The Neuroscience Way to the Secret of Happiness

 As we all go through ups and downs in our life, it is important to find ways to keep us happy and healthy. In the article titled The Neuroscience of Positive Emotions and Affect: Implications for Cultivating Happiness and Wellbeing, Dr. Rebecca Silton along with her colleagues examine the neurophysiological aspects of positive emotions and how it relates to overall happiness and wellbeing. The paper identifies that neurotransmitters such as dopamine and hormones such as oxytocin are involved in positive emotions. It is seen that positive emotions have a role in the lifespan that we live and that there is an impact on our wellbeing. Their paper considers the impact of social and environmental factors with positive emotions. Specifically, it recognizes the influence that it has on social relationships and the environment. There are practices such as mediation that is also found to help enhance our wellbeing as it helps to boost positive emotions.

 

Based on the findings, it can be seen that having a good social and environmental group can aid in attaining a more fulfilling and happy life. According to “The Art of Happiness: an Explorative Study of Contemplative Program for subjective Well-Being” by Rastelli et al., there are many ways to also achieve happiness. The paper heavily emphasizes doing mental training and exercises to achieve happiness. Attending lectures, having open discussions with supportive members regarding personal growth, and attending retreats all help to further achieve happiness in life. And as Stilton et al. suggested, meditation is also a great way to relieve stress and become happiness.  

 

            When we go through stressful situations, it is important to find ways to relieve that stress and find happiness. Using the strategies that both papers suggested, it may be worth our time to try them out. Many of us are students and go through the stress of family, friends, and school. Taking care of our mental and physical health is important and these strategies may help to relieve that stress and help us become happier individuals. 

 

References:

 

Rastelli, Clara, et al. “The Art of Happiness: An Explorative Study of a Contemplative Program for Subjective Well-Being.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 12, 2021, pp. 600982–600982, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.600982.

 Rebecca Alexander et al. “The Neuroscience of Positive Emotions and Affect: Implications for Cultivating Happiness and Wellbeing.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Pergamon, 8 Dec. 2020, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763420306801?via%3Dihub.