Physiology of happiness -Happiness 3



                                                     
Physiology of happiness
Within the brain, the anterior cortex and the amygdale (in the brain) become more active when we think about positive events. Research demonstrates that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in happiness because it mediates transfer of positive emotions. Happiness is also associated with lower levels of cortisol, and therefore, a stronger immune system, and less stress.
Happiness produces physiological changes, evident by scientific testing. Positron Emission Tomography (PET test) and functional MRI show activity in the left prefrontal cortex, which when stimulated, people feel more positive. Optimism, a contributing factor for happiness, is also linked to brain function
Within the brain, the anterior cortex and the amygdale (in the brain) become more active when we think about positive events. Research demonstrates that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in happiness because it mediates transfer of positive emotions. Happiness is also associated with lower levels of cortisol, and therefore, a stronger immune system, and less stress.
Born Happy?
An interesting question. A classic study of twins found that genetics accounts for about 50% of our satisfaction, or happiness, with life – called the “happiness set point”. This is the point we return to if our happiness is disrupted.
Happiness Formula
What is our Happiness Formula? It is a combination of our genetic happiness set point (approximately 50% of our satisfaction with life), and other circumstances of a person’s life, such as health, and factors under our voluntary control, like satisfying relationships, and engaging in meaningful life activities.
What Makes Us Happy?
Age – we actually become happier with age! Happiness is associated with overall emotional well-being and stability. A Gallop study of people ages 18 – 85 years old, found that happiness appears to decrease gradually until age 50, then trended upward, while worry declined.
Does Money Make You Happier?
The link between money and happiness is complicated. Satisfaction with the standard of living is associated with a more positive evaluation of life, but true positive feelings come from psychological factors such as using one’s skills and autonomy. In addition, research shows that more money does improve overall life satisfaction, but does not improve daily happiness.
Relationships
Studies show that people in relationships such as marriage tend to be happier, but is it because they are married, or is it because happy people tend to be in relationships and get married? Single or divorced people tend to be happier than those in unhappy relationships.
Smile
We've all heard the old adage "it takes 43 muscles to frown, and just 17 to smile," a fact that of course begs the question: Why don't we all smile more often? We know that a smile can light up someone else's day as well as our own, but still, it seems that these days smiles are in short supply. And let's face it, there are those days when you flash a smile at a stranger hoping for one in return, and the only response you elicit is a deeper scowl and a look of confusion.
A smile, by all accounts, is universal -- a language without words, a communication that requires no translation. No matter where you are, a smile can speak volumes when you cannot. In the deepest, darkest corners of the world where refugees struggle to survive, and where I arrive, a stranger who doesn't speak the language, a genuine smile introduces me more purely than announcing my name ever will. My smile declares that I am eager and open and interested, and that I am there to work alongside them. A genuine smile transcends, well, everything -- religion, politics, and even borders. None of that matters in the sudden burst of an unexpected smile.
And a smile provides more than comfort for ourselves or someone else. A smile releases endorphins, those happiness signals that surge through our bodies and brains and convince our inner selves that we are happy, confident and satisfied, and when we take the time to direct a genuine smile at another person, our endorphins spin through our brains and we feel almost immediately a tiny ripple of happiness. Try it -- no matter your mood, smile. And then smile again -- and like magic, you'll feel the first stirrings of happiness. It's hard to fight the effects of a simple smile, and harder still to frown when you feel good.
Now, try a smile on that perpetually snarling person you see each morning on the bus or the street. Whatever sadness or worry lurks behind their sulking scowl a smile can often, at the very least, ease that scowl into a tiny bit of a grin. It won't always work -- there are those who will look at you as though you are quite mad before they scurry away. But there are so many more, myself included, who will welcome the warmth that a smile provides. Try it on that coworker who seems weighed down, shoulders slumped, eyes and mouth pulled into a permanent pout. And, more likely than not, the recipient will smile in turn, and that smile will make your endorphins swell with the joy that only a smile can provide.
Smile as often as you can. Smile at a friend, a lover, a stranger, or smile to yourself -- the most powerful smile of all because if you exude joy, you spread joy.
It does take effort to smile, to be engaged in your world, in your surroundings, but once you smile, the rewards are endless. So with that in mind, consider the first smile of your day your first and most important workout. Your heart and your mind will be the better for it.


Strategies to get happier
  • Connect socially! Get out and smile, and seek activities that bring fulfillment and pleasure
  • Keep a positive attitude and practice an attitude of gratitude
  • Take care of your body – follow a healthy food plan, such as FirstLine Therapy Program
  • Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, become more active, and get plenty of rest
  • Exercise! It produces feelings of wellbeing and releases endorphins (“feel good hormones”)
  • Get regular chiropractic adjustments and massage – take care of your body
  • Stay active! If pain and stiffness are slowing your down, commit to a Physical therapy program
  • Practice forgiveness – which frees you from the past and moves you forward in life
  • Love yourself – be kind to yourself – take care of yourself!
  • Pursue goals that interest and stimulate you and bring satisfaction and pleasure
  • Surround yourself with positive people
  • Live a meaningful life

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