Praktikos Institute

Happiness is more than just a feeling; it is something we can all practise on a daily basis. But people are better at some ‘happy habits’ than others. In fact, the one habit that corresponds most closely with us being satisfied with our lives overall – self-acceptance – is often the one we practise least.

A recently released study featured in the American Chemical Society (ACS) journal Environmental Science & Technology proves that exposure to nature directly improves mental health.

Gene module controlled by dopamine – the happiness hormone produces an agent that lowers blood pressure, find scientists. This finding opens up new avenues for therapies that are remote-controlled via the subsconscious.

It should be no wonder why a class based on the science behind happiness is the most popular course offered at Harvard University. As Benjamin Franklin once stated, “The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.” Truly, the search for happiness is the American dream.

With all the insanity in the world, it is easy to become bogged down with negativity. Destructive weather, economic meltdowns, a toxic environment, GMOs. The list could go on forever. It is natural to become disillusioned, depressed and hostile in light of such bad news. But researchers have discovered that even when the environment around us is cloaked in apparent darkness, we can still be happy, healthy, alert — and make a positive impact. As we become more appreciative, vibrancy and energy returns, stress is reduced and we are able to connect with others in a beneficial way.

You already know that exercise will help improve your fitness level, can reduce your risk for chronic disease, and can help slim your waistline. But did you also know that getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity may also make you smarter and happier? Three studies add to the multitude of research that proves you really should make time in your busy schedule for at least 30 minutes each and every day.

Italian researcher characterized the skins from different hazelnut samples for total polyphenol content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and their content in specific polyphenolic compounds finding the TAC values of the skin samples ranged between 0.6 and 2.2 mol of reduced iron/kg of sample, which is about three times the TAC of whole walnuts, seven to eight times that of dark chocolate, 10 times that of espresso coffee, and 25 times that of blackberries.