Understanding HAPPY

I just came across the cutest documentary ever, Happy! It's a documentary on the general pursuit of the most illusive (so it may seem sometimes) emotion, happiness.




The trailer is a bit old school, but it's well worth a watch. The idea of happiness clicks within the first 5 minutes as it talks about a rickshaw driver (who lives in a slum, works in monsoon/heatwave weather and is sometimes abused by his customers) is statistically just as happy as the average American. It is clear why, as it then shows him smiling with his baby boy and surrounded by a group of cheery neighbours who he calls his friends. He appreciates the finer things in life!

I must admit, I love self-help books and I'm familiar with most of the happy-getters (doing them is a completely different story). Socialisation, being with nature, not placing too much importance on money and things, counting your blessings etc.

It touched upon things I already knew about but didn't realise was connected to general happiness, like the concept of 'flow', which is becoming talented at an activity and being able to be completely engrossed. Darn it, sleeping doesn't count! Sport and surfing was popular, gaming too, some lucky peeps even feel it when they're working! Oh yes, I felt SO engrossed at Pizza Hut, nooooooooooooot.

One of the things I didn't know about is the brain's ability to transmit and receive dopamine (the chemical linked with feeling happy) lessens as we get older. Think of it like a muscle, it's bound to weaken as we get older but the exercise we do greatly influences the rate - it's use it or lose it! I have never considered feeling happiness as something I have to practise! Disconcerting at first, but it can't be too bad if it encourages you to do more things that make you feel fulfilled! 

Another thing that surprised me is that researchers have managed to add up what makes our happy feeling. 50% is our natural happy level found in our genes, 40% your personal outlook, and ONLY 10% is the circumstances in your life! A whopping 40% of your happiness relies on how you see these events. I'm very guilty of thinking I'll be happy when I do the next big thing in my life e.g. I'll be happy when I get placement out of the way, I'll be happy when I've finished my degree, I'll be happy when I get a new job etc etc. It's never going to stop! There is always a hurdle, it's just how you see it. I've heard the mantra 'Happyiness is the journey, not the destination' so many times, but I've never stopped to think about how to apply it.

 I recommend a little viewing when you're not too busy! It's on Netflix and isn't too heavy, so you can totes instagram at the same time. Promise I've not given it all away!

Jess xxxxxxxx

PS. I cried at the bit about bullying

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