For thousands of years, people have been constantly searching for answers to the question: what creates happiness? Does happiness come from material achievements, spiritual satisfaction or physical health?
The answer is more complex than we think, says Professor Shigehiro Oishi, a psychologist at the University of Chicago.
Professor Shigehiro Oishi said that true happiness is a feeling of comfort, safety and satisfaction. A meaningful life is an important foundation of happiness, including three factors: a sense of purpose in life, a sense of difference, and a sense of place in one's roles.
Professor Oishi emphasizes that life is completely possible to balance personal ambition and inner happiness.
But if we constantly compare ourselves with great figures in history, people are likely to fall into a state of dissatisfaction and put unnecessary pressure on themselves.
To expand the space of happiness, he proposed the concept of "mentally existing age", a state of life filled with diverse, new experiences and capable of changing perspective.
Accordingly, reading, traveling, watching movies or simply trying something new can make life richer, helping each person nurture a sense of meaning.
Not only comes from psychology, happiness is also triggered by biology. According to a BBC article, there are two key hormones that create excitement and attachment: dopamine and oxytocin.
Oxytocin appears in intimate moments such as hugging relatives, pet pets or chatting with people we trust. It helps increase the feeling of connection and safety.
Meanwhile, dopamine is released when we enjoy our favorite food, listen to music, receive compliments or complete a task.
This hormone is associated with feelings of satisfaction and plays a role in motivation, making us want to continue trying.
From a psychological and biological perspective, happiness is truly a proactive journey. nurturing experiences, maintaining quality relationships, and engaging in dopamine and oxytocin-based activities all significantly improve quality of life.
