually help us recover, while other times it only leaves us feeling stuck?
According to David Huron, sadness isn't simply an unpleasant emotion we have to endure. It serves important psychological and biological purposes that help us cope with loss, strengthen relationships, and even prepare us for the future. Understanding how sadness works can change the way you experience difficult moments and help you recognize the difference between healthy sadness and harmful rumination.
David Huron is Professor Emeritus at Ohio State University and author of The Science of Sadness: A New Understanding of Emotion. Remarkably, he has made the entire book available as a free PDF here:https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/5772/The-Science-of-SadnessA-New-Understanding-of
If you prefer a printed copy, it's also available on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3yy8cSy
After listening to this conversation, you'll probably never think about sadness—or tears—the same way again.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
WAYFAIR: Ready to upgrade your home for way less? Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less.
QUINCE: Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://Quince.com/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!
SHOPIFY: It's time to turn those "what ifs" into CHA CHING with Shopify Today! Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk
INDEED: Get a $75 Sponsored Job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves at https://Indeed.com/PODCAST
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices