2 Simple Rules for Being Happy: Always Have a Quest and a Crush
Shownotes
A clinical neuroscientist breaks down the two things that actually make you happy, a quest and a crush, and the brain science behind why a little whimsy is so good for you.
Dr. Caroline Leaf sits down with her daughter and producer Dominique to unpack Dominique's theory of happiness: to feel happy, you need a quest and a crush. It sounds playful, but the neuroscience runs deep. Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, cortisol, theta waves, and the resilience networks that form every time you choose a bit of whimsy over the grind.
If you have felt flat, stuck in hustle mode, or like the fun drained out of ordinary days, this one is for you. It is a warm, funny, science-backed conversation about how to be happy again by bringing whimsy back on purpose.
Want to hear more from Dominique? Follow her on substack: https://dominiqueleaf.substack.com
What you'll learn:
- Why a quest and a crush flip your brain into its healthiest, most efficient state
- What actually happens in your brain and body when you have a crush (dopamine, norepinephrine, and those butterflies)
- Why early infatuation shows serotonin levels that look almost identical to OCD, and why that is completely normal
- How to read anxiety as useful data when a quest starts to tip from healthy toward toxic
- Why your mind is in charge and your brain carries out its instructions, and what that means for how you feel
- How small whimsical moments wire lasting resilience into your brain
- Simple ways to turn errands and mundane days into a quest
Resources:
Dr. Leaf's Website: https://drleaf.com
Neurocycle Certification, Clinical: https://drleaf.com/clinical-certification
Neurocycle Certification, Strategist: https://drleaf.com/certified-strategist
1:1 Coaching with Dr. Leaf: https://drleaf.com/coaching-1-1
Neurocycle App: https://drleaf.com/neurocycle-app
SPONSORS Making this show possible:
- AG1: Don't let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/drleaf
- Betterhelp: Visit drinkag1.com/LEAF and for a limited time get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1 Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.
- Shopify: start your free trial: shopify.com/leaf
- Quince: Upgrade your everyday. Go to quince.com/LEAF for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.
- Veracity: Get up up to 65% off GLP-1 support: VeracityHealth.co (code DRLEAF)
Subscribe so you don't miss the next one. New episodes every Wednesday.
What is one quest or one crush you could give yourself this week? Tell me in the comments.