Got joy?
If you’re in need of happiness (or maybe just more of it), have no fear—neuroscience has you covered! Here are three ways to brighten up your life using the biology of your brain:
1. You know that awesome feeling you get when you log into Moodle, check your midterm grades, and see that your excessive studying and caffeine intake paid off? Reaching a goal causes your body to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls motivation, productivity, and drive, by acting as a pleasure-reward system. If you want to boost your happiness by increasing dopamine production, try meditating! Not only does meditation help to release dopamine but it also slows the production of cortisol, which reduces your stress levels.
2. After a long, hard day, nothing feels better than getting a hug from someone you care about. Not only is a hugging a kind, symbolic gesture, but friendly physical touch is also a great way to increase happiness at a neurological level. First, physical touch stimulates the vagus nerve, slowing heart rate and decreasing blood pressure, which helps to decrease stress. Additionally, physical touch increases your body’s release of oxytocin, a hormone that elevates feelings of connectedness, bonding, and trust. If you want to boost your mood with oxytocin, try giving more hugs throughout the day.
3. Have you ever wondered why Thanksgiving is such a joyful holiday? In addition to the delicious mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving is about showing gratitude. Gratitude has been proven to boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. If you want to escalate your happiness via serotonin, try starting a gratitude journal in which you write down at least one reason to be grateful each day.
Any or all of these ideas can help to make you extra happy today, so think about giving them a try! HCXO!