Finding Happiness
In 2 Nephi 5:27, Nephi says that the people lived after the manner of happiness. What does it take to live that way?
Let’s look at what science tells us. I believe God has given us knowledge and advances in science and technology to help us, if we will use them to further His purposes. So here are a few things we learn from science about how to be happy:
1. Practice gratitude.
Gratitude boosts neurotransmitters in the brain, (dopamine and serotonin), which acts as an antidepressant. Trying to think of things you are grateful for forces you to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
Practicing gratitude may feel artificial, but study after study has shown it to be one of the most powerful activities we can engage in. Gratitude is a great way to consider what’s good about your life, instead of focusing on what’s not good or what other people have that you don’t.
Research on neuroplasticity suggests that we can actually rewire the pathways of our brains. When people consciously practice gratitude, they’re increasing the flow of beneficial neurochemicals in the brain. What passes through the mind re-sculpts the neural structure of the brain.
The scriptures also teach of the importance of what goes on in our brains. As a man thinketh, so is he. If my mind is full of worry, guilt and shame, I’ll feel that way, and happiness will flee from me.
Joseph Smith was living in a very unhappy situation in Liberty Jail, when he wrote: “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.” If I focus on virtuous and uplifting thoughts, then my confidence will wax strong, and the Holy Ghost will be my constant companion.
2. Connect with people.
We’re wired for connection. No man is an island. One of the purposes of a church is to provide opportunities for fellowship. Pres. Hinckley often taught that we all need a friend.
Scientific research shows that reaching out to others can help us cope with the trials of life more effectively.
That’s why we have 12-step support groups, the Addiction Recovery Program. The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connection.
Often, those who deal with struggles tend to pull back, to withdraw, to isolate themselves. But when they turn toward others and reach out, healing occurs at a faster rate.
Relationships are important to your brain’s feeling of happiness. If you want to take that to the next level, touch people. Obviously, it’s not always appropriate to touch most people, but small touches like handshakes and pats on the back are usually okay. One of the primary ways to release positive neurotransmitters is through touching. For people you’re close with, make more of an effort to touch more often.
3. Give service to others.
Happiness researchers call this “practicing deliberate acts of kindness.” And it definitely correlates to gospel teachings about being in the service of our fellow beings. We’ve all felt that good feeling inside after we’ve helped someone else.
4. Experience awe.
According to the latest research, awe appears to give a major boost to the body’s immune system. Recent studies found that the experience of awe has been linked to lower levels of proinflammatory proteins that signal the immune system to work harder. And though these proteins play a key role in fighting infections, sustained high levels of these proteins are associated with disorders such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and clinical depression.
The fact that awe promotes healthier levels of these proteins suggests anything we can do to foster it—a walk in nature or listening to great music or spending time around people who inspire us—has a direct effect upon our health and life expectancy.
King Benjamin knew this when he taught: “I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you.” (Mosiah 4:11)
For me, one of the best ways to do this is to go outside on a clear night and look up at all the stars and planets, the galaxies and the immensity of space. I am always awestruck at God’s love. And when I feel His love, it makes me happy.
So, to sum up, there are a lot of ways that science tells us to be happier. And isn’t it interesting that they correlate with gospel principles?
Practice gratitude. Connect with others. Give service to our fellowmen. Feel awe for the greatness of God and the beauty of His creations.
Notice that none of these have to do with being rich and famous. In fact, some of the happiest people are those with very little temporal blessings.
Elder Holland teaches: “Above all else, ultimate happiness, true peace, and anything even remotely close to scriptural joy are found first, foremost, and forever in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Sister Jean B. Bingham in her General Conference talk last month said: “We have all asked at times: ‘How do I find joy despite the difficulties of mortal life?' The answer may seem too simple, but it has proven true from the days of Adam. Lasting joy is found in focusing on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and living the gospel as demonstrated and taught by Him.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson said that: “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
To be continued . . . with Part 33
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