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The Road to Happiness!

December 30, 2021

Does it take much to be happy? Career, success, riches? Science knows that our everyday behavior decides our mood. And since joy keeps you healthy, this week's In Good Shape is full of tips for happiness.

https://p.dw.com/p/44zPG
Junge Frau genießt das Leben
Image: picture-alliance/blickwinkel/ADR
Deutschland Emotion Glück l Symbolbild
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/T. Hase

The pandemic is no killjoy

The 2021 World Happiness Report says people aren't any unhappier now than before the coronavirus pandemic. How come? Is it possible to be happy in an age of lockdowns and social distancing?

 

In Good Shape | Glück Dopamin
Image: DW

The Chemistry of Happiness

Biochemists are looking for the molecules behind our happiness. Neurobiologists are still searching for the seat of joy in our brain. But scientists do know that joyful feelings are the result of a combination of many biochemical processes.

 

BG Schokolade | Pralinen
Image: Imago Images/Panthermedia

Chocolate: Joy melting on your tongue

Comfort foods make you happy. One study says salmon is a mood booster, as are bananas. So are green veggies or avocados. But there's one food that sparks joyful feelings at the mere sound of its name: chocolate.

 

Fit und gesund am 03.07.2020
Image: DW

Top tips for happiness

50% of our happiness is due to our genetic make-up. But how we behave also plays a large role. We talk with science journalist Isabell Prophet who tells us how we can boost our own happiness index in everyday life.

 

Deutschland Beginn der Sommerferien
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S. Pilick

Happiness at school? A new type of lesson

Some schools now teach happiness as well as languages and math.

 

 

 

Lichttherapie
Image: Imago/Mint Images

Sunlight: nature's gift of joy

The sun's light is more than just bright. It helps regulate our psyche; influencing our circadian rhythms and hormones - and therefore our mood. When days get shorter light therapy can help fend off sleepiness and low mood.

 

 

 

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