I decided to dedicate an entire post to current events and discussions about human nature focusing on happiness, starting with this sweet article about how a loving, supportive partner is good for your brain!
A happy marriage relieves stress and makes one feel as safe as an adored baby. http://nyti.ms/H2dFNm
(I am grateful for my sweet husband, my engaged students, and a beautiful spring!)
*new* UN discusses measures of happiness
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/un-discusses-gross-national-happiness-indicator-as-successor-to-gross-domestic-product/2012/04/02/gIQAJJKorS_story.html
I would have to say I am most grateful for my job and my college education at this point in time. I realize that a college education shouldn't be taken for granted, and that I should relish every moment of the learning experience in class and in general. I am thankful for the improving economy, which is perhaps the most brilliantly shining "light at the end of the tunnel" I've seen in quite some time. When I think about the general state of recession we've been in for a seemingly immeasurable amount of time and think about the horrific layoffs endured by friends and family, I begin counting my blessings. I am grateful for opportunity. Like Dr. Cate said, the spring weather makes it nice to be alive, too. I wouldn't want to overlook my friends and family. Generally, I'd agree with the posted article in that good relationships with those that surround us and striving to exercise the facets of personality facilitate a stress-free life.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic to post! I think sometimes college students-myself included-can get very caught up in what they lack and only rarely take the time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for. Happiness and exercising gratitude are crucial in counteracting the stress and uncertainty that everyday life undoubtedly entails.
I think all of have experienced this "rewiring" of the brain and the comfort friendships and relationships brings to the body. I remember for me going to college was an extremely new experience and I know most student can relate to the fact that it causes a lot of anxiety and this feeling can be compounded when you don't have the group of friends you had in high school(or even from middle school to high school.) If you look back on these situations, I in particular can remember seeming less and less anxious with every day and I don't think it is a coincidence that friendships are growing at the same time. I think people like to think we have conscious control over who we chose to be friends or the people were in relationships with than brain actually allows us. Think about your best friends today and think about how you became friends, in many cases it wasn't even a significant event. For example my best friend let me borrow a pencil for a test when I needed one, it doesn't seem like a big deal but it relieved enough anxiety that I associate comfort with her. It sounds stupid to think the little things matter so much; in fact, you might not even remember how you became friends but the brain does.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very sweet! I truly think that as individuals, we have such a profound influence on each other. The support and love that we show to others can unconsciously brighten their day. You do not realize how much of a difference your kind word or smile can make. So--smile continually, encourage often, and speak kindly!
ReplyDeleteI really like the last line of what you said here, I really like the saying. It reminds me of the line, "live well, laugh often, love much." Both are very similar, but I feel that the meaning in the quote has been branded so much that it has lost some of its meaning. So to me hearing this new similar way of saying it and getting the meaning across is really cool.
DeleteThe effects we, as individuals, have on others is amazing! One of the most interesting aspects of this article, in my own opinion, is the study performed in 2006 by James Coan. According to experimental results we alter one another's physiology and neural functions. I was astounded by the outcome of this experiment. It is truly remarkable that holding the hand of a loved one had the ability to lower neural response throughout the brain when receiving an electric shock to the ankles. Furthermore it was discovered that holding the hand of a significant other in a troubled relationship had no protective effect. I believe that this experiment is a genuine testament to the healing nature of love.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the weather itself truly changes peoples' attitudes toward their daily routine. Now that the weather is warming up and we are seemingly seeing sun light every day, more often that not I see genuine happiness spread throughout campus with plenty of smiling faces. Along with the smiling faces, comes a willingness to express ourselves with others which leads to frienships and relationships that continue to add to our overall happiness.
ReplyDeleteWe as a society must be thankful for all that we have and not get caught up in the stress that life might seem to bring our way at times. Share your happiness with others and we as a society will continue to grow.
I feel that this idea of relationships affecting others is something I have always known, but this article proves its existence. If nothing else, this article proves to people that a smile alone can cheer someone up and change a person's attitude for the day! This article also is a inspiration for all the single people out there :) Make sure to find someone who makes you smile because obvioulsy it is good for your sould and for your daily attitude, how you live in general!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to say that I am grateful for the family, friends, and people I know. I am grateful for the college education that I am able to receive. In our world today, it is easy to get caught up in the fast pace working of society and it makes it easy to forget some of the things that may be the most important in our lives.
ReplyDeleteOne paragraph in the article talked about how looking at a picture of a spouse and cocaine users get the same satisfaction in the brain. Related to happiness, studies have shown that while pleasure brings happiness it generally doesn’t have the long lasting effects that a good relationship would have in a couple. Humans being social creatures have always needed social interaction to survive. I would think that every human would want to achieve happiness in terms of satisfaction of fulfillment with our lives. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to be in a relationship to achieve fulfillment in our lives. There are many people that find work, knowledge, and even strong virtues that can lead to good life.
I like this post :) It is a nice change away from the grim nature of death! I wanted to say that I am happy to have all the people I hold close to me and all others that I do not. Without them, this would not be a happy life. I do absolutely agree that it is part of human nature to need others in life and to be touched or touch others is biologically fundamental. Therefore I think this article is great! And here is an article I found that can contribute as well!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wholehealtheducation.com/living/2011/01/brain-function-and-relationships/
A panel at the United Nations is calling on countries to change the way that they measure and track happiness of their people. They are asking countries to adopt a new model humanity. The efforts of the panel stems from a Canadian research project regarding happiness. The findings of this project argue that the traditional economic policy is at odds with human nature because it is solely focusing on income and excluding all other factors that support happiness. Economist of course are always speaking in terms of wealth which is often a source of happiness however it is rarely sufficient. One finding was that among the wealthiest Canadian cities people were the least satisfied with their lives and in the smaller and poorer cities people were happier.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/03/world-happiness-report-canada/
I really liked this article, and it was very interesting to me. It just really reminds you of what you are thankful for and what is important in your life. I know that I am grateful for my family and friends that have supported me throughout my whole life and have been there for me in both the good and bad times.
ReplyDeletehttp://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2012/04/09/why-seeking-more-money-hurts-happiness
ReplyDeleteThis link is an article that talks about how the pursuit of money can lead to unhappiness. Obviously this is nothing new, but it is interesting to note that what was once thought of as just common sense maybe, is now considered a field of study for pshycologists and professors to analyze. Apparently, people that pursue more and more money are not as happy as those that do not. That has always seemed obvious to me, because money is a temporal thing that only beings temporary happiness. As humans we are naturally greedy and will always want more and more. As Biggie Smalls once said, Mo money, Mo Problems.