187: Eli Susman: Micropractices That Weave Wellbeing Into Your Life

2026
Written By Kathy Oneto

Overview

A lot of us are looking for ways to support our wellbeing in everyday life, but find it hard to make time for building consistent habits, especially with so many things pulling on our time and attention. 

But when it comes to sustaining our resilience and wellbeing, it turns out that you don’t need large chunks of time every day.

In fact, my guest Eli Susman, PhD, has found in his research and his own experience that the little things really do add up. Eli coined the term micropractice to describe the tiny shifts that everyone can access to support our wellbeing in real life. 

In our conversation, Eli explains the science behind the effectiveness of micropractices and talks about his step-by-step guide for consistently integrating them into your life so that wellbeing becomes a way of being.

Listen below or on your favorite podcast player.

187: Eli Susman: Micropractices That Weave Wellbeing Into Your Life
The Sustainable Ambition Podcast with Kathy Oneto
Download

More About Our Guest

Eli Susman, PhD, is a UC Berkeley-trained psychologist, former Harvard researcher, and author of Micropractice: A Science-Backed Approach for Calm, Clarity, and Joy in 30 Seconds or Less, with international editions in 20 languages. His research has been featured in more than 100 outlets across 30 languages, including The New York Times, CNN, and the BBC, and was recognized by Greater Good Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Insights from the Science of a Meaningful Life.” Drawing on his background as a longtime meditation practitioner and facilitator, certified yoga teacher, and laughter yoga leader, Susman brings together scientific rigor and lived practice to show how well-being can become a way of being.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The simple question at a retreat that shaped the trajectory of Eli’s research

  • What the research tells us about the importance of consistency versus duration

  • The neuroscience behind why micropractices can be so effective

  • Why Eli starts with tangible, physical practices rather than breath or mindfulness

  • Why touch and laughter are vital micropractices for wellbeing

  • The three essential ingredients for habit formation

Learn more about Eli Susman:

Resources Mentioned

Thanks for Listening!

  • Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at podcast@SustainableAmbition.com

  • Get my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter. Sign up here

Kathy Oneto
Next

186: Jen Fisher on Why Hope Is a Strategy