Molecular Happiness: An Oblivious Way To Happiness

By Sanjukumar Amrutlal Gajjar

Background:

13.5 billion Years to Big Bang, 3.5 billion years to an organism, and 70,000 years to a culture of Homo sapiens, and yet we struggle to achieve peace, self-importance, and Happiness; three deeply engraved desires of humankind! In history, literatures, treatises, books, and recently the numerous scientific articles are studded with sermons, conclusions and definitions trying to decode the Happiness. In fact, saints, monks, followers, influencers, or even an ordinary teacher too, have tried to explain the Happiness in their unique ways, and to more or less extents they have thrived as well. But just like humankind, the Happiness too, is constantly evolving taking in consideration the materialistic metaphors for some to exclusive, internal upliftment for others. To be more accurate, the Happiness is an internal, sustainable state of being than the external exhibition of joyful behavior.

What is Happiness?

There are countless definitions nearly fulfilling almost all the criteria of Happiness based on one’s feeling, achieved either with external pleasures and performance, or with internal retreat, a spiritual way. In her 2007 book The How of Happiness, positive psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky quotes Happiness as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.” Similarly, for Mathieu Ricard, the happiest Monk in world, the happiness is “a state of fullness that lasts through all the ups and downs of life”. In later definition, Happiness seems to have found its meaning. Sustainability! Yes, think, unless it is sustainable, how can it be the Happiness? So, it is unworthy to experience joy, be contented, or feel valuable unless these expressions are sustained. However, in current life where our emotions, actions, expressions, desires, and afflictions are dishonest with one another, it appears that in achieving Happiness, though of ephemeral value, the human still lacks the most vital component, sustainability. And might even continue lacking the same unless we come up with some practical, reliable and even scientific way to cope up with our external and internal environment. Well, is there any hack to this? The good news is, yes! There is a hack to Happiness: Our molecular Happiness!

Happiness, the Leader’s way:

As per Mahatma Gandhi, it is “when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”. As per Dalai Lama, it is “not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions”. As per Aristotle, it is “the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”. While as per Dale Carnegie, the famous American writer and lecturer, it is “one that doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude”.

Upto 35% the Happiness is said to be inherited, but remaining fulfillment is our responsibility, attain it one way or the other. Here we see different personalities with different ideology, yet they try to explain the same thing, and with total conviction their ways in achieving the Happiness seem unfailing. But when it comes to sustainability, all the ways must be actionable, feasible, and subconscious with least minimum efforts. Molecular Happiness in this sense tries to focus on the ways and actions that could be deployed immediately, are habit forming, and are as effective as desired. Also, if practiced lengthily, they become subconscious; automatic enough to achieve sustainability, and Happiness eventually!

Molecular Happiness

It took 300,000 years for the first atom to appear after Big Bang, which over the time coalesced to become the molecule; let’s say a source code for any chemical that would generate eventually. And this are the very chemicals which form the life, a life we see with our eyes and another that lives inside of us. Even in its most rudimentary way, from what we see, sense, smell, taste, listen externally to what we experience internally, the chemicals are the foundational units. The very human emotions and feelings, ranging from positive to negative ones, have in their core this chemicals, drying or flooding in some most peculiar areas of brain. Since the inception of life, it is nothing but systematic, orderly, and structured arrangement of molecules which have upheld equilibrium, harmony and sustainability, be it the ecosystem around us or the biology inside of us. They govern it all, the molecules, and so bear the right to Happiness. Just like deletion, addition, or displacement of a single molecule in daily life can alter the entire chemical formula and so cause the disaster or bring the blessings, in our brain, we have 6 very important hormones which too, have capacity to cause mental squalor or lead to Happiness jackpot; what is essential is just to arouse them using simple hacks and keep them in homeostatic environment that has both, equilibrium and harmony. And, against all the odds, it is possible! Living the Happiness definition-wise could be challengeable, in fact frustrating at many instances since life doesn’t run according to definition always, but amid this, we still can have our molecules to get into concord and bring instant Happiness, which with practice can be sustainable too. Henceforth, molecular Happiness is not some alien concept but the most primordial understanding that we have decoded now!

Happy chemicals:

Human body does have as many as 50 different types of hormones and over 100 neurotransmitters working relentlessly to keep a person on the go. The brain alone has 10 to 12 types of hormones and around 6 or more types of neurotransmitters. But grossly, for brain in particular, we can refer them as neurochemicals, neurotransmitters, psychological hormones, or simply the secretions with their home in limbic system, amygdala and hypothalamus. Interestingly, they respond to varying amount of human emotions: Happiness, love, lust, anger, anxiety, and what not, or say they fire them up. However, amongst many, 4 neurochemicals have been famously names as “Happiness hormones” or “Neurochemicals of joy” since they are deemed to uphold the very state of Happiness and their depletion in brain is linked with mental downfall. They are: Dopamine, Endorphin, Serotonin, and Oxytocin.

1. Dopamine (C8H11NO2):

This is referred as “Reward hormone”, “Happiness hormone”, or “Reward molecule”. It shoots in the brain as a part of brain’s reward system when its release is triggered with variety of stimulants such as sex, shopping, smell of cookies, or a thought of journey. More closely if observed, then it is the “Dopamine rush” we have been experiencing prior to subjective cues, or an intense pleasure that we feel even before engaging ourselves into those cues and also while living them. Not only the Happiness, but also it elevates mood, controls negative emotions, enhances focus, and induces wholesome sleep. It is a cue-based neurotransmitter with gradually increasing threshold, and reinforcement being its darker side. Besides, it is the culprit in forming the habit loop while hunting the Happiness, which could be detrimental for bad habits but boon for the good ones. But presently, its merits are more promising when we use it judiciously for pure, instant, and lasting Happiness.

Optimum dopamine levels enhance pleasure and reward pursuits. Typically, its level is well-controlled in brain, but there are ways to naturally increase them, and the key to upsurge its level is to replace the cues with goals, the smaller goals which ultimately are the part of bigger goal. Why? Because cues will increase its threshold, ask for reinforcement each time, and ultimately dump us into the ditch of addiction where Happiness (Reward) will not be that gratifying. In fact, fulfilment of bigger goals will certainly fire up dopamine in a bigger amount, an avalanche of Happiness we might experience, but it will be for moments! Instead, fulfilling smaller goals frequently will shoot up the controlled amount of dopamine on a regular basis, hence lasting Happiness and not the euphoria! So, how can we have this balanced, dopaminergic mindfulness?

Well, literatures suggest there are 36 plus hacks available to increase dopamine. Few reveal that acts like going out for meals, watching a TV program, climbing mountains, or taking spouses out, all trigger the dopamine flow. But here again, some might confuse this cues with goals; watching a TV might shoot up the dopamine, but it can shift you into a bad habit loop. Such dopamine I would quote as “Bad dopamine”, which is extremely short-lasting and sometimes associated with guilt and regret. Similar examples are endless scrolling of social media, indulging into the habit of binge eating, drugs, procrastination, porn, or even unregulated purchasing. But few hacks like sunlight, a cup of coffee or tea, a cold shower a day, acupuncture therapy, prolonged standing, touch and massage, listening or creating music, and sufficient sleep involve no active cues, carries no risk of reinforcement, and can be put to action without much efforts. Dopamine released with this activities is of better quality and has power to be sustained, and I would quote such dopamine as “Neutral one”.

“Good dopamine” is something that surrenders to the actions like achievement, fulfillment, accomplishment, completion, scoring, triumph, kindness, volunteering, gratitude and similar. A quality, Good dopamine fires up in the brain when it tells us that “he/ she has done a good job”. Such a feedback allows lasting dopamine levels in the brain, and if repeated frequently in the form of smaller goals, then one can honestly feel the Happiness that is sustainable, gratifying, and original. Therefore, bottom-line is: Effortless acquisition of pleasures is Bad dopamine, mindful acquisition of pleasure is Neutral dopamine, but Selfless, thankful, and goal-based acquisition of pleasure is Good dopamine. So, choose your dopamine wisely!

1. Serotonin (C10H12N2O):

This is referred as “confidence molecule‟ as it brings about confidence and self-esteem, and plays a vital role in positive mood. Feeling of that meditating Happiness, optimism and self-significance is nothing but the flooding serotonin. Simon Oliver Sinek, a British-born American author and inspirational speaker, calls this the “Leadership chemical” as it creates a sense of allegiance and organizational cohesion. Research has shown that it is found in weak quantities in the delinquent body and in significant quantities to leaders. Moreover, literature also tags it as a “Natural mood stabilizer/booster” if it is present in the brain in optimum level, and like dopamine its levels too, are well controlled in brain. Yet, this seems to be the hormone to be taken seriously since excess levels of serotonin (commonly seen with medication) induces sedation and apathy, while lower levels causes serious depression. Also, its fame can be traced back to SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, which increase the brain’s serotonin levels, which of course not a way to use its merits unless diseased.

However, if considered natural ways, then in the wake-up hours, serotonin levels are high and decrease over the course of the day (reason why mostly we feel low in the evening). Activities such as challenging oneself and attempting something are known as serotonin boosters. Being able to say, “I did it”, “Want to do it for my mom, my boss, my wife”, something like this reinforces the sense of relationships with the group, allegiance and fires up serotonin.

Well, apart from challenging oneself, there are many simpler ways to boost up serotonin. Let’s explore; daily sunshine for roughly 10-15 minutes, daily aerobic workouts (swimming, brisk walking, jogging, etc.,), touch and massage therapy (as per the study by Field T et al., in depressed pregnant ladies, a 20-minute massage session by their spouse increased their serotonin levels by 28%), meditation for minimum 30 minutes on regular basis, and foods containing tryptophan, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, easiest and consistent way to summon serotonin is offering “Gratitude”, it is the catalyst for this Happiness hormone.

Therefore, the bottom-line here is: Challenge yourself, attempt something, become a leader, wake up early, meditate daily, and stay thankful for the tiniest rewards life has given, and we shall have this beautiful hormone soothing our mood and guarding our Happiness!

1. Oxytocin (C43H66N12O12S2):

So many references to this: “Cuddle hormone”, “bonding molecule”, “trust hormone”, “love hormone”, and “tendon hormone” they call it, because it is released when we hug, cuddle, or make love. It has got the most complex formula, yet bears the simplest and fondest expression, love! Apathy, insult, and negative thought process depletes this tender hormone, but love gushes it up. So to speak, a mother, is deemed to be the sole recipient in experiencing the unadulterated and original form of oxytocin when she feeds her offspring, a level of Happiness which is unimaginable, yet we hanker for the same.

Apart from love, it is connected with developing faith and integrity, healthy flourishing relationships, loyalty, honesty, courage, and empathy. Research says, people who have surplus oxytocin are happier, and they hold extra-pleasing relations. However, there are many love-less techniques too; Eating foods rich in proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, e.g., figs, avocados, watermelon, spinach, green tea, exercising mindfulness meditation, Just listening someone who is hurt with full concentration, exercising, group singing, sharing your meals, staying in touch with others at least through social media, even adventures like rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving are some of them.

Therefore, bottom-line here is: Amongst other, oxytocin apparently, in that sense holds easiest, most practical ways to gush itself up; Love, trust, care, fondle, and being honest, but this stands disappointing, even regretful when applied to materialistic world and has the Ego all along. What it just needs is a living being, even a pet if not human shall do! Sad, huh? Just fondle your kitten, smell your baby, kiss your spouse, or, simply help someone and get “Thank you” as a reward. Now think, don’t you feel good just reading that? And one last thing, long-term Happiness comes when you keep loving! Sustainable, yes?!

1. Endorphin (C158H251N39O46S):

This is referred as the “Pain-killing molecules” or “Natural painkiller”, because in response to pain and stress they alleviate it and propel happiness, also it is linked with pleasure states like love, laughter, sex, and even appetite. Joy floods you with a wave of endorphins, while worries and tensions attract you in a whirlwind of stress hormones.

Endorphin if decoded says, it is the combination of “Endogenous”, means local, produced inside the body, and of “Morphine”, the opioid painkiller whose action does it mimic. Out of 20 different types of endorphin, Beta-endorphin is the one that is linked with “Runner’s high”, a version of moderately intense exercise done by athletes and the euphoric detachment to pain that is experienced afterward. Research claims that its amount produced by body continues to be lifted after a physical exercise of about 30 min, so an intellectual activity following has a better return. With this, it seems that best way to feel endorphin is to do work-out, a moderate one, and minimum for 30 minutes. The version of Happiness we feel with endorphin is better to describe as euphoria than naïve Happiness since it gives that sort of high.

Now, when exercising appears to be the primary trigger for endorphin, we still have many secondary stimuli as well, and those are available with no cost. Meditation, essence of essential oils like lavender, Laughter, watching a comedy program for at least 30 minutes with companions, even enjoying a play and other narratives that excite a person emotionally, hearing music, sunshine, massage therapy, regular sex and foods that are spicy such as pepper and green chilies, all this in an average to extra amount releases endorphin delivers pleasure. In fact, little costlier alternative is having dark chocolate!

So finally, if euphoric experience that we urge, then it is the endorphin that we need, and to have that, “Runner’s high” is what we have to achieve, which is not difficult to accomplish. But mind it that unlike other 3, sustainability in its case is uncertain since it has got that euphoric element, and that is not pure Happiness. Still, working-out or even a brisk if not “Runner’s high” walk should give us clarity of mind, comfort, and freedom of thought. In simpler term, a sort of tranquility we might feel!

Concluding Happiness:

What if I told you molecular Happiness is priceless yet inexpensive? What if I told you molecular Happiness is sustainable yet maintenance-free? What if I told you molecular Happiness is practical yet scientifically sound? And what if I told you that molecular Happiness is an oblivious yet achievable way to Joy and all other ideological ways to Happiness more or less complement to each other in order to live this version of Happiness?

In the end, I guess that answer to this many questions shall be, “I agree”. Yes, for now, it seems so. What does it cost in order to leverage it? A little mindfulness, tiny efforts, ego-less mindset, self-constructive attitude, love, some amount of discipline, kindness, gratitude, and a bunch of common practices such as sunshine, meditation, laughter, making love, food, exercise, music, some adventure, and touch! Is it not possible to welcome all this in our life? Yes, it is! Because, now, if we try to read those initial Happiness definitions again, we can realize that they complement each other, don’t they? Are they not trying to fulfill the meaning of molecular Happiness? Yes, they do. And is this form of Happiness not sustainable? In my guess, it is very much!

So, let’s just claim this hormones, use them fully, and live a meaningful, pure, and happy life!

By Sanjukumar Amrutlal Gajjar