Pushkin.
Welcome to a special set of episodes of The Happiness Lab.
The now global spread of coronavirus is affecting all of us.
This disease has brought a host of medical, economic, and political problems.
But it's also given us a ton of uncertainty and anxiety,
which are beginning to have an enormous negative impact on our collective well-being.
But whenever I'm confused or fearful,
I remember that looking for answers in evidence-based science is always the best way to go.
And that's where I'm hoping this podcast can help.
I often get emails from listeners asking for specific advice.
But one of the ones I received recently really struck me.
It was from the director of a hospital emergency department,
someone who had spent the last few weeks on the front lines fighting COVID-19.
He talked about the fear and anxiety so many healthcare workers were facing right now.
And asked
if I could devote a special episode to helping medical staff and first responders with some science-based tips specifically designed to protect their well-being during this crisis.
Like many of you,
I've been wondering what I could do to help the brave folks who are working on the front lines of this crisis.
But I also didn't want to give such advice lightly.
And so while I desperately wanted to help,