Why I’ve Stopped Chasing Happiness
The neuroscience of being happy.
We all want to be happy but…what does that even mean?
Is it the warm feeling of the sun on your skin after the cold months, or the nostalgic remembrance of your father’s laughter?
Is it the love of a newborn or the remnants of lover’s lips?
I went searching for happiness but I think I found something better.
A Happy Cocktail of Chemicals 🍹
I came across something I’d call “happiness chemicals” which are released by the brain. And if you’re a medic, you’re probably familiar with some of their names. I, myself, wasn’t entirely shocked. Until I realised the very real and scientific ways these can be influenced.
- Serotonin: known broadly as the “the happy chemical”, this fella is largely responsible for modulating our mood, in addition to other functions. It comes in handy in the treatment of clinical depression. Oddly enough, it’s mostly and largely located in the gastrointestinal tract. Found: swimming, spending time in non-direct sunlight, a massage.
- Oxytocin: aka “the cuddle hormone”. Mostly known for its role in maternal bonding and reproduction, it’s also part of what makes us feel good during a hug! Found: a hug (consensual, duh), sharing your feelings with a loved one, doing activities with friends.
- Dopamine: With its role in the reward-motivation pathway, it’s no wonder this is implicated in a number of addictive substances. Thankfully, there are less harmful ways to release this neurotransmitter. Found: proper sleep (*cries in night owl*), regular exercise (I know, I know), a protein-rich diet.
- Endorphins: translates to ‘endogenous morphine’ (meaning produced by the body itself), it’s been found in association with the “runner’s high”. Found: laughing (who doesn’t love a good comedy?), giving/donating (a win-win), spicy food.
And so, is happiness sustainable?
There’s a word by the Greeks used to describe something considered superior.
Eudaimonia (“human flourishing”)
Which is, in simple terms, happiness in the long-term, in retrospect, as an overall evaluation of a life.
“Satisfaction comes from little things, in particular from finding what it is you do well. It’s the little things that can keep you bouncing along above your genetic set point… a good meal, working in the garden, time with friends. Sprinkle your life with them.” – Dr. Lykken.
Indeed there’s a biological basis, but maybe we’re not just subject to our bodies?
In the aftermath of certain events in my home country, I’ve realised that even if something otherwise happy was happening in my immediate environment, it would be difficult to be happy because it seemed like everywhere else was in chaos. And so it had me thinking, happiness is here yet I couldn’t experience it.
I tried everything I could – distraction, music, anything. And at that moment, I found a better option.
Peace.
And now I protect that at all costs.
