Neuroscience Studies Suggesting Habits for Happiness
Neuroscience Studies Suggesting Habits for Happiness 1. Gratitude Practice Study : Kini et al., 2016 (University of Indiana) Findings : Writing gratitude letters increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) — even 3 months later . Sustained activation suggests lasting rewiring for positive emotion and pro-social thinking . Daily Habit : Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day. Even once or twice a week improves brain function and mood. 2. Acts of Kindness Study : Moll et al., 2006 Findings : Giving to others activated the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex — areas linked to reward and pleasure . Altruism lights up the brain like eating chocolate or winning money. Daily Habit : Perform 1 small act of kindness — a compliment, donation, or simple gesture. 3. Mind-Wandering & Unhappiness Study : Killingsworth & Gilbert, 2010 (Harvard) — “A wandering mind is an unhappy mind” Findings : Participants reported lo...