A simple smile, a friendly gesture or an offer of help and friendship, could help us all live longer, healthier lives. International Day of Happiness (March 20) is celebrated by the United Nations as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.  There is scientific data that suggests people who embrace the benefits of a positive attitude, are rewarded with a greater sense of well-being. Catherine Sanderson is a psychologist and professor in Life Sciences at Amherst College in Massachusetts. In her book, The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, Dr. Sanderson explores the science behind our mindset, and how, she says, anyone can learn to adopt a more positive outlook. In this LLAMA podcast interview, with Peter Bowes, Dr. Sanderson explains how kindness, gratitude and genuine friendships can help promote better physical and mental health.  Check out our home page at LLAMApodcast.com Twitter: @llamapodcastIn this interview we explore:Why someone who is not “naturally happy” has written a book about happiness?What does it mean to be happy?Are we genetically programmed to be either happy or more melancholy in our demeanor?Does having stress and adversity in life help, ultimately, promote happiness? What if bad things happen? What does MRI data showing levels of "brain activation" tell us? Why do our brains react differently when we’re surrounded by nature?How much control do we have over our mindset? Do we spend too little time thinking about and practicing happiness? How powerful is a smile? How a positive attitude can make us feel better and better tolerate adverse experiences. Why are so many people keeping gratitude journals? Bedtime rituals to help us sleep better.Does social media make us feel less happy?Why Dr. Sanderson says “relationships are the number one best predictor of our happiness."Is happiness contagious?Why changing our FlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering a discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep/treat injuries/sooth aches/pains.  Sale price US$369 (down from $449) + extra $10 off use code equinox  Sale ends Sept 21: 0259 I PST DoNotAgeDoNotAge.org is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.orgUse the code LLAMA at checkout. - Time-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout-Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.