I Was Happy For Awhile
Have you ever felt delighted? Not just for a few fleeting moments here and there.
No, I'm talking about a long-term, deep sense of fulfilment. A feeling that makes you say, "Life is so worth living. I'm glad to be who I am, and I am grateful to be alive".
And you feel and say this every day and mean it.
Mmm, I thought so.
You are not alone. You may be surprised how many people don't feel deep-rooted happiness.
The question is, why is this?
Let's start by looking at the biology of happiness.
The brain releases several neurotransmitters, often referred to as "happy chemicals," that contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being:
1. Dopamine
Dopamine, associated with reward and pleasure, plays a role in motivation, reinforcement, and addiction. Activities like eating delicious food, achieving goals, or receiving praise can trigger dopamine release, leading to happiness and satisfaction.
2. Serotonin
Serotonin is crucial for maintaining emotional balance and regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Increased serotonin levels are linked to contentment, relaxation, and happiness. Activities like spending time in nature, exercising, or receiving social support can boost serotonin levels.
3. Endorphins
Endorphins, known for their pain-relieving properties, are released by the body in response to stress or discomfort, acting as natural analgesics. Exercise, laughter, and activities that induce a "runner's high" can stimulate endorphin release, promoting euphoria and well-being.
4. Oxytocin
Often dubbed the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," Oxytocin is released during social bonding, physical affection, and childbirth. It fosters trust, empathy, and connection, contributing to feelings of happiness and security in relationships.
A straightforward way to think of Serotonin and Dopamine is to consider them the dynamic duo of mood regulation in your brain.
They're both neurotransmitters but have different roles regarding pleasure and happiness.
Dopamine is the instant gratification guy.
It's all about pleasure and reward. When you achieve a goal, indulge in something tasty, or even anticipate something exciting, Dopamine is there, saying, "Hey, this feels good; let's do it again!"
It's the neurotransmitter behind that rush you get from winning a game, eating chocolate, or receiving compliments.
On the other hand, Serotonin is more like a steady, content friend. It's involved in regulating mood, emotions, and even social behaviour.
When your Serotonin levels are balanced, you feel calm, focused, and generally content. It doesn't necessarily scream "party time" as Dopamine does, but it's crucial for long-term happiness and well-being.
But can we blame our sense of happiness, or not, on biology? The short answer is "Yes" and "No".
When the body is deprived of essential hormones like Dopamine, Serotonin, and other happiness hormones, it can lead to various behavioural and psychological challenges such as:
1. Dopamine Deprivation
a. Lack of Motivation: Dopamine is closely associated with motivation and reward-seeking behaviour. Without sufficient Dopamine, individuals may experience a decrease in motivation, find it challenging to initiate tasks or feel less inclined to pursue goals.
b. Depression: Low dopamine levels have been linked to symptoms of depression, including persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.
c. Impaired Attention and Concentration: Dopamine plays a role in attention and focus. Deprivation of Dopamine may lead to difficulties in maintaining concentration and cognitive deficits.
2. Serotonin Deprivation
a. Mood Swings: Serotonin is crucial for mood regulation, and its depletion can lead to mood instability, including frequent mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotional reactivity.
b. Anxiety: Serotonin deficiency has been associated with increased anxiety levels, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.
c. Sleep Disturbances: Serotonin helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Deprivation of Serotonin may result in disrupted sleep patterns, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and poor sleep quality.
3. Other Happiness Hormones (e.g., Endorphins, Oxytocin)
a. Pain Sensitivity: Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the body. Deprivation of endorphins can lead to increased sensitivity to pain and discomfort.
b. Social Withdrawal: Oxytocin is often called the "love hormone" and plays a vital role in social bonding and trust. Deprivation of Oxytocin may result in social withdrawal, difficulty forming close relationships, and feelings of isolation.
c. Reduced Pleasure Response: Other happiness hormones, such as endorphins and Oxytocin, contribute to the experience of pleasure and well-being. Deprivation of these hormones may result in a diminished ability to experience pleasure from enjoyable activities or social interactions.
Overall, deprivation of essential hormones involved in regulating mood and well-being can have profound effects on behaviour, cognition, and emotional health, potentially leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and an overall reduced quality of life.
It is, therefore, essential to maintain a healthy balance of these hormones through lifestyle factors, such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and social support.
But having said all this, this is not the whole story.
In the age-old quest for fulfilment, humanity has often grappled with the distinction between pleasure and happiness.
At first glance, the two may seem interchangeable, but upon closer examination, they reveal themselves as distinct entities, each with its intricacies and implications.
Pleasure, in its essence, is temporary and transient. The fleeting rush of Dopamine accompanies indulgence in immediate gratification—a decadent dessert, a spontaneous shopping spree, or a night of uninhibited revelry.
As psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi notes, pleasure is often derived from external stimuli that provide temporary sensations of joy or satisfaction.
However, its short-lived effects leave individuals craving more in an endless cycle of consumption and gratification.
On the other hand, happiness transcends mere pleasure; it embodies a profound sense of contentment and fulfilment that permeates every facet of life.
As philosopher, Aristotle famously asserted, happiness is the ultimate goal of human existence, achieved through the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of eudaimonia—a state of flourishing and well-being derived from living a life of purpose and meaning.
Let's take a closer look at the differences between pleasure and happiness:
1. Duration
Pleasure is often short-lived and fleeting, like the satisfaction you get from eating a delicious meal or winning a game.
Conversely, happiness tends to be more enduring and consistent, reflecting a general sense of well-being and contentment over time.
2. Source
Pleasure usually stems from external experiences or stimuli, such as indulging in favourite activities, receiving compliments, or achieving goals.
Happiness, however, often arises from internal factors, like a sense of purpose, meaningful relationships, or personal growth.
3. Immediate vs. Long-Term
Pleasure is more immediate and focused on the present moment, providing instant gratification.
Happiness involves a broader perspective, encompassing memories, present experiences, and future expectations, contributing to a more profound sense of fulfilment over time.
4. Individual vs. Social
Pleasure is often individualistic, catering to personal desires and preferences.
Conversely, happiness can be influenced by social connections and a sense of belonging, as meaningful relationships and shared experiences contribute significantly to overall well-being.
5. Intensity
Pleasure tends to be more intense and visceral, characterised by strong emotional responses and physical sensations.
While still capable of evoking positive emotions, happiness is typically more subtle and stable, providing a sense of inner peace and contentment.
6. External Validation vs. Internal Fulfillment
Pleasure often relies on external validation or external factors for satisfaction, such as material possessions, social status, or external achievements.
Happiness, in contrast, is rooted in internal fulfilment, stemming from a sense of self-acceptance, gratitude, and alignment with personal values.
7. Adaptability
Pleasure can be subject to habituation or diminishing returns, meaning that the same experiences may lose their initial allure over time as you become accustomed to them.
Happiness, however, tends to be more resilient and adaptable, as it can be cultivated through various sources and sustained through meaningful connections and personal growth.
Despite the above disparities, pleasure and happiness are frequently conflated in contemporary society, leading many individuals astray in their pursuit of fulfilment.
The allure of instant gratification often obscures the path to lasting happiness, tempting individuals to prioritise short-term pleasures over long-term well-being.
Moreover, the societal emphasis on material wealth and external validation perpetuates the misconception that accumulating possessions or achieving status equals happiness.
However, research suggests otherwise.
A seminal study conducted by psychologist Daniel Kahneman and economist Angus Deaton found that while income up to a certain threshold is correlated with increased levels of happiness, beyond that point, additional wealth has diminishing returns on overall well-being.
This phenomenon, known as the "hedonic treadmill," illustrates the futility of equating material success with lasting happiness.
Furthermore, the pervasive influence of social media exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction by fostering comparisons with curated portrayals of others' lives.
Psychologist Jean Twenge describes this phenomenon as the "iGen" effect, wherein excessive screen time and digital consumption contribute to a decline in mental health and overall life satisfaction.
The discrepancy between pleasure and happiness lies in their underlying nature and sources.
Pleasure is transient and reliant on external stimuli, whereas happiness is enduring and stems from intrinsic fulfilment and alignment with one's values and goals.
However, despite the inherent differences between the two, many individuals find themselves trapped in a perpetual cycle of seeking pleasure at the expense of genuine happiness.
This discrepancy is often attributed to a lack of self-awareness, reflection, societal pressures, and cultural norms prioritising immediate gratification and external validation.
In conclusion, pursuing pleasure and happiness represents a dichotomy that permeates the human experience.
While pleasure offers fleeting moments of gratification, happiness transcends the temporary and embodies a more profound sense of fulfilment and well-being.
By cultivating self-awareness, prioritising intrinsic values, and fostering meaningful connections, individuals can navigate the complexities of modern life and embark on a journey towards lasting happiness.
As philosopher Epicurus stated, "Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance."
Until next time, may you be fulfilled!
Dion Le Roux