Want to opt for Happiness Courses? Check out these four free courses to get a better life
Have you ever thought about learning what happiness is, what makes us happy, and how to achieve a happy life? This thought seems unreal because happiness is an emotion; theoretically, you cannot read and learn it.
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But to prove you wrong, several renowned universities and institutions offer happiness courses to students. These happiness courses will help you get a detailed idea about happiness and its ways to achieve it.
Managing Happiness by Harvard University: This course is about understanding diverse definitions of happiness and its function in everyday life, and applying the mind, body and community science to manage emotions and behaviours for greater happiness. It introduces you to the modern science of human well-being and shows you how to practice it. Unlike other happiness courses, Managing Happiness goes a step further. It demonstrates how you can share ideas with others, thus bringing more happiness and love to the world and supercharging your efforts for well-being.
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The Science of Well-Being by Yale University: Offered by Yale University, this course will help you engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your happiness and build more productive habits. In preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos revealed misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change.
BerkeleyX's The Science of Happiness: The first MOOC to teach you ground-breaking science of positive psychology, which explores the roots of a happy and meaningful life. Students will engage with some of this science's most provocative and practical lessons, discovering how cutting-edge research can be applied to their lives.
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Positive Psychology by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: This course discusses research findings in positive psychology, conducted by Barbara Fredrickson and her colleagues. It also features practical applications of this science that you can use immediately to help you live a whole and meaningful life. There are six modules in this course.
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Mint
19 hours ago
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Do you talk to AI when you're feeling down? Here's where chatbots get their therapy advice
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And they definitely are not trained mental health professionals who work under professional guidelines, adhere to a code of ethics, or hold professional registration. Where does it learn to talk about this stuff? When you prompt an AI system such as ChatGPT, it draws information from three main sources to respond: background knowledge it memorised during training external information sources information you previously provided. To develop an AI language model, the developers teach the model by having it read vast quantities of data in a process called 'training'. Where does this information come from? Broadly speaking, anything that can be publicly scraped from the internet. This can include everything from academic papers, eBooks, reports, free news articles, through to blogs, YouTube transcripts, or comments from discussion forums such as Reddit. Are these sources reliable places to find mental health advice? Sometimes. Are they always in your best interest and filtered through a scientific evidence based approach? Not always. The information is also captured at a single point in time when the AI is built, so may be out-of-date. A lot of detail also needs to be discarded to squish it into the AI's 'memory'. This is part of why AI models are prone to hallucination and getting details wrong. 2. External information sources The AI developers might connect the chatbot itself with external tools, or knowledge sources, such as Google for searches or a curated database. When you ask Microsoft's Bing Copilot a question and you see numbered references in the answer, this indicates the AI has relied on an external search to get updated information in addition to what is stored in its memory. Meanwhile, some dedicated mental health chatbots are able to access therapy guides and materials to help direct conversations along helpful lines. 3. Information previously provided AI platforms also have access to information you have previously supplied in conversations, or when signing up to the platform. When you register for the companion AI platform Replika, for example, it learns your name, pronouns, age, preferred companion appearance and gender, IP address and location, the kind of device you are using, and more (as well as your credit card details). On many chatbot platforms, anything you've ever said to an AI companion might be stored away for future reference. All of these details can be dredged up and referenced when an AI responds. And we know these AI systems are like friends who affirm what you say (a problem known as sycophancy) and steer conversation back to interests you have already discussed. This is unlike a professional therapist who can draw from training and experience to help challenge or redirect your thinking where needed. What about specific apps for mental health? Most people would be familiar with the big models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, or Microsofts' Copilot. These are general purpose models. They are not limited to specific topics or trained to answer any specific questions. But developers can make specialised AIs that are trained to discuss specific topics, like mental health, such as Woebot and Wysa. Some studies show these mental health specific chatbots might be able to reduce users' anxiety and depression symptoms. Or that they can improve therapy techniques such as journalling, by providing guidance. There is also some evidence that AI-therapy and professional therapy deliver some equivalent mental health outcomes in the short term. However, these studies have all examined short-term use. We do not yet know what impacts excessive or long-term chatbot use has on mental health. Many studies also exclude participants who are suicidal or who have a severe psychotic disorder. And many studies are funded by the developers of the same chatbots, so the research may be biased. Researchers are also identifying potential harms and mental health risks. The companion chat platform for example, has been implicated in ongoing legal case over a user suicide. This evidence all suggests AI chatbots may be an option to fill gaps where there is a shortage in mental health professionals, assist with referrals, or at least provide interim support between appointments or to support people on waitlists. At this stage, it's hard to say whether AI chatbots are reliable and safe enough to use as a stand-alone therapy option. More research is needed to identify if certain types of users are more at risk of the harms that AI chatbots might bring. It's also unclear if we need to be worried about emotional dependence, unhealthy attachment, worsening loneliness, or intensive use. AI chatbots may be a useful place to start when you're having a bad day and just need a chat. But when the bad days continue to happen, it's time to talk to a professional as well. (The Conversation) GRS GRS
Economic Times
2 days ago
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‘Razor blade throat': The COVID symptom alarming people right now
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Patients infected with COVID-19 are increasingly reporting an intense sore throat symptom, described by some as feeling like 'razor blades' in the throat. The term 'razor blade throat' has gained traction in parts of China, and search trends in the United States suggest growing concern over this specific to Google trends, searches such as 'new COVID variant painful symptom' and 'COVID razor throat' are on the rise. However, health experts stress that the symptom itself is not new or unique to any recent COVID-19 variant. While the description may sound alarming, physicians note that sore throat has long been among the common symptoms of read: Health experts sound alarm over terrifying new Covid variant found in US. Is it more dangerous? 'In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before,' said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to The Huff Post in noted that more recent omicron variants tend to cause less severe illness overall. Similarly, Dr. Carrie Horn, chief medical officer at National Jewish Health in Colorado, said that very sore throats have been associated with COVID-19 infections for some time. 'It's a symptom that has been associated with COVID infections for a while,' Horn said to The Huff stated that although he had not specifically heard the 'razor blade' terminology, he had encountered reports of painful sore throats among COVID-19 patients. Not everyone experiences this intense symptom, and it is not indicative of a new or more dangerous form of the virus.'There is not one outstanding COVID symptom that marks an infection,' said Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease specialist at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky to The Huff Post. 'A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well.'Also read: New Covid vaccine developed by USA researchers is ready to fight Coronavirus. How effective it is? Burns emphasized that the presence or intensity of a sore throat is not tied to any specific variant or form of the virus. 'To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. There's no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything like that,' he noted that COVID-19 infections typically surge twice a year, once in winter and once in mid-to-late summer. He reiterated the CDC Advisory Committee's recommendation that individuals at higher risk of severe illness should receive two vaccinations annually: one in the fall and another in early guidance applies to adults aged 65 and older, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people. 'The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected ... we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital,' Schaffner further reduce risk, Burns recommended masking indoors, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing, and increasing ventilation. For those who do become infected, testing and contacting a healthcare provider are essential, especially for high-risk individuals, since effective treatments are read: The Covid connection behind rising measles cases across the US Horn advised using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage symptoms, as well as prioritizing hydration. 'There's no reason to be miserable,' she said. Despite discomfort from sore throat, drinking water and herbal teas is critical to prevent dehydration and soothe inflamed membranes.'If you are sick, it's best to keep your germs to yourself,' Horn added. This includes skipping social events and staying home from work. If attending work is unavoidable, wearing a tight-fitting mask is strongly advised.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
‘Razor blade throat': The COVID symptom alarming people right now
Severe sore throat draws attention in COVID-19 cases Patients infected with COVID-19 are increasingly reporting an intense sore throat symptom, described by some as feeling like 'razor blades' in the throat. The term 'razor blade throat' has gained traction in parts of China, and search trends in the United States suggest growing concern over this specific symptom. According to Google trends, searches such as 'new COVID variant painful symptom' and 'COVID razor throat' are on the rise. However, health experts stress that the symptom itself is not new or unique to any recent COVID-19 variant. While the description may sound alarming, physicians note that sore throat has long been among the common symptoms of infection. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo Also read: Health experts sound alarm over terrifying new Covid variant found in US. Is it more dangerous? Doctors confirm 'razor blade throat' is not a new symptom 'In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before,' said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to The Huff Post in Nashville. Live Events Schaffner noted that more recent omicron variants tend to cause less severe illness overall. Similarly, Dr. Carrie Horn, chief medical officer at National Jewish Health in Colorado, said that very sore throats have been associated with COVID-19 infections for some time. 'It's a symptom that has been associated with COVID infections for a while,' Horn said to The Huff Post. Schaffner stated that although he had not specifically heard the 'razor blade' terminology, he had encountered reports of painful sore throats among COVID-19 patients. Not everyone experiences this intense symptom, and it is not indicative of a new or more dangerous form of the virus. General COVID symptoms remain consistent across variants 'There is not one outstanding COVID symptom that marks an infection,' said Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease specialist at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky to The Huff Post. 'A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well.' Also read: New Covid vaccine developed by USA researchers is ready to fight Coronavirus. How effective it is? Burns emphasized that the presence or intensity of a sore throat is not tied to any specific variant or form of the virus. 'To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. There's no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything like that,' he said. Prevention and treatment for COVID-19 symptoms Schaffner noted that COVID-19 infections typically surge twice a year, once in winter and once in mid-to-late summer. He reiterated the CDC Advisory Committee's recommendation that individuals at higher risk of severe illness should receive two vaccinations annually: one in the fall and another in early summer. This guidance applies to adults aged 65 and older, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people. 'The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected ... we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital,' Schaffner said. To further reduce risk, Burns recommended masking indoors, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing, and increasing ventilation. For those who do become infected, testing and contacting a healthcare provider are essential, especially for high-risk individuals, since effective treatments are available. Also read: The Covid connection behind rising measles cases across the US Horn advised using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage symptoms, as well as prioritizing hydration. 'There's no reason to be miserable,' she said. Despite discomfort from sore throat, drinking water and herbal teas is critical to prevent dehydration and soothe inflamed membranes. 'If you are sick, it's best to keep your germs to yourself,' Horn added. This includes skipping social events and staying home from work. If attending work is unavoidable, wearing a tight-fitting mask is strongly advised.
