What does it truly mean to be happy? Is it a fleeting feeling, or something we can actively cultivate in our lives and workplaces?

This is the question we explored in our recent webinar, "Happiness Delivered," where we were honored to host world-renowned happiness scientist, Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky. As a Professor of Psychology and the author of bestsellers like The How of Happiness, Dr. Lyubomirsky brings decades of scientific research to a topic that’s at the very heart of our mission.

At Sugarwish, we often say we set out to create a gifting company but ended up in the happiness business. That's because we believe that connection, kindness, and gratitude are the most powerful gifts of all. The session was packed with actionable insights, but here are a few of our favorite takeaways that you can start applying today.

1. Social Connection is the Secret Ingredient

The biggest secret to happiness? It’s other people. While we often think of happiness as an internal state, Dr. Lyubomirsky’s research overwhelmingly shows that our well-being is deeply tied to the quality of our social connections. This is why looking for meaningful thank you gift ideas feels so rewarding—because performing acts of kindness is scientifically proven to boost not only the receiver's happiness, but your own health and well-being, too.

This creates a powerful, positive feedback loop. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good, which in turn makes you more likely to spread that positivity to others. It’s a true win-win that builds stronger, more resilient communities.

2. Your Mindset Matters (More Than You Think)

Happiness isn't just about what you do; it's about how you think. Dr. Lyubomirsky shared three essential mindsets from her forthcoming book, How to Feel Loved, that are critical for building the social connections that fuel happiness.

• Radical Curiosity Mindset: Move beyond surface-level interactions. Being genuinely curious about another person's experiences, thoughts, and feelings is the foundation of authentic connection.

• Listening-To-Learn Mindset: So often, we listen with the intent to reply. A powerful shift is to listen with the sole purpose of understanding. This makes the other person feel truly seen and heard.

• Sharing Mindset: Connection is a two-way street. Being willing to be vulnerable and share more of your authentic self allows others to connect with the real you, not just the polished version.

3. Gratitude Drives Everything

If social connection is the secret, gratitude is the engine that drives it. For us at Sugarwish, expressing and receiving kindness is the powerful force behind our mission.  And for the person on the receiving end, it’s not just an item; it’s a powerful message. It transforms a simple present into deeply personal thank you gifts, reinforcing that your contributions are seen and valued. 

This principle extends beyond personal connections and into the very core of our business. The most effective engagement tools are corporate gifts that are thoughtful, because they show genuine appreciation and strengthen professional relationships on a human level. 

As Dr. Lyubomirsky’s research shows, gratitude is far from a "hokey" concept. It’s a scientifically-backed practice with tangible benefits, from strengthening relationships to improving your immune system. In a work environment, fostering a culture of gratitude can transform morale. At Sugarwish, we do this with our "Gratitude Board" thank you note collection tool – available to all Sugarwish account holders! – and "Gratitude Fridays," where Sugarwish team members publicly acknowledge each other in a dedicated Slack channel.

These are simple, cost-free ways to ensure people feel valued, and to constantly reinforce the positive impact we have on one another.

Want to learn more?

Watch the Replay:
Missed the webinar or want a refresher on these powerful concepts? The full recording is available for you to watch anytime.
[Watch the Webinar Now]

Keep Learning with Dr. Lyubomirsky:

We're huge fans of Dr. Lyubomirsky’s newsletter, The Happiness Files. It’s packed with fascinating, science-backed tips for living a happier life.