Science tells us that once our basic needs are met, more material wealth does not increase our happiness very much. If you want to increase your happiness, positive psychology tells us how to go about it: According to the Foresight Report (Aked et. al, 2008) there are 5 factors - all in our control, that we can use to increase our personal feeling of happiness and life satisfaction.
The important thing in the experience of happiness, is not the intensity of the positive feelings, but rather the frequency of the positive emotion in daily life, so do these things daily & reap the happiness rewards.
If you want to work on your personal happiness levels, and increase life satisfaction call Sunshine Coast Kinesiologist
Steve Emans on 0412 252 321
- Really connect with people - This means being present with others, giving them your attention when you are together, and listening without judgment when they speak. This makes your time together quality time & everyone enjoys it more. It also increases the production of the neurotransmitter oxytocin - the bonding hormone.
- Be physically active daily - Endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are released when we exercise and all play a role in generating a ‘feel good’ mood for the rest of the day. It also causes the release of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor which stimulates the release of new brain cells.
- Practice Mindfulness - Keep your awareness in the present moment instead of letting your thoughts wander back into fretting about the imperfect past, or worry about possible fearful futures. This keeps us feeling calm and responsive to life as it unfolds in the present.
- Learn new things - Learning something new and interesting releases the brain reward neurotransmitter dopamine, which makes us feel a sense of accomplishment & fulfilment. It can be anything – art, a new language, a skill like horse riding or table tennis…
- Give to others - Acts of service release neurotransmitters, like oxytocin (the bonding chemical) and dopamine (the reward chemical). Again these brain chemicals increase life satisfaction. Do small things, offer to babysit your grand-kids, do the washing up when it’s not your turn, cook a meal for a sick neighbor… notice what someone needs & do it.
The important thing in the experience of happiness, is not the intensity of the positive feelings, but rather the frequency of the positive emotion in daily life, so do these things daily & reap the happiness rewards.
If you want to work on your personal happiness levels, and increase life satisfaction call Sunshine Coast Kinesiologist
Steve Emans on 0412 252 321