Is there anything that people seek more fervently yet find so elusive as happiness? Some perceive it as a brief feeling along the way of life, while others see it as a final goal. Some attribute it to genetics, while others regard it as the result of consistent behaviors.
What does happiness mean to you?
Dr. Caroline Meyer, ND, finds joy in the little things, emphasizing that focusing solely on “major” events can cause us to overlook the daily joys that nourish us.
For Josh Gitalis, a clinical nutritionist and functional medicine specialist, happiness stems from making choices in harmony with his personal values and mission.
Chantée Dardaine, a registered psychotherapist, describes happiness as a tangible sensation that arises when she engages in activities that warm her soul.
Meanwhile, Linda Graham, a retired marriage and family therapist and author of Bouncing Back and Resilience (New World Library, 2013 and 2018), notes that happiness encompasses a wide range of expressions, from simple contentment to sheer euphoria. Instead of viewing happiness as a light or superficial concept, Graham aims to nurture a profound sense of joy and gratitude.
The mechanics of happiness
What do we truly feel when we express that we are “happy”? It appears to involve a blend of physical responses, emotions, and intentional actions.
From a physical standpoint, Gitalis explains that happiness is influenced by many elements: “Neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, are released in brain regions tied to feelings of happiness. Additionally, hormones like oxytocin are affected by social interactions, hugging, and forming bonds.”
Meyer points out that our ability to experience happiness hinges on the well-being of our nervous system.
To combat the tendency to drift into a state where we miss out on joyful moments, Dardaine suggests incorporating a deliberate intention to embrace happiness.
The significance of gratitude
Meyer emphasizes that “gratitude encourages us to seek out delightful experiences in our daily lives.” She mentions that reflecting on a few happy moments every day, with a sense of gratitude, has proven transformative, stating that mindfulness facilitates this practice.
Graham identifies gratitude as her primary method for developing and sustaining happiness. She consciously acknowledges the “abundant enoughness” in her life. Similarly, Gitalis believes that gratitude serves as a reminder of the sufficiency in our lives, suggesting that a sense of “not-enoughness” hinders true happiness.
● B vitamins are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
● Curcumin (from turmeric) is believed to reduce neuroinflammation linked to depression and anxiety.
● L-theanine may promote the generation of alpha brain waves tied to relaxation.
● Rhodiola can help mitigate stress-related effects.
● Magnesium L-threonate is a form of magnesium known for its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
● Probiotics might be connected to happiness through better gut health.
The proximity of happiness
Dardaine reflects on her upbringing, noting that she often believed happiness was linked to achievements, often saying, “I’ll be happy when …” This mindset led her to think happiness awaited her at some distant milestone, while in reality, it exists right before us.
“In our busy lives,” Graham observes, “we tend to overshadow the happiness that is readily available.” She recommends dedicating even a small portion of each day to activities that bring joy and to be attentive when those moments of happiness occur.
Taking a moment to slow down and appreciate life helps us notice the tiny fragments of joy—the small yet significant instances that collectively enhance our overall happiness, as per Alyssa Kerbel, the founder of LimitLyss and the Kind Human Club.
Assessing happiness
Globally, organizations looking to gauge happiness among populations often use well-being assessments that include inquiries about life satisfaction and overall well-being.
Dardaine actively schedules “moments of goodness,” such as afternoon tea or a fun movie night, while Graham intentionally creates conditions that provoke joy and contentment, like spending time with friends or being in nature.
“I aim to incorporate a few mildly challenging tasks into my daily routine,” Meyer explains, as these give her a sense of accomplishment by day’s end. Furthermore, Gitalis believes that maintaining or improving health is crucial for one’s own happiness and that of his clients.
Myths about happiness
Happiness is not static
Due to a phenomenon known as hedonic adaptation, we quickly acclimate to significant events in our lives, such as promotions or new jobs, returning to our baseline levels of happiness. Similarly, after experiencing loss, individuals often revert to their original happiness levels. Gitalis emphasizes that through conscious awareness, we can indeed alter our happiness baseline.
It doesn’t exist in opposition to sadness
Dardaine shares that “the aim is not to feel happy all the time.” Experiencing sadness, anxiety, anger, or frustration can actually help us to appreciate and recognize happiness when it occurs.
It’s not always attainable
Dardaine highlights that happiness, much like all emotions, is transient.
It’s not a simple trait
Dardaine points out that people are not categorized simply as “happy or unhappy”; rather, some emotions come to us spontaneously while others require active pursuit.
It encompasses more than one aspect
Dardaine suggests journaling about individuals and experiences that have shaped your perceptions, concepts, and expectations surrounding happiness.
Emphasizing happiness
“Periods of unhappiness can lead us to a deeper understanding of our needs, highlighting what sounds, sights, objects, music, or people facilitate our return to joy,” explains Dardaine.
As Graham reminds us, happiness is transient and accepting life’s ebb and flow is essential.
Lastly, Meyer suggests a practice for recalling joyful moments: “Place your hand on your heart during happy experiences and silently affirm, ‘Remember this moment.’ This can transform happiness into a sacred practice.”
This piece originally appeared in the July 2024 edition of up7op magazine.
