PROFILE

Oliver Burkeman

Oliver Burkeman writes about social psychology, self-help culture, productivity, and the science of happiness in This Column Will Change Your Life for The Guardian. His book The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking explores the upsides of negativity, uncertainty, failure, and imperfection. He is also the author of Four Thousand Weeks (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2021).

By Oliver Burkeman | October 13, 2021

Accepting our mortality helps us let go of busyness and focus on what’s most important to us in order to live a happier, more meaningful life.

By Oliver Burkeman | October 31, 2012

Can visualizing death make you happier? Research says yes. Here are four surprising ways to harness the power of negativity.

The Science of Happiness at Work

Greater Good's online course series offering research-based strategies for more satisfaction, connection, and purpose at work. CEs for health professionals & HR managers.

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Are You the A*Hole?

Worried that you might be wrong in that argument you're having? Intellectual humility can help.
How To Find Calm Through Walking

Meditation has proven benefits, but the style that works best depends on a person's habits and preferences. In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we explore walking meditation, a powerful practice for feeling more centered and grounded. Dan Harris, host of the award-winning 10% Happier podcast, shares how walking meditation helps him manage the residual stress and anxiety from years of war reporting and high-pressure TV anchoring. Then, Dr. Paul Kelly from the University of Edinburgh dives into the science, explaining how walking meditation can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve overall well-being.