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Each day, we are seeing new advancements in neuroscience, and more researchers are recognizing how experiences of joy, awe, and positive social behaviors are closely connected to healthy brain function, and vice versa. Now, we look to wellness leaders to help clarify emerging findings and find the best ways to incorporate well-being practices into our workplaces.

In a special Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference preview webinar, “The Leading Edge of Well-Being Science: New Keys to Changing Your Brain for the Better,” Kia Afcari, M.A., and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., dive into the science of understanding how and why these experiences are so important to us, and how to apply this science to practice.

Shifting Focus

Dr. Simon-Thomas began her journey by researching the neuroscience behind how our emotions are involved in decision making, thinking, and perception. Initially, this research focused on the negative associations between emotion and perception, as it is generally easier to experiment with unpleasant states and emotional responses—not so much for positive stimuli. However, her personal experience with parenthood awakened her to powerful new emotional experiences: feelings like compassion, love, affection, and awe. Simon-Thomas became more invested in studying how serving the welfare of others can positively impact the brain, moving from looking at fear and aversion to these more prosocial emotions.

In shifting her focus, Dr. Simon-Thomas found important links between prosocial states and behavior: a valuable connection between these positive emotions; the actions they motivate; and experiences of well-being, psychological richness, and happiness. Today, she continues her work hoping to understand and highlight the link between prosociality and the emotionally fulfilling life we all hope to have.

Emerging Research

Simon-Thomas is particularly excited about research emerging on the physiology of well-being. As this has historically been studied through a lens of disfunction, focusing on mental health conditions, challenges, and observed limitations within the bodies and brains of individuals experiencing struggle, we do not yet know as much about the positive impacts of traits like robustness and vitality. Simon-Thomas is interested in developing a stronger understanding of mechanisms and processes in the body and brain that underly positive mental health function. To begin, she is looking at physiological markers and pathways in the brain that function in a way indicative of strong mental health, resilience, and potential for wellness.

In her work with the Greater Good Science Center, Dr. Simon-Thomas is involved with the Big Joy Project, an interactive citizen science impact campaign providing participants with a week’s worth of personal, research-backed wellness practices. Participant data is gathered, and a report is created to analyze an individual’s engagement and the impact of the exercises on their well-being. One setback for those seeking to improve their well-being is the fact that it necessitates trial and error, as we are all different and not every practice will work well for everyone. This project is an effort to bring more clarity to that issue and see if there are any overarching trends for certain populations.

Applying Science to Practice

While the science of well-being is fascinating, it is always best to put those findings into practice. Kia Afcari knows how difficult organizational culture change can be and suggests using the senses to engage individuals in these efforts. Experiential learning brings a sense of excitement and energy into the workplace—People will forget your presentation slides, but not how they had to jump into a skit modeling a new leadership behavior.

Afcari’s mantra for creating organizational culture change? Move people with their heart, head, and hands.

Heart: Begin with leaders and get them to recognize and/or experience the transformative power of well-being in their own life.

Head: Share research data on how well-being benefits performance and profitability.

Hands: Think of practical steps or initiatives to launch that have a relatively big impact with a relatively small effort or investment.

One example of an easily implemented, high-impact practice is Afcari’s “Tuesday-ready ritual” of an appreciation go-around. At the beginning of a meeting, start by having someone share some authentic words of appreciation about the person to their left. This simple ritual can create more prosociality at work and have a big impact on performance as employees feel valued and appreciated in the workplace.

Learn more best practices and examples for implementing organizational culture during the keynote, “The Leading Edge of Well-Being Science: New Keys to Changing Your Brain for the Better," at the 36th Annual Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference, March 25-27 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Resources

Kia Afcari, M.A., is director of Greater Good Workplaces with the Greater Good Science Center. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., is science director of the Greater Good Science Center. Attend their keynote session at the 36th Annual Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference and visit greatergood.berkeley.edu to learn more.