Happiness Break: A Practice In Appreciating Your Friends

Take a moment to appreciate the friends who know you, support you, and make your life richer with their presence, with author Alex Elle.
How To Do This Practice:

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Take a few deep breaths: Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly, relaxing your shoulders and jaw.

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Bring a friend to mind: Think of someone who has become an important part of your life.

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Remember how they’ve known you: Reflect on the stories, experiences, and versions of yourself that this person has witnessed.

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Notice the ordinary moments: Bring to mind a laugh, conversation, meal, road trip, or small gesture that captures your friendship.

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Feel your gratitude: Let yourself appreciate what it means to be seen, remembered, supported, and accepted by a friend.

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Consider how you can show you care: Think of one small way you can tend to the friendship, whether by reaching out, checking in, or simply telling them you appreciate them.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.
The Science of Happiness is a Top 5 finalist in the Signal Awards for our series on how cities can inspire awe, and we’d love your vote! Find the voting link here (vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2026/limite…) or on our Instagram page, @scienceofhappinesspod.
Then email happinesspod@berkeley.edu with a screenshot of your vote for a chance to win a signed copy of host Dacher Keltner’s book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.
Today’s Guide:
ALEX ELLE is a breathwork coach, author and restorative writing teacher.
alexelle.com/about
Related Happiness Break episodes:
A Meditation on Original Love and Interconnectedness:tinyurl.com/mu2uzs2c
Our Deep Interconnectedness: tinyurl.com/y2epxyxn
Making Space for You, with Alex Elle: tinyurl.com/45arsb76
Related Science of Happiness episodes:
Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: tinyurl.com/mrxsad33
When It's Hard To Connect, Try Being Curious: tinyurl.com/mr32nwtv
The Contagious Power of Compassion: tinyurl.com/y6bpvbv5
We’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
Find us on Apple Podcasts:tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link:tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcription: tinyurl.com/mvhnrk5b