Finding purpose in life and shaking up your routine might be helpful in navigating the ups and down

The inability to find happiness may be an indication of an issue with one's mental health, or it may just be a natural reaction.

The roller coaster that is life is often characterised by a series of difficult experiences occurring all at once. It is natural for us to experience a lack of joy whenever the world around us is turned on its head. The list of severe stressors and traumatic events is very long and includes things like health problems, losses, breakups, housing difficulties, and natural disasters. Throughout their lives, the vast majority of adults will be subjected to multiple severe traumas and losses. In situations like these, the natural progression of the human experience is toward a lessening of joy.

On the other hand, the absence of joy can linger for some people or appear seemingly out of nowhere. Mood disorders like depression might manifest themselves in this way. The inability to experience pleasure, also referred to as anhedonia, is a fairly common symptom of depression, and it is even one of the diagnostic criteria for the condition. About eight percent of adults in the United States will have a depressive episode in any given year, and about twenty percent of people will have at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime. Other mental conditions, such as psychotic disorders and dementia, are often accompanied with an inability to find pleasure in life. Certain drugs, including (ironically) those used to treat depression, have been shown to produce emotional blunting and a loss of pleasure in some patients.

How are pleasure and happiness distinct from one another?

There is a lot of overlap between the concepts of joy and happiness. Joy, on the other hand, is a state of mind that may be found even in times of loss or uncertainty, while happiness technically refers to the pleasant sensations (emotions) that emerge from a situation, experience, or things. Therefore, we may strive toward growing pleasure regardless of the situations we find ourselves in. The euphoria you experience may be fleeting if you win the lotto, but it may be more long-lasting if you spend your time participating in things that have importance to you.

Happiness and the release of feel-good neurotransmitters

Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins are some of the neurotransmitters that stand out when it comes to encouraging pleasant sensations. Although the neurobiology of pleasure is complicated, there are a few neurotransmitters that stand out in generating positive feelings. The encouraging news is that several adjustments to our daily routines have the potential to raise the levels of these neurotransmitters. For instance, exercising may result in a "runner's high," while spending time with a newborn causes the production of oxytocin, sometimes known as the "cuddle hormone," which creates a sense of connection.

The effects that neurotransmitters have on the body are many, ranging from making your muscles more relaxed to increasing the pace at which your heart beats. However, it is possible that these effects will ultimately lead to a similar destination: the promotion of happy sensations. The advantages on both the mind and the body are quite extensive, and they might come in the form of discovering a sense of purpose or experiencing supportive relationships.

How can one make themselves happier?

§ Whenever you're going through challenging circumstances, it's more crucial than ever to shake up your routine and give yourself permission to feel happy. The following are some suggestions; however, it may take some time and effort on your part to determine which ones are most beneficial to you:

§ Engage in aerobic physical exercise on a consistent basis. Imagine that engaging in physical activity is like turning on a shower full with neurotransmitters; the impact of these chemicals may be felt for hours after the action has stopped.

§ Put the needs of others above your own. Volunteering and other altruistic pursuits bring more happiness than concentrating just on one's own life.

§ Get in touch with the spiritual aspect of you. We cultivate sentiments of appreciation, compassion, and calm inside ourselves when we participate in something that is greater than ourselves. The neural circuits associated with pleasure may be powerfully altered via the practise of meditation.

§ Learn something completely new. We humans are hardwired to feel delight when exposed to new things because of our evolutionary history. Taking up a new hobby or activity may assist us in refocusing our efforts and resources.

§ If you're feeling down, give yourself permission to indulge in a few minutes of pleasure. This is particularly important when you're feeling down. You may get a taste of what the NPR Joy Generator has to offer by using it.

§ Focus your emphasis on the positive. It is possible to cultivate a joyful mentality, but doing so requires work. The three excellent things staying active throughout the day can assist you maintain a watchful eye out for the positives.

§ In contrast, try to contain your negative thoughts. Spending time with people who have a pessimistic outlook has a direct impact on us, whether it be via the influence of a buddy who is always moaning, poisonous relationships with family members, or gossipy colleagues. It is acceptable to establish boundaries.

§ Put your energy into things that give your life purpose, rather than worrying about how much money you can make.

§ Talk to your primary care physician about whether or not the medicines you take might have an impact on your capacity to enjoy life, particularly if you are using antidepressants.

The unexpected advantages of being happy

Increasing your capacity to discover pleasure may give long-term health advantages, regardless of the adjustments you make to your frame of mind or to the activities you do on a regular basis. Your mental mood has the potential to boost the function of your immune system (immune cells even have receptors for neurotransmitters). The release of stress hormones can be lowered, improvements in pain and sadness may be made, and interventions that boost pleasure can improve them all. Finding ways to increase your happiness has been shown to make people live longer.

Reference: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-can-you-find-joy-or-at-least-peace-during-difficult-times-202210062826