5 free, popular online courses to improve your happiness and well-being

Committing to learning can lead you to a happier, healthier life.

But you don’t have to take a class at your local college or hole up in the library to keep learning new things. All you need is a reliable internet connection. Some extremely helpful online courses are available for free.

The online course provider Coursera has compiled the most popular free courses on mental health.

1. The Science of Well-Being (Yale University)

Over the course of 10 weeks, Yale’s most popular course addresses misconceptions about happiness and explores what you can do to experience more of it.

The goal of the course, taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, is to help participants prepare to “successfully integrate a specific wellness activity into their lives.” A youth-focused version of the course was released in 2023.

You can register here.

2. Finding Meaning and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most (University of Michigan)

Michigan’s popular course breaks down “how science, philosophy and practice play a role in both finding one’s purpose and living a meaningful life.” Students have limited access to the “Purposeful App” that helps users , develop a routine that aligns with their passions and track their progress.

You can register here.

3. The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs (University of Toronto)

The University of Toronto course is a practical exploration of managing relationships. The focus is on instructor A. Ka Tat Tsang’s Strategies and Skills Learning and Development System, which is described as an “action-oriented model that enables clients in social work, health, mental health and human services to respond to their needs and life goals to enter into.” .”

Ka Tat Tsang explains how this model can be used to improve everyday relationships.

You can register here.

4. Mindshift: Break Through Barriers to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential (McMaster University)

This course focuses on giving you the best ways to learn and grow in your desired career field. By “using certain mental tools and insights, you can learn and do more – far more – than you ever imagined,” the description says.

You can register here.

5. Demystifying Mindfulness (Leiden University)

Over 200,000 people have already enrolled in this Leiden University course, which teaches participants about mindfulness, including which mindfulness practices are most effective.

There are nine modules, including two added in 2021 to address trauma and social justice, as well as the importance of connecting with and respecting nature.

You can register here.

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