I’ve been reflecting about the connection of the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest, digest and relax, sympathetic nervous system is responsible for fight or flight) and happiness. After all, most of happiness seems to be connected with relaxation. Also, positive emotions (the various forms of happy – from calm, serene to interested, joyful and funny) are connected with relaxation. When we are relaxed, we can have more of these lovely feelings and they again make us more relaxed. We are more generous, see more opportunities and tap into our creativity.
Dopamine Desire vs Zen Happiness
So, should be only be relaxed and live a life in bliss? I don’t know. But we are also equipped with Dopamine. That’s one of the so-called happy hormones. Dopamine is the driver behind our desires. There are many things triggering Dopamine – sugary treats, drugs, gambling but also ticking off lists, getting things done (sounds familiar?) and ohhh, wait for this: scrolling. It’s important to note that Dopamine is the motivator, it peaks shortly before you achieve or reach whatever you have been wanting. This is why many things don’t feel as good when you consume or own them. Dopamine is a desire hormone, not a tap on the back hormone.
While Dopamine can drag us down the drain, it’s interesting to see that nature obviously didn’t want us all zen chilled out in our parasympathetic nervous system. I mean, there are enough threats around us, why not add desire to the lot? Particularly because most of us feel threatened when our desires are questioned (do you think you’ll earn money with a happiness course?) or threatened (no more drinks for you!). And why are we trying to tick off the items from our to do list and get so frustrated when something is getting in the way? (Btw: There will always be new items.) I think it’s a mix of a Dopamine blast from the ticking off and the attempt to get it all done to have time to do what you really want to do.
Well, whatever is going on, it’s good to learn some breathing techniques to get us back into the parasympathetic state when our Dopamine (and the world) got us all twirled up. 2 in, 4 out – activates the parasympathetic nervous system. You can also hum or sing. Whatever works for you.
And now, what are your desires?