4 RITUALS THAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPIER (MUST READ!)

This is a decent read, has a lot of big words and talks about parts of the brain us normals don't even know exist, but it's a very good read all the same and it might explain a little why you do the things you do.

The subject of the article is a neuroscience researcher Alex Korby (Korby to his mates) from UCLA.

I've dot pointed what I thought were the most interesting parts from it:

• Pride, shame and guilt all activate similar parts of the brain with pride being the most powerful of these at triggering activity in that region but it explains why guilt and shame are so big in our thoughts - it's actually part of our reward center
• If you worry a lot then in the short term your brain feels a little better because at least you're doing something about your problems and doing something is better then doing nothing
• Guilt and shame are horrible long term solutions so ask yourself "what am I grateful for" as gratitude boosts dopamine, a feel good hormone
• Gratitude towards others is also big making social interaction a very important part of one's life
• Being grateful also forces you to focus on your life's positive aspects which also increases serotonin
• Even if you can't find anything to be thankful for (c'mon, try harder), then simply searching for something is the main thing which is a form of emotional intelligence and here's the kicker - higher emotional intelligence means it simply takes less effort to be grateful
• Gratitude makes you happy and creates a positive feedback loop in your relationships
• When bad feelings completely overtakes you then you need to label negative feelings - is it sadness, anxiety, anger etc - which can then reduce their impact so do not suppress them!
• If something/s are causing you stress then make that decision, create intentions and set goals and you're brain can finally rest
• Make the decision but be sure that close enough is good enough
• You make a decision, your brain feels like it has control and this reduces stress
• When you make a decision on a goal and then actually achieve it, it gives you a far better boost then if it happens by chance (forced vs voluntary exercise benefits for example)
• Rejection doesn't just hurt like a broken heart, the brain feels it physically like a broken leg showing the importance of relationships but take this to a whole new level you need touch people (appropriately Donald!)
• Touching, like a pat on the back or a handshake, can make you more persuasive, increases ream performance, improves flirting and even boosts math skills
• Touching someone you love can actually reduce pain
• Long hugs! I actually read a few weeks back that a hug should last 20secs which may seem awkward but hey, the professionals are telling us to do so!
• 5 hugs a day for 4 weeks increases happiness big time
• If you don't have anyone to hug (what the?) then get a massage which can decrease stress hormones, help you create new habits, reduces pain, improves sleep and reduces fatigue
• When you're in a stressful situation then talking to loved ones feels a lot better then texting or emailing them
• Step 1 is to simply send someone a thank you email which can really start an upward spiral of happiness in your life

Here's the flow chart of all of this:

Gratitude - Better Sleep - Decreased Pain - Improved Mood - Improved Focus/Planning - Decision Making - Reduced Anxiety/Improved Enjoyment - Gives You More to be Grateful For - Keeps the Loop of Upward Spiral Going - Enjoyment Means You'll be More Social - Greater Happiness!!

This truly is one of best articles I've seen this year so take the time to give it a thorough read here.