posted by Linda *

• Physical activity (i.e. exercise) makes us happier, especially when we do it in novel ways.
• People who experience “flow” * on a regular basis are happier than those who don’t.
• Having close and supportive family and friends makes us happier.
• We are motivated by two different types of goals: extrinsic goals (money, image, status) and intrinsic goals (personal growth, relationships, helping others) – Extrinsically oriented people tend to get stuck on the “hedonic treadmill.” Intrinsically oriented people are more happy.
• The act of cooperating with other human beings releases dopamine, the same neurotransmitter released when high on narcotics.