The Science of Happiness at Work
Focus on meaningful work and what you can do.
Take short breaks to reduce physiological stress and potentially increase productivity.
Encourage social interactions with coworkers that are positive, supportive and healthy.
Make your workspace comfortable and stimulating to bring out the best in you.
Assessing Happiness
Self-Assessment: Keep a journal or mood diary, or download an app that tracks moods.
Happiness Indexes: Satisfaction with life questionnaires, national or international highlight wellbeing.
Behavioral Indicators: What someone does (physical health, socializing, energy, etc) can showing the result of mental health.
Common Misconceptions About Happiness
Happiness = Money – Once you have met your basic needs, money counts for little else in terms of happiness.
Happiness is Permanent – Happiness will fluctuate even in your most meaningful moments, and takes effort.
My happiness is controlled by my actions, people or events – My happiness is in my mind; my perceptions, habits, mindset, and my relationships control my happiness.
Conclusion
Happiness is a science and a practice. The more you know about the biological, psychological, and social influences to your mood and making small habitual changes daily, the bigger the impact on your mental, emotional, physiological, and spiritual resiliency.
Start with small changes to build consistency; practice gratitude, exercise, nourish your relationship with Happiness can be more than just a feeling; happiness is a science. Researchers have studied everything from the chemical make-up of our brains to our daily habits in order to see how it all fits together to influence our moods, emotions and well-being. Understanding the science of happiness, is knowing how to make some reframing to enhance our mental and emotional health.
In this article, we will discuss the periodical practices with evidence-based strategies and lifestyle changes that can enhance your mood on a daily basis, with simple exercises that anyone can use.
Understanding Happiness
What Is Happiness?
Happiness is a state of physical well-being and contentment, and is often attached to life satisfaction, emotional balance and feeling positive mental health. Psychologists say happiness is made up of positive feeling in a combination of motivation and purpose.
The Science of Happiness
Happiness is driven by biological, psychological and social factors:
Neurotransmitters: Brain chemicals that change our moods and pleasure are serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.
Genetics: Studies show 50% of happiness can be attributed to genetics, while the other 50% is attributed to lifestyle and mindset.
Environmental: Happiness is influenced by your social connections, work and daily experiences.
The Brain and Happiness
Neurotransmitters that increase Mood
Serotonin – Regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
Dopamine – Related to the reward, motivation, and pleasure.
Oxytocin – The “love hormone”, increases trust, and bonding.