“There are specific areas of the brain that perceive happiness through a variety of chemicals called neurotransmitters”<\/p>\n
The areas of the brain involved in \u2018pleasure and happiness\u2019 are widespread and includes the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum and other forebrain and limbic cortical regions. Even though multiple regions are involved, they are not involved in isolation, but rather are interlinked in the form of a circuitry.<\/p>\n
Perceiving Happiness<\/strong><\/p>\n A person may be happy for various reasons, including good health, a good job, good family and friends, good income, travel experiences and so on. Happiness is the best feeling and everyone likes to be happy. However, reasons for feeling happy differ among different people and at different times, even in the same person.<\/p>\n And though happiness is evident on a person\u2019s lace in the form of a smile or laughter, It is the brain that perceives happiness Besides, there are specific areas of the brain that perceive happiness through a variety of chemicals called neurotransmitters.<\/p>\n Reward System And Pleasurable Stimulus<\/strong><\/p>\n Nucleus accumbens is referred to as the \u2018pleasure centre’ of the brain. When researchers stimulate this part of the brain, people smile, laugh or report feelings of pleasure, happiness or euphoria. Thus, there is a reward system in the brain which responds to a pleasurable stimulus.<\/p>\n When the brain receives a pleasurable stimulus. it sends a signal to the ventral tegmental area of the brain. This part of the brain releases a neurotransmitter, dopamine into the nucleus accumbens, amygdala (involved in emotional responses) and prefrontal cortex (involved in thinking).<\/p>\n In a recent Japanese study, a part of the brain, the right precuneus was found to be larger in happier people. This study was based on MRI assessments of the brain. Psychological training and meditation can increase the size of the precuneus. which could potentially be linked to being happier.<\/p>\n Endocannabinoids<\/strong><\/p>\n These are self-produced cannabis that work on the receptors of the cannabinoid system. These are the chemicals which are involved in causing the ‘runner’s high,\u2019 experienced after a long distance run.<\/p>\n Dopamine<\/strong><\/p>\n Dopamine is also referred to as ‘reward molecule.\u2019 When one sets a goal and achieves it, dopamine is released, leading to a feeling of happiness and pleasure. Extroverts and uninhibited people have higher dopamine levels as compared to introverts.<\/p>\n Oxytocin<\/strong><\/p>\n Oxytocin is also referred to as the bonding molecule.\u2019 It has been implicated to be the chemical involved in romantic relationships and is believed to increase trust and loyalty. It is released with skin-to-skin contact, cuddling, lovemaking and intimacy which are keys to happiness.<\/p>\n Endorphins<\/strong><\/p>\n Endorphins resemble morphine and other opiates and act like painkillers. They are released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during strenuous physical exertion, sexual intercourse and orgasm. Acupuncture is another method to enhance the release of endorphins because freedom from pain is an important aspect of feeling happy.<\/p>\n Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA)<\/strong><\/p>\n GABA is an anti-anxiety molecule and it has a calming effect on the brain. Yoga and meditation are the natural methods of enhancing GABA release. The same effect can be obtained with the use of anti anxiety and sleeping pills, but they have side effects and the risk of dependence.<\/p>\n Serotonin<\/strong><\/p>\n Lower serotonin levels are linked to depression and enhanced serotonin secretion leads to confidence and a boost in self-esteem.<\/p>\n A Happy State<\/strong><\/p>\n Happiness is infectious – one smiling lace in a room can make several others in the room smile too. It is also very difficult to frown at a person who is smiling? A smiling person is liked by everyone and is perceived to be more competent.<\/p>\n A happy state of the brain has a positive effect on other brain functions as well. These are as follows<\/p>\n Thus, happiness is not only desirable, but it is essential too, as the feeling of happiness is related to positive health outcomes and a longer life. Research studies have shown various health-related benefits of happiness:<\/p>\n So, start smiling and feel happy always! Spread happiness and reap its benefits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here’s How Your Brain Perceives Happiness “There are specific areas of the brain that perceive happiness through a variety of … <\/p>\nBrain Chemicals And Happiness<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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