The Future of
Happiness

Tuesday 6 July, 11am - 12pm

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Overview

Before the global pandemic struck, many of us felt content amid busy social lives, nice holidays and furthering our careers. But 2020 left many of us questioning our old lives and considering where we will derive happiness from in the future having realised the importance of spending more time with our families, enjoying walks in the fresh air, and living a simpler life.

So, is there a secret to happiness? Despite all our technological advances, we have yet to fully understand what makes people happy, and how to disseminate that. With mental health issues on the rise, are people becoming less happy? As the world changes exponentially, we need to learn how to hold on to what we hold dear, and ensure our happiness remains intact as we navigate the future.

Miriam Akhtar, a leading practitioner of positive psychology talks to us about all aspects of happiness and wellbeing, and what it takes to feel good, live well and flourish.

Watch on-demand video
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Host

Samantha Simmonds

Broadcast Journalist and Host of Sunday Politics

Samantha Simmonds has been a journalist and broadcaster for more than 20 years – she is currently presenting on BBC World News where she covers international events of the day. She also presents Sunday Politics and has her own podcast, ‘It’s a Grown-Up Life’. She presented on Sky News for more than a decade anchoring coverage of some of the biggest stories of recent years. These included the murder of British MP Jo Cox, the EU referendum live from Gibraltar, several general elections and the terror attacks in Tunisia and Brussels. Samantha’s highlights while at Sky include presenting on location at Buckingham Palace for the Queens’s 90th Birthday, at the Olympic Park for the London 2012 opening ceremony, and presenting from outside Buckingham Palace during the royal wedding.

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Guest

Miriam Akhtar

Expert in Positive Psychology and Author

Miriam Akhtar MAPP is an expert in positive psychology and a leading practitioner of the science of wellbeing. Miriam was one of a hundred global experts invited to contribute to the World Book of Happiness and its sequel, the World Book of Hope. She is a coach, trainer, speaker and visiting lecturer on the Executive Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (EMAPP) at the University of Lisbon. Miriam’s books include Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression, What Is Post-Traumatic Growth, and, The Little Book of Happiness. Miriam is also a contributor to Real Calm, the Psychologies book of resilience tools.