We know that being happy takes up less energy than being sad, angry, depressed, or any other negative emotion, but how do we create that happiness? And what happens when we are happy, physiologically?
There is nothing better than to hear a child giggle, it makes us remember when we were little, how we used to laugh at the silliest of things. As adults we see things way too seriously, hearing that giggle makes us stop and think how easy it is, just to laugh at the simplest of things.
What happens in that moment? Firstly, the frontal lobe of you brain monitors this emotional state (any emotional state that is) and the thalamus regulates how this emotional state is carried forward. The two types of neurotransmitters involved in this cascade are dopamine and serotonin. So, when you brain is stimulated, for example our child’s giggle, you brain releases these neurotransmitters.
Your whole body then responds, you increase your breathing and circulation, distributing blood flow to vital organs, and your face may flush, and you may feel warm.
Your autonomic nervous system is also activated (that the stimulation of other vital organs without your knowing), resulting in increased digestion, heart rate, and dilatation of your pupils.
So what comes first, the chicken or the egg. If you are in a low mood and force a smile, a wonderful thing happens, you begin to feel the joy sensations. Try it, you will be amazed at the outcome. I’d love to hear your experience!