Cultivating Well-Being and the Psychology of Flow, taught by Dr. Walters and Mrs. Dancy, is a JanTerm course inspired by Yale’s widely known “Happiness” class. The course examines key components of personal well-being, including increasing joy, managing stress, identifying flow-state activities, and establishing a healthy balance between school and personal life.

In class, we connected media and literature to broader ideas about human needs and fulfillment. Films such as Ratatouille and the documentary We Feed People were used to explore how experiences can influence well-being. We also discussed the concept of flow state, often described as the feeling when hours pass quickly because of deep focus and engagement.

A new feature of the course this year was the inclusion of The Incredible Brain by Dr. Ryan Williamson. The class was divided into groups, each reading different sections of the book and identifying how physical habits can affect overall well-being. Afterward, Dr. Williamson visited the class to offer practical advice and respond to student questions, reinforcing the connection between research and daily habits.

The course also emphasized experiential learning outside the classroom. Around Atlanta, students explored physical well-being and flow through activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and a ninja warrior course. Emotional well-being was addressed through guided meditation at Kadampa Meditation Center and a visit to Ponce City Market, while social well-being was developed through an escape room experience and a board game day. By connecting theory with real-world experiences, the course demonstrated how different aspects of well-being intersect. Cultivating Well-Being and the Psychology of Flow offered practical strategies for reducing stress and living more intentionally, making it a timely and valuable JanTerm experience.