Happiness?
The Harvard Study of Human Development is a longitudinal examination of 2000 people over their lifetimes hoping to answer the question of what makes people happy throughout their lifetime. Why is happiness important? Not only is it the emotional state that most people spend their lives seeking. But it turns out that the happiest people are also the healthiest (see the famous “Blue Zone” research).
So what did the Harvard Study find is the key to happiness? It is not money, success, fame or earthly possessions. What makes people the happiest is deep, authentic, nurturing RELATIONSHIPS!
One aspect of the study was to take a group of commuter train passengers in Chicago. Half the group was told to practice their usual commuter routines - reading the paper, looking on their phones, taking a brief nap, etc. The other groups was directed to talk to a stranger. When interviewed afterward, the group who struck up a conversation with a complete stranger had a much more enjoyable commute.
Why? It turns out that human connection is a dopamine stimulus that brings us pleasure and positive emotions.
We have discussed in this space the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in modern society. It is tempting for those who are lonely and isolated to remain isolated because this brings them security when reaching out to others can be frightening for some folks.
Homo sapiens are a communal species. In Darwinian terms, the ones who survived best were the individuals who pooled their talents and worked together to take care of each other and progress through civilization.
My prescription to you: Ask yourself these questions: Do I have someone in my life who I can count on for help when I am frightened, insecure, ill or facing a difficult decision? If you can answer YES to these questions, you have much better chance of being happy and healthy. If your answer to these questions is NO, you must broaden your connections and strive to form relationships that are honest, authentic, deep, intimate and enjoyable. Do this and your body will thank you with health and happiness!
Peace and love,
Dr. John Monaco
MONACO Wellness
(813)541-6440
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