Most of us strive to be happy but you would be surprised to learn this goes against human nature. The human brain is hardwired for survival not happiness. This is no different to any other creature in the animal kingdom.
The reason for this is that being content actually puts us at greater risk as we get complacent, reducing our ability to recognise possible threats to our own survival. This is known as negative bias.
Human evolution has resulted in the development of our large frontal lobe in the brain to enable us to think and assess analytically. The brain’s priority is maintaining the status quo – its job is to keep us alive by making sure our bodies are working properly and scanning for hazards which threaten our life. There are no neurological pathways which promote happiness in the brain – happiness is not necessary for our physical survival.
The body releases chemicals with the primary purpose of promoting survival and/or reproduction. A by-product of these chemicals is they make us feel good- this is where happiness comes from.
In modern days many natural threats have largely been reduced/eliminated hence our focus is directed to being happy (maybe this is a factor on why the incidence of depression is increasing as we all seek the elusive goal of happiness). And it’s for that reason humans resist change- what we did yesterday kept us alive, hence there is little incentive to change.
The COVID19 crisis has been a paradigm shift as there is a new threat. This is where our attention is directed as our survival is prioritised.
Happiness is never permanent, it’s only ever temporary. It’s entirely natural to ride the rollercoaster of emotions of happiness and sadness, it’s part of being human.
To overcome this negative bias, focus on the internal, look at making small changes in your life... but do it with a smile.
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