Health and Happiness

Yet our life experiences matter. They influence how we feel in the moment, and research now shows that these experiences increase the number of neural pathways in the brain. These changes in the neural pathways then influence how we feel and how our brain functions. When we experience positive thoughts and emotions, more neural pathways are generated.

By focusing on becoming happier and creating positive experiences, research suggests that we experience increased energy, improved immune function, increased creativity, improved relationships, and increased productivity. Happiness results in a healthier brain, a more vibrant body, and a longer life.

What Is Happiness ?

Defining happiness can seem as elusive as achieving it. Happiness is a choice. True inner happiness can only be experienced in the present moment when the mind is not thinking, judging, or labeling our experiences or individuals.

Happiness is usually described as a state of being happy or experiencing good fortune, pleasure, contentment, and joy. However, the definition of happiness is unique to each individual. There is no one great secret to achieving happiness. Each person must determine which strategies and activities work best for him or her.

Most people think money, fame, a successful career, or great achievements bring happiness but true happiness lies within each person and does not rely on external factors, experiences, situations, or individuals

Success, wealth, good health, and nurturing relationships are by-products of happiness, not its actual cause . Money doesn't buy happiness in the same way good health doesn't buy happiness. Many wealthy, healthy people are unhappy. Conversely, it is well known that chronic stress and worry result in poor health over time. The happier we are, the healthier we usually are, and the healthier we are, the easier it is to feel happiness, thus producing a positive, self-perpetuating circle of happiness and health.

Happiness, like economic status, is increasingly being proposed as a key health indicator because studies have shown happiness to be predictive of future health. If an individual is happy, he or she is more likely to be healthy in the future (Wilbert, 2008). There is evidence that unhappiness, especially as a result of chronic depression, chronic anxiety, and chronic stress, is linked to poor health outcomes. These negative states reduce the body's immune function and increase inflammation in the body, increasing the risk for developing many chronic diseases and conditions. Happiness, on the other hand, can combat these negative states and lead to greater good health.

Health Benefits of Being Happy

Many benefits result from happiness. Research shows that, when compared to unhappy individuals, happy people exhibit the following benefits (Chopra, 2009; Lyubomirsky, 2008; Rubin, 2011; Scott, 2009; Wilbert, 2008):

• Spend a great deal of time with family and friends, and nurture and enjoy those relationships
• Express gratitude for all they have
• Practice random acts of kindness
• Are more creative
• Practice optimism even during difficult times
• Live in the present moment
• Have fewer illnesses and chronic diseases
• Have more energy
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Commit to lifelong goals
• Are more resilient to stressors
• Have stronger immune systems
• Show skill and strength in coping with challenges
• Are more charitable
• Are better negotiators and earn more money
• Live longer.

Practices That Increase Happiness

There are several practices that can enhance one's level of happiness and improve physical, emotional, and spiritual health. They include the following (Lyubomirsky, 2007):Practicing gratitude

1. Performing acts of kindness
2. Developing meaningful social connections
3. Managing stress effectively
4. Focusing on the present moment
5. Committing to meaningful goals
6. Taking care of the body, mind, and spirit . In next article we shall disucuse these practices in detail

Dr.Mangesh Mudgal

Panchakarma specialist,CIPR, CBH (USA)

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