Can we train our brains to be happier?

By Maria Taylor

17 December 2024

Happiness is something all humans yearn to find, yet often what the word itself means can get lost. Yet, happiness is a feeling we all know. Whether it’s just a mere feeling of contentment, or something more that bubbles in our chest. 

Whatever it may be, we can all agree that happiness is something we all want more of. Can happiness be intentionally made? Let’s talk more in depth about this subject and explore more practical ways to boost our mental well-being. 

What is true happiness?

Scientifically, happiness is a mixture of two elements: long-term contentment and momentary pleasure. But, that’s so broad. The thing about happiness is that it isn’t just a word, it’s a feeling.

It is hard to define happiness, especially since everyone feels it differently.

For years neuroscientists have studied the nature of happiness. The true conclusion many have found is that there are two groups of people when it comes to happiness: naturally happy people and people who seek happiness.

Can we rewire our brains?

In my opinion, the brain is the most intriguing organ because there is so much happening in it, at all levels. Research suggests that we can actually train our brains how we respond to negative changes and create positive ones.

For starters, the role of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that communicate signals between nerve cells. Some of the key neurotransmitters that affect happiness include:

1. Oxytocin: oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” and it’s basically linked to social bonding, such as hugging or just talking with loved ones. This neurotransmitter has a lot of effects when it comes to happiness.
2. Dopamine: dopamine is often referred to as the “feel good hormone” and it is linked to pleasure, for example, eating your favorite food. 
3. Serotonin: serotonin is a neurotransmitter that allows you to cycle through your emotions, enabling a feeling of peace and control. 

How can we intentionally become happier?

Although we can’t do one thing in particular to make us happy, there are scientific insights behind the fact that there are certain things we can do to increase our happiness.

• Joining clubs: joining clubs helps you meet new people, which releases more oxytocin. This helps our brain feel happier, as we meet new people and socialize more. Also, finding new activities that you enjoy doing can also release dopamine. For people at Camino, some options of clubs could be the Library Club, The Hawk, Coral Aid, Hawk Spirit, or one of the many more options we have at our school.
• Engaging in physical activity: physical activity is a very important factor in not only physical, but also mental health. This can include doing sports, of which there are many options at Camino, for example, soccer, basketball, volleyball and cheer. This can also release oxytocin because all these team sports are played in teams, which means working and liking more people. 
• Practicing gratitude: gratitude is one of most effective ways to improve happiness according to some experts. Regularly practicing gratitude can enhance emotional wellbeing and reduce symptoms of depression. This can be done by a daily exercise by writing down three things that you are grateful for each day. This can help your brain and mood be increased and more satisfied.
• Cultivating positive relationships: humans are social creatures, and our relationships with others play a huge role in happiness. Research shows that strong social connections leads to a longer life, increased perception of happiness, and even better physical health. You can promote this by having deep conversations with people or just being near others, depending on what you like.
• Spending time in nature: nature has a naturally calming effect on one’s mind and soul. Studies show that spending more time outdoors, whether it be a walk, hike, or beach day, can enhance happiness. The great thing about where we live, Cabo, is that there is so much beauty in nature to be discovered!

Happiness is more than just a feeling!

While we might not be able to control every aspect of our lives, we can control how we react to situations and the habits we choose. The thing about happiness is that it means something different to each one of us, but maybe that is the best part. And yes, we cannot just snap our fingers and say “Well, now I’m happy!”, that would be tricking ourselves. 

However, we do have the full ability to do things (like those that were listed in this article!) that can add to our happiness. I have talked a lot about science in this article, and how science relates to the word happy, but the point I am trying to make is that happiness is more then the chemicals that swirl around in our brains, it is more then just a definition in a dictionary: it is something we feel.