Everyone wants to be happy – it’s a common goal that cuts across cultures and individuals. The pursuit of joy influences everything from our work and relationships to personal growth and community interactions. It’s important to recognise and accept the full range of emotions that make us human, understanding that life includes moments of sadness and challenges.
Our capacity for happiness is influenced by various factors like our environment, relationships, stress management, and life experiences. Thinking that external achievements like jobs or accolades will unlock the secret to happiness, which can often set us up for disappointment and rarely leads to lasting feelings of positivity.
Neuroplasticity
Research tells us that we have more control over our happiness than we think. Understanding the brain-mind connection reveals the power of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and change. By actively doing things every day that promote joy and happiness, we can strengthen the brain’s neural pathways associated with happiness. So what are some of the ways we can promote happiness in our brains?
One big part of achieving happiness is recognising the brain’s tendency to focus on the negative, which is a leftover trait from our ancestors that was designed to detect potential threats. In today’s whirlwind of emails, texts, and life admin, this constant bombardment can stress us out and bring down our happiness. Breaking free from this negativity involves acknowledging these distractions and choosing to focus on the positive.
Gratitude
Small, daily habits that focus on positive thinking and gratitude can also help to reshape our brains. So instead of obsessing over criticisms or negative feedback, we can train our brains to look for the good, fostering a mindset that values positive experiences. One effective way to this is to challenging negative thoughts by coming up with three positive alternatives. This not only helps us see situations differently, but also stops our minds from sticking to the usual negative script.
Gratitude exercises can also be useful, like listing three things to be thankful for before bedtime, which can rewire our brains to focus on the good things in life. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, or a kind gesture from someone. Focusing on this can help to balance out the negative thoughts that we naturally turn towards.
Mindfulness
In the midst of life’s demands, it’s also important to remain mindful. Incorporating mindfulness into your routine, whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, a short walk, or being present in the moment, you can help reduce stress and enhance your overall wellbeing. Mindfulness can help you to feel more grounded and stabilise your emotions, especially when things feel overwhelming. It can feel difficult to find time for mindfulness if you have a busy schedule, but often those that do find they actually have more time and space in the rest of their day.
Relationships
Nurturing your relationships by spending quality time with friends and family can also help to enhance feelings of happiness and joy. Feeling down or low can often lead to people isolating themselves from others, which can make these feelings worse. But by making time for genuine connections, friendships and family, you can significantly boost your mental wellbeing. In addition, those who dedicate time to hobbies and activities that bring joy, also increase their overall happiness levels. Whether it’s reading, dancing, or gardening, doing things you love contributes to a sense of fulfilment and helps you to embrace positive experiences in other aspects of your life.
Happiness isn’t a finish line. It’s a journey, and the power to make that journey is in our hands. It’s not about pretending sadness doesn’t exist, but about being strong and positive as we navigate through life’s challenges. Try out these strategies to re-wire your brain and help you to cultivate happiness in your everyday life.
