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26 BCALA NEWS Volume 41, Issue 3
Summer 2014
‘‘Happy?” Is There a Link Between Health and Happiness?
SUBMITTED BY LAVENTRA E. DANQUAH, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Long before the release of the New York Time’s best-seller The Happiness Project or Pharrell Williams’ number-one single, ‘‘Happy”, it wasn’t unusual to find me dancing around the house, reading for pleasure or prepping for a speaking engagement. Quite frankly, these activities make me feel - happy. Neuroscience suggests that engaging in constructive activities we enjoy likely increases the levels and function of serotonin in our brains, in turn creating a feeling of contentment and satisfaction. Numerous studies support a positive correlation between physical and mental well-being. Additional studies examine how individuals can effectively increase their levels of happiness through temporary and permanent behavioral changes; applied positive psychology recommends:
* Engaging in positive conversations and supportive social settings. *Keeping a gratitude journal. *Giving someone a compliment.
*List three things you appreciate about yourself and review them daily. *Listening to positive affirmations and or music. *Take a 5-minute strength break; this can include a brisk walk. *Volunteering.
Ultimately, happiness like good nutrition, diet and exercise is a choice and there are tools to help you get started.
Some references:
Healthy Lifestyle, Mayo Clinic | ‘‘How to be Happy…” | http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy- living/stress-management/in-depth/how-to-be-happy/art-20045714
Let’s Talk About |http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/index.html The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin http://bigthink.com/users/gretchenrubin