Here is a brain research; "Feel Good" neurotransmitter, Dopamine, influences important learning skills like paying attention. Dopamine is released during pleasure-inducing experiences. A Harvard graduate researcher, Shawn Achor suggests 6 Exercises for Happiness for becoming happy or happier. In TED Talk, Achor discusses about the significant game changer, "happiness" in the business and education. Being positive makes you more productive compare to being stressful. I agree with his point that it is important to shift into creating happiness instead of managing "stress reduction". One of the strategies that sustain the time length of being happy is the gratitude practice. Noting three gratitude every day makes your happiness feeling longer.
The Science of Happiness: An Experiment Gratitude shows unique experiment on happiness. Julian in this video shares "Two weeks of the three gratitude habit lasts six weeks of a long happy feeling."
Gratitude journal is simple and easy. Just jot down anything you feel appreciative in your life, as simple as sunny weather, being healthy, morning coffee, a phone call from friend, etc. If this simple exercise makes people happy, I will share it with my students because they can make their brains work more effectively by just being happy. I am grateful for the understanding of scientific reasons to be happy and how to be.
In addition, daily mindfulness practices help train our brain to respond from the positive emotional experiences.
Students will be happy to learn. They learn happily. Breathe. Be grateful.
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