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There has been a debate among humans for a long time about true happiness. Is it achieved through material gain or spiritual means? Is it about physical well-being, or is it related to mental satisfaction?
Now, Shigehiro Oishi, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, has given his opinion on the matter. He spoke with Dan Harris on the 10% Happier podcast about how humans experience happiness.
What is happiness?
“Happiness is really about feeling comfortable, safe and satisfied,” Oishi said, CNBC reports. “Meaning in life often has three components.”
Explaining these three components, the professor said that these are the feelings that one’s life has meaning, that one’s life is purposeful, and that one fits coherently into the various roles of one’s life.
“You can maximize your personal success and increase your happiness. Or, in fact, you can minimize your ambition and increase your overall happiness,” Professor Oishi said, according to CNBC.
Elaborating further, he said that when it comes to the purpose of life, people judge it based on how much change they are bringing to the society at large. However, if one starts comparing themselves to the great men and women of history, they may feel very dissatisfied.
On how to achieve more happiness, Professor Oishi suggested ‘psychological prosperity’ as a solution.
He said, “A psychologically rich life is a life full of interesting, diverse perspective-changing experiences.”
How to increase happiness?
So, read, travel, watch movies and prepare yourself for new experiences. It will turn your life into a tapestry of colorful personal encounters and stories.
Also read: Neuroscientist says writing a letter to your future self can increase happiness and improve mental health. biological aspect of happiness
Although happiness is usually viewed as a psychological phenomenon, it also has a biological component. Certain hormones trigger what we can describe as ‘pleasure’.
According to a BBC article, two hormones are particularly important for feeling happiness – dopamine and oxytocin.
As far as oxytocin is concerned, it is the hormone that strengthens relationships with loved ones. It is released when we are in the company of people with whom we feel connected. Cuddling a pet, cuddling a loved one, meeting people whose company we enjoy and even when getting a massage.
Dopamine is released by actions like eating your favorite food, receiving praise, listening to your favorite music, etc. Whenever you complete a task, the satisfaction you feel is the action of dopamine. It also motivates you to move forward more.
So, make sure you engage in activities that trigger these two hormones. This is sure to increase your sense of happiness.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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