Four Simple Rituals from Neuroscience to Increase Happiness

[Ellen]

I found this article in Time magazine with four very simple things we can do that help increase our happiness. These are all backed up by neuroscience research. I have used writing in a Gratitude Journal daily for some time and know that it works, and only takes a few minutes every evening. There are apps you can use on your phone, and mine sends me a reminder every evening. The part about how guilt, shame, worry show up in the reward centers of our brain is interesting. No wonder it feels like an addiction and is hard to break the habit.

http://theweek.com/articles/601157/neuroscience-reveals-4-rituals-that-make-happy (Neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy)

 

[balto]

hug hug hug.
Thanks Ellen.

 

[Andy Bayliss]

Hi Ellen,

Wonderful accessible article. Worthy of posting elsewhere... Thank you.

The "labeling emotions" is exactly a basic practice in my self compassion teaching...interesting to see it supported here.

Andy B

 

[Ellen]

Hi Ellen,

Wonderful accessible article. Worthy of posting elsewhere... Thank you.

The "labeling emotions" is exactly a basic practice in my self compassion teaching...interesting to see it supported here.

Andy B

I wonder if the process of labeling emotions is, in part, why journaling and talk therapy can be effective. It is also recommended in working with children.

 

[Andy Bayliss]

I think for me, it helps to name something, and acknowledge my experience exactly as it is. This, I think takes away or significantly reduces the rejecting relationship with the experience. It is the rejection of the experience (conscious or unconsciously) that makes the experience more sticky and less fluid, less "acceptable." There is also something very important about "being seen" in our experience, or "being felt" in our experience, either by our self, or by others which is a deep need, and which relaxes us when met. This probably goes back to the deep need for empathy and attunement by our caretakers. Just as physical contact is needed.