Exercise increases the production of brain chemicals like endorphins that boost feelings of happiness (the so-called 'runner's high'). 6 Simple Ways to Train Your Brain for Happiness, According to Science. Making sure you enjoy the small achievements along the way is one of the surest ways to make yourself as happy as you can be. Happy chemicals: The secret to a happy brain Almost everything that makes you feel 'happy' is linked to one of the four happiness hormones: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin and oxytocin. Brain Boost When you are finished with your agenda and breakfast, join Mrs. Patterson in a standing circle on the rug. We will play by skip counting our 2’s. Go around the circle skip counting by 2’s, but when you instead of saying “26”, you say SPARKLE and sit down. The counting begins at 2 again. When there are 10 people sitting, the game.
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people the holidays can be full of stress. Between the pressure to meet expectations, the shorter, darker days, and colder weather, it can sometimes be hard to feel happy this time of year.
Still, finding ways to be happy is important. It’s no secret that experiencing happiness makes us feel better overall. However, there are also scientifically proven benefits to feeling joy.
Happiness has been linked to better overall health and can even give you an immune boost that helps keep the common cold at bay (and that’s something to be happy about this time of year).
Fortunately, boosting your happiness doesn’t have to be an elusive pursuit. There are quick and easy ways that you can increase your happiness during the day whether you are at work, home, or school.
The next time you’re feeling a little down, give these moves a try. You’re sure to be smiling before long.
Put on your favorite song.
Everyone loves bopping around to their favorite song, and it’s not just because music is associated with good times and celebration. Listening to music has been scientifically shown to release dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that is also released when we are in love. When you put on your favorite song, your brain can’t help but release chemicals that make you feel better.
If you’re feeling down, take five minutes to listen to music. If you can move around and sing along that’s great, but if you’re in the office or somewhere else that requires subtlely just pop in your headphones and get an instant boost of happiness.
Take a deep breath.
Your mom’s advice from when you were little still holds true today. If you’re feeling flustered or overwhelmed (which detracts from your happiness), take a deep breath. Harvard studies have shown that taking a deep breath can lower your stress, which is a great way to boost happiness. For a quick pick-me-up, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, drawing the breath deep into your belly. For an added benefit, close your eyes and think of something you’re thankful for with each breath.
Call a friend (or even just think about them).
There’s lot’s of research that shows that having friendships is good for overall health, particularly as we age. Some studies also show that the actual support of our friends isn’t as important to our well-being as the feeling that we can count on our friends to be there if we need them.
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If you need a boost, call a friend to say “hi,” but make sure not to fall into the trap of complaining about whatever is stressing you out. Instead, take a moment to tell them a highlight of your day or to say that you appreciate them.
There are many other ways to boost your happiness, from doing yoga poses or jumping jacks to get your blood moving to writing down things that you are grateful for.
Instead of scrolling through Facebook or checking the news the next time you’re feeling sad or stressed, take a moment to interrupt those feelings by giving yourself a boost of joy. It’s the ultimate self-care this season.
By Oren Hertz, clinical assistant professor at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Our brain regulates our behavior. Nothing we do is random. Every move, thought, mood, feeling and many other functions are directly related to our brain. As it turns out, there is a pattern related to the chemicals produced in our brain. In order for us to teach and learn at the highest brain capacity, we can follow certain actions to ignite positive energy that will in turn become a breeding ground for teaching and learning.
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The following statement is going to be difficult to digest, especially for those who teach: We cannot teach anyone anything. We can, however, lead them to knowledge.
To break it down and simplify this statement, learning happens at will. It should be our goal as educators to activate the free will in learners. In order to create a positive and inviting teaching and learning space where learners are receptive to new knowledge and learn at their will. At the same time, students can boost their learning by following some of the same principles.
Both teaching professionals and students should consider the following scientific knowledge about the human brain and utilize the available actions to activate those happy brain chemicals prior to entering the classroom, regardless of delivery modality (face-to-face, online, remote, hybrid, etc.).
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Oxytocin is known as the love hormone. It is activated in the human brain when we play with a pet, play with a baby, hold hands, hug, or pay someone else a compliment. A good example of activating the love hormone prior to entering the classroom would be paying someone a compliment. The compliment must be genuine and from the heart. In other words, it cannot be forced or fake.
Consider complimenting complete strangers. If you get a coffee before class and you noticed the barista’s hair color is unique, pay them a compliment. It costs you nothing, and it will activate oxytocin in your brain as well as the barista’s brain. A win-win situation.
Dopamine is the reward chemical. It is activated when we finish a task, eat nutritious food, celebrate accomplishments regardless of how big or small, and engage in self-care activities, such as getting a haircut, getting a manicure or a pedicure, trimming or styling a beard, etc. If possible, consider options to activate dopamine prior to starting a class. It could be as simple as eating a nutritious salad for lunch just before class time.
Endorphins are the painkiller brain chemical. Endorphins are activated when we laugh, exercise or eat dark chocolate. Consider aromatic scents in your office. This could benefit you as well as other visitors that show up in your office.
Laugh as much as you can. Laughter is good for us! Additionally, adopting an exercising routine will result in endorphin kicks, so exercise when you can and try to exercise regularly and before class time if possible.
Serotonin is the mood stabilizer. All humans have mood swings to a certain extent. In order to stabilize our mood throughout the day, try to engage in daily meditation, go for a run or jog, take a walk in nature, especially when the sun is out and it is not too hot. Swimming also activates serotonin. If possible, engage in a serotonin-activated activity prior to class, especially if you are feeling you are having a rough day, which we all do at times.
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So before you dial into your next Zoom or walk into a classroom, don't worry, be happy. It could go a long way.