Was macht uns glücklich?
The question of what makes one happy requires an answer that varies for each person. For some, it is money; for others, it is unforgettable moments with friends and family or traveling through world history. As different as we are, so are the sources of our happiness. The question that arises now is, what is happiness and how can one get as much of it as possible? To learn more about it, just stay tuned.  

Why does one feel happy?

Neuroscientists have discovered that the sensation of happiness develops in the brain. When happiness hormones are released in the human body, they can be measured in the reward center. It is believed that half of our sense of happiness is inherited, while the other half depends on our external circumstances. This means that our genetic makeup has a lot to do with how happy we actually are. However, other factors also play an important role. 

Can happiness be trained?

We have already found out that our happiness depends on several factors. To a certain extent, the feeling is hereditary. But as is often the case, it is also related to learned behavior. We learn from our environment, upbringing, etc. how to feel happiness. Once one becomes aware of this, the opportunity arises to train oneself to be frequently happy. One can take their happiness into their own hands. As already mentioned, everyone must find out for themselves what makes them happy. Once this is done, one can decide to engage in these activities more often and thus regularly welcome positive situations into their life. 

It has already been researched that people who both exercise more and relax are counted among the very happy individuals. This can be attributed to the fact that these activities stimulate the nerve cells and are therefore important for the reward center of our body. However, happiness cannot be forced, as it occurs naturally. Moments in which we feel happiness arise when one is not necessarily waiting for it. 

Does money really make you happy?

Although many are convinced that money makes one happy, this is usually not the case. The opposite is often true. The more money one has, the more dissatisfaction arises. With the increase in money, the demands one places on life also grow. Basic needs increasingly take a back seat, which is why one cannot even feel gratitude for small things. One also tends to compare oneself more with others and always wants to have what others possess. 

Does being happy influence health?

A happy outlook on life always has a positive impact on health. Being happy strengthens the immune system and better protects against pathogens. It also contributes to faster wound healing. Our sleep quality is also improved by a positive attitude. 

What makes one happy must be discovered by each person for themselves. One should only keep in mind that it is not always about things like money or possessions. Often, it is the simple things in life that unexpectedly bring happiness. It is ideal to find activities that engage our reward center in the brain so that we can always rely on them. It is true that happiness can also be inherited, but this does not mean that one cannot be the architect of their own happiness.

 

Written by Mara Schär

Comment

Vielen Dank für Ihre Ideen. Wir konnten ein paar interessante Gedanken für uns selber darin finden. Selbst wenn es das Leben gut mit uns meint, es unserem Umfeld und auch uns selbst gut geht, freuen wir uns im Leben immer über eine extra Prise Glück. „Vivre la vie“ gehört in Frankreich zur Lebensmaxime, bei uns Deutschen bleibt davon ein trockenes „Lebe dein Leben“. Es fehlt das Triumphierende der Sprache, der Aufschrei des Lebens, des Glücks für möglichst lange Momente. Vor unserem geistigen Auge assoziieren wir damit häufig, wie die Jugend in ihrer Unbeschwertheit auf die Dinge zuzugeht, völlig unbekümmert in einem Bewusstsein, dass es das Leben nur gut mit einem meinen kann. Es ist nicht schwer, Dinge zu finden, die einen glücklich machen. Der warme Frühlingswind, die Brise am Meer, das fröhliche abendliche Zusammensein. Auf die innere Haltung kommt es an und im französichen Vivre la vie schwingt etwas wie „Umarme das Leben“, halte es fest, mit allen Sinnen, lebe glücklich. Mit zunehmenden Alter bleibt es die Kunst des Lebens, jene Dinge festzuhalten, die uns glücklich machen. Uns eine gute Portion Unbeschwertheit und Jugend zu bewahren, selbst wenn sich die ersten kleinen Fältchen ins Gesicht graben. Lachfalten machen nicht alt, sie halten jung.Das Leben bleibt uns als Chance und Herausforderung auf der Suche nach Dingen, die uns glücklich machen, uns positiv einstimmen. Seien wir nicht allzu streng mit uns selbst. Halten wir das Glück fest, wenn es uns gefunden hat und lernen wir für unser Leben daraus. Glück schenkt uns Lebensfreude und Lebensmut, lässt uns auch manche schwierige Situation überstehen. Mit Optimismus und neuer Kraft sind wir fähig das Leben zu greifen und die Dinge hin zum Positive zu bewegen. Auf den Weg dorthin müssen wir die großen und kleinen Momente des Glücks pflegen wie eine zarte Pflanze im Garten. Den Boden bereiten, ihm die Nährstoffe zuführen und gelegentliches Gießen, vor allem wenn wir in der Hitze des Alltags zeitweise vergessen an uns zu denken, an unser ganz persönliches Glück.

Thomas Spranger und Maria Steppeler an Nov 24, 2022

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