Advertisement Happiness is usually defined in terms of what causes it to happen or how it is experienced: fulfillment, contentment, satisfaction. Alden Wessman, one of the original researchers of happiness, said that happiness is synonymous with such "….classic terms of joy, felicity, elation, pleasure and contentment in mind."
Where or how do we find happiness? Actually, psychologists can be quite exact that happiness occurs in the human brain. Advanced technologies in neuropsychology have mapped the brain and found that happiness is created in and around the limbic system.
Stimulation in these areas appears to create complex interactions with the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex to create the experience of happiness. Neurosurgeons have identified these areas and found that direct chemical or electrical stimulation to these areas produce happiness in its most elated and pure form. Other medical evidence shows conclusively that damage or surgical removal of these areas results in permanent loss in the capability to experience happiness.
In a happy mood, people tend to become more aware of a variety of sensations and perceptions which normally go unnoticed when unhappy. Sensations like:
-- Physical well being
-- Emotional and physical arousal
-- Decrease in physical pain and more pleasant bodily feelings
-- Feeling healthier
-- Vision, touch, hearing and sensory awareness is increased
-- Excitement
-- Increased energy
-- Desire to be more active
-- The world is even perceived as being richer and more vibrant (Fordyce).
Psychologists and scientists know that emotion creates subtle biochemical changes within the body and brain and in this sense, emotions like happiness affect the body like a drug. It appears that this "happiness drug" affects the body like a very mild psychedelic that enhances the senses and awareness of the environment.
Happiness researcher Dr. Michael Fordyce has identified 14 fundamentals of happiness:
-- Be more active and keep busy
-- Spend more time socializing
-- Be productive at meaningful work
-- Get better organized and plan things out
-- Stop worrying
-- Lower your expectations and aspirations
-- Develop optimistic thinking
-- Get present-oriented
-- Work on a healthy personality
-- Be yourself
-- Eliminate negative feelings and problems
-- Close relationships are No. 1
-- Value happiness which is the secret fundamental
So get out there, be active, enjoy your friends and family, and like the lyrics of a Bobby McFerrin song, "Don't Worry Be Happy.” Have a great day!
Judy Aufenthie writes a regular online column about healthy living and wellness. If you have questions for her, send them to trindfleisch@lacrossetribune.com, or (608) 791-8227
