The Pursuit Of Happiness

Happiness is a state of mind. It also corresponds to optimal health, wellness, success, and fulfilment.

- Dr Rajgopal Nidamboor

All of us know of the physical effects of happiness — a smile, laugh, or grin, mirrors our happiness index. Happiness, in terms of physiology, has been linked to amplified activity in the brain’s left prefrontal lobe, as well as a decreased amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the bloodstream. The physical and functional mechanisms including the manifestation of happiness, as research indicates, are real, although they can wane with time.

Well, we all know that sustaining one’s happiness and other emotions are all connected to neurochemicals in the brain. As research points out the fascinating role of dopamine, the brain chemical, in controlling moods, is as important as the fiddle is to the violin. The best part is dopamine reaches its zenith when you need it the most. There are other neurochemicals too — such as endorphins, serotonin and oxytocin — involved in the mind-brain connection. They all have a definitive purpose — keeping us happy.

EMOTING HAPPINESS 

he basic function of endorphins is related to concealing pain. It also plays a pivotal role in making us feel cheerful following an exercise session, or after laughing out loud. Oxytocin is connected to elation — after giving birth, holding or fondling one’s child, or during orgasm. In like manner, the thought of feeling good ‘ups’ our serotonin levels. The big downside is — if there is a discrepancy, or lack of balance, in our serotonin levels, it may trigger depression, the common cold of psychiatric illness. This also explains why most conventional anti-depressants are categorised as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs].