The Science of Trusting Your Intuition

What if burnout isn’t a breaking point, but an invitation to slow down, tune in, and hear the intuition you have been trying to say all along?

Summary: When we’re deep in burnout, even the simplest decisions can feel overwhelming. This episode of The Science of Happiness explores the difference between urgency and intuition, and what it takes to rebuild trust in your inner knowing. It’s a conversation about slowing down, listening inward, and finding clarity on the other side of exhaustion.

How To Do This Practice: 

1. Pause the noise: Set aside 5–10 minutes without screens, music, or conversation. Let yourself settle into stillness, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
2. Feel your body: Bring your attention inward. Notice physical sensations—tightness in your chest, a flutter in your gut, warmth in your hands—without trying to change them.
3. Breathe and soften: Take a few slow, gentle breaths. With each exhale, invite your body to soften and release any tension.
4. Ask a simple question: Bring to mind something you’re unsure about. Ask yourself softly, “What do I really know about this?” or “What feels true right now?”
5. Notice what arises: Pay attention to the first felt sense—not the loudest thought, but the quiet feeling underneath. It might show up as a word, image, emotion, or subtle pull in the body.
6. Close with trust: You don’t need a final answer. Just acknowledge what you noticed, thank yourself for listening, and carry that quiet knowing with you as you move forward.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

ZAKIYA GIBBONS is an award-winning journalist. She is a host, story editor, podcast producer, writer, and voice actor based in Brooklyn.

Learn more about Zakiya here: https://www.zakiyagibbons.com/

Follow Zakiya on Instagram: @zak_sauce

JOEL PEARSON is a Psychologist, Neuroscientist and public intellectual, keynote speaker, working at the forefront of science, innovation and agile science.

Learn more about Joel here: https://www.profjoelpearson.com/

Follow Joel on Instagram: @profjoelpearson

Related The Science of Happiness episodes:  

How Awe Helps You Navigate Life’s Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/2466rnm4

How Exploring New Places Can Make You Feel Happier: https://tinyurl.com/4ufn2tpn

Related Happiness Breaks:

Tap into the Joy That Surrounds You: https://tinyurl.com/2pb8ye9x

Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3

Tell us about your experience with this practice. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.

Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap

Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/4hbknadj