Take These 9 Popular Online Courses to Improve Your Happiness and Well-being
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as looking after your physical body. While therapy and self-care routines are wonderful, not everyone has access to these tools—or even knows where to begin. The good news? The internet has opened up a treasure trove of knowledge. From Ivy League institutions to global platforms, you can now take high-quality online courses designed specifically to help you feel better, think clearer, and live more fully.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your happiness, manage stress, or simply understand yourself better, these 9 online courses are a great place to start.
1. The Science of Well-Being – Yale University (Coursera)
This course became a global phenomenon, and for good reason. Taught by Professor Laurie Santos, it dives deep into what psychology research says about happiness. You'll learn how our minds often trick us, and how to build better habits that actually make us happier. It’s practical, evidence-based, and engaging.
Why it helps: Teaches you how to rewire your brain for positivity and gratitude, based on real science.
2. Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health – University of Sydney (Coursera)
This course takes a compassionate and clinical look at how mental well-being can be cultivated. It explores the positive aspects of mental health, including mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, along with insights into common mental disorders.
Why it helps: You’ll gain tools to both prevent and manage mental health struggles in a constructive way.
3. The Science of Happiness – UC Berkeley (edX)
Offered by the Greater Good Science Center, this course blends psychology and neuroscience to explain what makes us truly happy. It includes practical activities like gratitude journaling and mindful breathing.
Why it helps: You’ll learn to apply happiness practices to everyday life and deepen your understanding of human connection.
4. Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19 – University of Toronto (Coursera)
Although created in response to the pandemic, this short course offers timeless strategies for handling stress, uncertainty, and negative thought patterns. It’s especially useful if you’re struggling with anxiety or emotional overwhelm.
Why it helps: Practical mental health tips from a cognitive behavioral perspective, with a focus on self-awareness.
5. Resilience Skills in a Time of Uncertainty – University of Pennsylvania (Coursera)
This course, taught by resilience expert Dr. Karen Reivich, provides science-backed strategies to help you bounce back from adversity, manage stress, and cultivate a stronger mindset. It's perfect for anyone facing change or challenge.
Why it helps: Teaches you how to reframe setbacks and train your brain to focus on growth and strength.
6. Living from a Place of Surrender – Michael Singer (Sounds True)
This video series isn’t academic, but it's deeply transformative. Michael Singer, author of The Untethered Soul, guides you to let go of resistance and live in alignment with the present moment. While the language is more spiritual, the lessons are profound.
Why it helps: Encourages deep inner peace and acceptance by letting go of mental clutter.
7. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work – UC Berkeley (edX)
This course focuses on how to build emotional intelligence and empathy in professional settings, but the skills easily transfer to personal life. You’ll learn how to communicate better, understand others, and improve your relationships.
Why it helps: Emotional intelligence is a key driver of long-term happiness and connection.
8. Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty and Stress – Yale University (Coursera)
This is a bite-sized course (only a few hours long) that provides quick, effective tools to regulate your emotions when the world feels chaotic. You'll learn about emotion labeling, self-talk, and more.
Why it helps: Offers emotional regulation strategies that work instantly—especially in high-stress situations.
9. Happiness and Fulfillment – Indian School of Business (Coursera)
This lesser-known gem explores the role of meaning, self-reflection, and personal growth in long-term well-being. It asks deeper questions about what truly matters in life and how to build a life aligned with your values.
Why it helps: Shifts focus from short-term pleasure to sustainable, purposeful joy.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stay Consistent
The beauty of these courses is that they’re self-paced and open to anyone with an internet connection. Whether you have just 10 minutes a day or a few hours a week, dedicating time to learn about your own mind and emotional health can have long-lasting effects.
And the best part? These aren't just theoretical—they’re packed with exercises and habits you can practice right away.
So, if you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or just a little low, consider enrolling in one or two of these courses. You might be surprised by how much your mindset can shift—and how much power you actually have to create your own happiness.
Remember: You deserve to feel good. And learning how to get there is one of the most valuable journeys you can take.