A helpful reminder in these times: The “Science of Happiness” and neuroscience research found that the following activities had high correlations with measures of happiness.
Attuned relationships: when we resonate with or “feel felt” by another. This is experienced as a palpable sense of connection and aliveness. When we have attunement, we become more balanced and self-regulated. As social beings, we need to have some degree of “secure attachment” to others to thrive and be happy. When we feel really seen, heard, and accepted by another person, research shows that this promotes resiliency and changes neural circuitry in the brain. The Science of Happiness says that the time we spend with people we care about and who care about us is one of the highest predictors of happiness.
Exercise: moving the body for health, fitness, and enjoyment also builds confidence and resiliency… a “can do” feeling. It also promotes neurogenesis. Studies have shown it increases gray matter in the brain.
Altruism: being kind to others makes us feel good (helper’s high). Altruistic acts light up the same pleasure centers in the brain as food and sex. It was another high predictor of happiness. When we focus on others rather than ourselves we tend to feel better.
Connection to something larger than self: it provides meaning, purpose, inspiration, hope, and awe. It enables us to live beyond the limitations of our ego and have a more heart-centered life.
Time in nature: A vital component of genuine and sustainable happiness is our relationship to the natural world. Eco Psychology studies show that when our disposition and thinking are severed from the balancing and restorative powers of earth’s natural systems, we suffer. Also, we have probably all experienced the transformative effects of awe that nature can elicit. It makes us happy in the moment, and it changes neural circuitry and brain chemistry.
New and novel activities: learn a new skill or hobby, take a new route to work; challenge yourself. These promote resiliency and neurogenesis. It not only can relieve boredom but can bring pleasure and a sense of adventure to our lives.
Pleasurable (Play) and engaging activities (Flow): According to Stuart Brown M.D., “What enables us to innovate, problem-solve, and be happy, smart, resilient human beings? Our ability to play.” As a researcher and expert on play, he defines play as purposeless, all-consuming, and restorative. He believes it is a basic biological drive as integral to our health and functioning as sleep or nutrition. It also promotes brain development.