Carol Adamski
  • Home
  • Coaching
    • Life Coaching
    • Professional Coaching
    • Ace The Interview. Get The Offer
    • Coaching for Effective Presentations
    • Living in Gratitude
    • Women's Study
  • About
  • Client Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact/Links
  • Political Candidate Consultant

Neuroscience Shows These 4 Things Boost Happiness

4/8/2017

1 Comment

 
Neuroscience is the study of nervous system, including the brain. This research looks closely at behavior and learning.

Alex Korb, a neuroscientist at UCLA, offered four key insights that will boost happiness, all based on his scientific research.


1. Ask, “What am I grateful for?”
Gratitude has been shown to increase our brain’s dopamine and serotonin levels, affecting it at a biological level. Dopamine is commonly associated with pleasure while serotonin affects mood and social behavior. The more we have coursing through our bodies, the better our appetite, memory, gregariousness and sleep.

The most important thing is to ask the question and consider possibilities, even if we don’t arrive at an answer. This helps our brain produce these two positive chemicals, making us feel happier. By searching for things to appreciate, we also enhance our emotional intelligence, enabling us to discover things to appreciate over time.
2. Label negative feelings
​
When we feel sad, angry, depressed, worried or anxious, simply identifying those emotions allows us to deal with our feelings. Consciously acknowledging our feelings minimizes their impact while suppressing or ignoring them only intensifies their hold over us.


3. Make a decision
Brain science shows that making a decision reduces anxiety and worry, giving us a clearer path to achieving a goal. It also helps us to alter our perceptions to one where we are able to solve problems rather than struggle, allowing our body to move to a calmer, more relaxed state.
Making decisions can be difficult, especially when we feel that we have to make a perfect choice. Instead, we should strive for a ‘good enough’ decision. None of us can be perfect and this weight we place on ourselves leads to excessive stress and worry, feeling out of control and often results in an inability to make any decision.

“Good enough is almost always good enough,” says Swarthmore professor, Barry Schwartz
​

Making a decision releases dopamine, gives us clarity, a sense of peace and minimizes stress. So, the next time we are faced with a difficult decision, make one that is ‘good enough.’
Picture
4. TouchHuman contact has proven to be a powerful way to boost our feelings of happiness and joy. Touch releases oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone.’ It also helps relieve pain.
Make a point to connect with others through touch. For coworkers and acquaintances, pats on the back or handshakes are great ways to connect while for family, friends and those close to you, hugs are incredibly potent. In fact, studies show five hugs a day are what all of us need to maintain our feelings of love and acceptance.


In a nutshell, neuroscience says by asking what we are grateful for, labeling our negative feelings, making ‘good enough’ decisions and connecting with others through touch, we can increase our personal happiness and wellbeing.


Pretty simple. Give it a try and let us know how this ‘prescription’ works for you.
1 Comment
Beth ERickson
4/9/2017 04:11:04 pm

SO happy to get your messages! Lunch with Susan today; hope you can join us sometime (or you & I could have coffee).
Beth

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Carol Adamski

    Carol Adamski, M.A., has led various workshops—nationally and internationally—on leadership, personal empowerment, communications, and relationships. For 15 years as a coach, she has demonstrated strength and compassion, with the ability to listen deeply and ask just the right questions.

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016

    Categories

    All
    Career Advice
    Coaching
    Life Tips
    Research Studies
    Time Management

    RSS Feed

Subscribe: Receive a FREE guide ~ 
5 Key Communication Mistakes & How To Correct Them
as well as newsletters with event updates, inspiring and practical information.
We respect your privacy and will not share your information. 


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.

BACK TO TOP

Contact Carol Adamski - 408 761-4446

Plain&Simple Web Design
Google analytics