Molecular Structure of Happiness
Molecular structure of happiness! Sounds interesting, yes? Well, it is. In simpler ways, this is also conceptualized as happiness hormones or neurochemicals of happiness. This molecular structure consists of four primary hormones such as endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Dopamine happiness, although much famous, these three neurotransmitters too, play a vital role in achieving happiness. Let’s see how to achieve happiness with this Blog?
Molecular Structure of Happiness
Background:
13.5 billion years to the Big Bang, 3.5 billion years to an organism, and 70,000 years to the culture of Homo sapiens, and yet we struggle to achieve peace, self-importance, and Happiness; three deeply engraved desires of humankind! In history, works of literature, treatises, books, and recently numerous scientific articles are studded with sermons, conclusions, and definitions trying to decode Happiness. In fact, saints, monks, followers, influencers, and even ordinary teachers too, have tried to explain Happiness in their unique ways, and to more or fewer extents they have thrived as well. But just like humankind, Happiness too, is constantly evolving taking into consideration the materialistic metaphors for some to exclusive, internal upliftment for others. To be more accurate, Happiness is an internal, sustainable state of being than the external exhibition of joyful behavior.
What is Happiness?
There are countless definitions nearly fulfilling almost all the criteria of Happiness based on one's feelings, achieved either with external pleasures and performance or with internal retreat, a spiritual way. In her 2007 book The How of Happiness, positive psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky quotes Happiness as "the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one's life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile." Similarly, for Mathieu Ricard, the happiest Monk in the world, happiness is "a state of fullness that lasts through all the ups and downs of life". In a later definition, Happiness seems to have found its meaning. Sustainability! Yes, think, unless it is sustainable, how can it be Happiness?
So, it is unworthy to experience joy, be contented, or
feel valuable unless these expressions are sustained. However, in current life
where our emotions, actions, expressions, desires, and afflictions are
dishonest with one another, it appears that in achieving Happiness, though of
ephemeral value, the human still lacks the most vital component,
sustainability. And might even continue lacking the same unless we come up with
some practical, reliable, and even scientific way to cope with our external and
internal environment. Well, is there any hack to this? The good news is, yes!
There is a hack to Happiness: Our molecular Happiness!
Happiness, the Leader's way:
As per Mahatma Gandhi, it is "when what you
think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony". As per Dalai Lama,
it is "not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions". Aristotle
says it is "the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim, and end of
human existence". While as per Dale Carnegie, the famous American writer, and lecturer, it is "one that doesn't depend on any external conditions,
it is governed by our mental attitude".
Up to 35% the Happiness is said to be inherited, but
remaining fulfillment is our responsibility, attain it one way or the other.
Here we see different personalities with different ideologies, yet they try to
explain the same thing, and with total conviction, their ways of achieving the
Happiness seem unfailing. But when it comes to sustainability, all the ways
must be actionable, feasible, and subconscious with the least minimum effort.
Molecular Happiness in this sense tries to focus on the ways and actions that
could be deployed immediately, are habit-forming, and are as effective as
desired. Also, if practiced lengthily, they become subconscious; automatic
enough to achieve sustainability, and Happiness eventually!
Molecular Happiness:
It took 300,000 years for the first atom to appear after Big Bang, which over time coalesced to become the molecule; let's say a source code for any chemical that would generate eventually. And these are the very chemicals that form life, a life we see with our eyes and another that lives inside of us. Even in its most rudimentary way, from what we see, sense, smell, taste, and listen externally to what we experience internally, the chemicals are the foundational units.
The very human emotions and feelings, ranging from positive to negative ones, have in their core these chemicals, drying or flooding in some most peculiar areas of the brain. Since the inception of life, it is nothing but a systematic, orderly, and structured arrangement of molecules that have upheld equilibrium, harmony, and sustainability, be it the ecosystem around us or the biology inside of us. They govern it all, the molecules, and so bear the right to Happiness. Just like deletion, addition, or displacement of a single molecule in daily life can alter the entire chemical formula and so cause disaster or bring blessings, in our brain, we have 6 very important hormones which too, can cause mental squalor or lead to Happiness jackpot; what is essential is just to arouse them using simple hacks and keep them in the homeostatic environment that has both, equilibrium and harmony.
And, against all the odds, it is
possible! Living the Happiness definition-wise could be challenging, in fact,
frustrating in many instances since life doesn't run according to definition
always, but amid this, we still can have our molecules get into concord and
bring instant Happiness, which with practice can be sustainable too.
Henceforth, molecular Happiness is not some alien concept but the most
primordial understanding that we have decoded now!
Happy chemicals:
The human body does have as many as 50 different types of hormones and over 100 neurotransmitters working relentlessly to keep a person on the go. The brain alone has 10 to 12 types of hormones and around 6 or more types of neurotransmitters. But grossly, for brain in particular, we can refer to them as neurochemicals, neurotransmitters, psychological hormones, or simply the secretions with their home in the limbic system, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Interestingly, they respond to varying amounts of human emotions: Happiness, love, lust, anger, anxiety, and whatnot, or say they fire them up.
However, amongst many, 4 neurochemicals have been famously named
"Happiness hormones" or "Neurochemicals of joy" since they
are deemed to uphold the very state of Happiness, and their depletion in the
brain is linked with mental downfall. They are Dopamine, Endorphin, Serotonin,
and Oxytocin.
Dopamine (C8H11NO2):
This is referred to as the "Reward hormone", "Happiness hormone", or "Reward molecule". It shoots in the brain as a part of the brain's reward system when its release is triggered by a variety of stimulants such as sex, shopping, the smell of cookies, or a thought of a journey. More closely if observed, then it is the "Dopamine rush" we have been experiencing prior to subjective cues, or an intense pleasure that we feel even before engaging ourselves in those cues and also while living them.
Not only Happiness, but also it elevates mood, controls
negative emotions, enhances focus, and induces wholesome sleep. It is a
cue-based neurotransmitter with gradually increasing threshold, and
reinforcement being its darker side. Besides, it is the culprit in forming the
habit loop while hunting Happiness, which could be detrimental for bad habits
but a boon for good ones. But presently, its merits are more promising when we
use it judiciously for pure, instant, and lasting Happiness.
Optimum
dopamine levels enhance pleasure and reward pursuits. Typically, its level is
well-controlled in the brain, but there are ways to naturally increase them,
and the key to upsurging its level is to replace the cues with goals, the
smaller goals which ultimately are part of the bigger goal. Why? Because cues
will increase its threshold, ask for reinforcement each time, and ultimately
dump us into the ditch of addiction where Happiness (Reward) will not be that
gratifying. In fact, the fulfillment of bigger goals will certainly fire up
dopamine in a bigger amount, an avalanche of Happiness we might experience, but
it will be for moments! Instead, fulfilling smaller goals frequently will shoot
up the controlled amount of dopamine regularly, hence lasting Happiness and not
euphoria! So, how can we have this balanced, dopaminergic mindfulness?
Well, the pieces of the literature suggest there are 36 plus hacks available to increase dopamine. Few reveal that acts like going out for meals, watching a TV program, climbing mountains, or taking spouses out, all trigger the dopamine ïŽow. But here again, some might confuse these cues with goals; watching TV might shoot up dopamine, but it can shift you into a bad habit loop. Such dopamine I would quote as "Bad dopamine", which is extremely short-lasting and sometimes associated with guilt and regret. Similar examples are endless scrolling of social media, indulging in the habit of binge eating, drugs, procrastination, porn, or even unregulated purchasing.
But a few hacks like sunlight, a cup of coffee or tea, a cold
shower a day, acupuncture therapy, prolonged standing, touch and massage,
listening or creating music, and sufficient sleep involve no active cues, carry
no risk of reinforcement, and can be put to action without much efforts.
Dopamine released with these activities is of better quality and has the power
to be sustained, and I would quote such dopamine as "Neutral one".
"Good dopamine" is something that surrenders to the actions like achievement, fulfillment, accomplishment, completion, scoring, triumph, kindness, volunteering, gratitude, and similar. A quality, Good dopamine fires up in the brain when it tells us that "he/ she has done a good job". Such feedback allows lasting dopamine levels in the brain, and if repeated frequently in the form of smaller goals, then one can honestly feel the Happiness that is sustainable, gratifying, and original.
Therefore, the bottom-line is: Effortless acquisition of pleasures is Bad
dopamine, mindful acquisition of pleasure is Neutral dopamine, but Selfless,
thankful, and goal-based acquisition of pleasure is Good dopamine. So, choose
your dopamine wisely!
Serotonin (C10H12N2O):
This is referred to as "confidence molecule‟
as it brings about confidence and self-esteem, and plays a vital role in
positive mood. A feeling of meditating Happiness, optimism, and
self-significance is nothing but the flooding serotonin. Simon Oliver Sinek, a
British-born American author and inspirational speaker, calls this the
"Leadership chemical" as it creates a sense of allegiance and
organizational cohesion. Research has shown that it is found in weak quantities
in the delinquent body and in significant quantities in leaders. Moreover,
literature also tags it as a "Natural mood stabilizer/booster" if it
is present in the brain in optimum level, and like dopamine, its levels too,
are well controlled in the brain. Yet, this seems to be the hormone to be taken
seriously since excess levels of serotonin (commonly seen with medication)
induce sedation and apathy, while lower levels cause serious depression. Also,
its fame can be traced back to SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
antidepressants, which increase the brain's serotonin levels, which of course
not a way to use its merits unless diseased.
However, if considered natural ways, then in the
wake-up hours, serotonin levels are high and decrease over the course of the
day (a reason why mostly we feel low in the evening). Activities such as
challenging oneself and attempting something are known as serotonin boosters.
Being able to say, "I did it", or "Want to do it for my mom, my
boss, my wife", something like this reinforces the sense of relationships
with the group, allegiance and fires up serotonin.
Well, apart
from challenging oneself, there are many simpler ways to boost serotonin. Let's
explore; daily sunshine for roughly 10-15 minutes, daily aerobic workouts
(swimming, brisk walking, jogging, etc.,), touch and massage therapy (as per
the study by Field T et al., in depressed pregnant ladies, a 20-minute
massage session by their spouse
increased their serotonin levels by 28%), meditation for minimum 30 minutes on
regular basis, and foods containing tryptophan,
vitamin B6, vitamin
D, and omega-3 fatty
acids. Plus, the easiest and most consistent way to summon serotonin is
by offering "Gratitude", it is the catalyst for this Happiness
hormone.
Therefore, the bottom line here is: Challenge
yourself, attempt something, become a leader, wake up early, meditate daily,
and stay thankful for the tiniest rewards life has given, and we shall have
this beautiful hormone soothing our mood and guarding our Happiness!
Oxytocin (C43H66N12O12S2):
So many references to this: "Cuddle
hormone", "bonding molecule", "trust hormone",
"love hormone", and "tendon hormone" they call it, because
it is released when we hug, cuddle, or make love. It has got the most complex
formula, yet bears the simplest and fondest expression, love! Apathy, insult,
and negative thought process deplete this tender hormone, but love gushes it
up. So to speak, a mother, is deemed to be the sole recipient in experiencing
the unadulterated and original form of oxytocin when she feeds her offspring, a
level of Happiness that is unimaginable, yet we hanker for the same.
Apart from love, it is connected with developing faith
and integrity, healthy flourishing relationships, loyalty, honesty, courage,
and empathy. Research says people who
have surplus oxytocin are happier,
and they hold
extra-pleasing relations.
However, there are many love-less techniques too; Eating foods rich in
proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, e.g., ïŽgs, avocados, watermelon,
spinach, green tea, exercising mindfulness meditation, Just listening someone
who is hurt with full concentration, exercising, group singing, sharing your
meals, staying in touch with others at least through social media, even
adventures like rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving are some of them.
Therefore, the bottom-line here is: Amongst others,
oxytocin, in that sense holds the easiest, most practical ways to gush itself
up; Love, trust, care, fondling, and being honest, but this stands
disappointing, even regretful when applied to the materialistic world and has
the Ego all along. What it just needs is a living being, even a pet if not
human shall do! Sad, huh? Just fondle your kitten, smell your baby, kiss your
spouse, or, simply help someone and get "Thank you" as a reward. Now
think, don't you feel good just reading that? And one last thing, long-term
Happiness comes when you keep loving! Sustainable, yes?!
Endorphin (C158H251N39O46S):
This is referred to as the "Pain-killing
molecules" or "Natural painkiller" because, in response to pain
and stress, they alleviate it and propel happiness, also it is linked with
pleasure states like love, laughter, sex, and even appetite. Joy floods you
with a wave of endorphins, while worries and tensions attract you in a whirlwind
of stress hormones.
Endorphin, if decoded, says, it is the combination of "Endogenous", which means local, produced inside the body, and "Morphine", the opioid painkiller whose action it mimics. Out of 20 different types of endorphin, Beta-endorphin is the one that is linked with "Runner's High", a version of moderately intense exercise done by athletes and the euphoric detachment to pain that is experienced afterward. Research claims that the amount produced by the body continues to be lifted after a physical exercise of about 30 min, so an intellectual activity following has a better return. With this, it seems that the best way to feel endorphins is to do a workout, a moderate one, and a minimum of 30 minutes. The version of Happiness we feel with endorphin is better to describe as euphoria than naÃŊve Happiness since it gives that sort of high.
Now, when exercising appears to be the primary trigger for endorphin, we still have many secondary stimuli as well, and those are available at no cost. Meditation, the essence of essential oils like lavender, Laughter, watching a comedy program for at least 30 minutes with companions, even enjoying a play and other narratives that excite a person emotionally, hearing music, sunshine, massage therapy, regular sex, and foods that are spicy such as pepper and green chilies, all this in an average to extra amount releases endorphin delivers pleasure. In fact, the little costlier alternative is dark chocolate!
So
finally, if a euphoric experience is what we urge, then it is the endorphin
that we need, and to have that, "Runner's High" is what we have to
achieve, which is not difficult to accomplish. But mind that unlike the other
3, sustainability in its case is uncertain since it has got that euphoric element,
and that is not pure Happiness. Still, working-out or even a brisk if not
"Runner's high" walk should give us clarity of mind, comfort, and
freedom of thought. In simpler terms, a sort of tranquility we might feel!
The insights from Phrase it Up:
What
if I told you molecular Happiness is priceless yet inexpensive? What if I told
you molecular Happiness is sustainable yet maintenance-free? What if I told you
molecular Happiness is practical yet scientifically sound? And what if I told
you that molecular Happiness is an oblivious yet achievable way to Joy and all
other ideological ways to Happiness more or less complement each other to live
this version of Happiness?
In the end, I guess that answer to this many questions shall be, "I agree". Yes, for now, it seems so. What does it cost to leverage it? A little mindfulness, tiny efforts, ego-less mindset, self-constructive attitude, love, some amount of discipline, kindness, gratitude, and a bunch of common practices such as sunshine, meditation, laughter, making love, food, exercise, music, some adventure, and touch!
Is it not possible to welcome all this in our
life? Yes, it is! Because, now, if we try to read those initial Happiness
definitions again, we can realize that they complement each other, don't they?
Are they not trying to fulfill the meaning of molecular Happiness? Yes, they
do. And is this form of Happiness not sustainable? In my guess, it is very
much!
So, let's just claim these hormones, use them fully, and live a meaningful, pure, and happy life!
Artificial intelligence
Monday blues
Awesome . Keep it up
ReplyDeleteSuch a knowledgeable article
ReplyDeleteNice
ReplyDeleteThanks u very much
DeleteThanks for commenting
ReplyDeleteThats a great article
ReplyDelete