Happiness Drugs!

Hahaha..... this title may have grabbed your attention....

Apparently there are four major chemicals in our brains that influence our happiness (DOSE) and I think I may be an addict.

Dopamine - is what we normally think of as the happiness drug. However, that’s a big misconception. Dopamine is actually involved more with anticipation than the actual “happiness” feeling.

Oxytocin - is the neurochemical that has allowed us to become social creatures. It makes us feel empathy which helps us feel close and bonded to others when it’s released.

Serotonin - If you’re in a good mood, you’ve got serotonin to thank. And if you’re in a bad mood, you’ve got serotonin to blame. It’s a regulator.

Endorphins - Endorphins are responsible for masking pain or discomfort, which explains their association with the “fight or flight” response. When it comes to designing happiness, endorphins help you “power through.” For example, if you are an avid runner. Endorphins allow you to push farther and harder.

Together these chemicals create desirable brain states!

So, I have been looking to where I find my happiness, what gets my brain chemicals active and my inbuilt drug system moving....

How do I make my ‘Happy’ happen?? (struggling now to put some order to my brain, so instead I will just share, without order)

I DRIVE A 'TRACKHAWK!'

Many years ago I realized that I give my all to my work and my family and occasionally find time for friends (normally after they remind me), somewhere along the road I forget 'ME' and when I remember 'ME' I realize I don't have much time. So solution, I find joy in my commute. I purposely live a good 30 minutes away from my office so I can have some me time - between mummy, wife and sales manager.... I have a commute. LOUD music, calling friends (hands free of course) and of course my vehicle itself.

The phase - "life is not about the destination, but the journey itself!" comes to mind.

My TRACKHAWK makes me smile inside and out. Yes, I am one of those people that says 'good morning' and 'goodnight' to my car!

So, why the TRACKHAWK?...... because it's an understated BEAST! Much like myself (wink).

Super powerful - infact the most powerful SUV on the market today - 6.2-litre supercharged Hellcat V8 engine making the 707bhp a pure adrenaline boost! For sure, it's geared to thrill HOWEVER, most people don't know what it is and I love this about my car! It fades into the crowd on the road, doesn't draw attention BUT I know what it is and that's all that matters!!

2. SUCCESS's at WORK

Now this part I must hope my boss doesn't read, because the success I refer to here is not target related - although fortunately this is a natural bi-product (smile). By success , I am referring to the success of my team. EMAAR is a market leader (being the third largest developer in the world, first outside of China and it's a formidable lifestyle brand, spearheaded by a highly active Chairman). Naturally I am proud to be in this journey. However, the real thrill for me comes when I see my team flourishing! They work HARD! EMAAR is crazy busy and we work international markets too, so there's little 'off-time'. My team are dedicated and consistent and I push them hard. I see a major part of my role is to lift my team, keep them focused and driven even when they are completing long hard days. When they flourish in these circumstances I feel so proud to be part it.

Kudos #lovemyteamenergy

3. Being 'present' with my daughter!

I believe there is a huge difference in spending time and being present! Being present to me means - Tiffany has my focus, my attention, my thoughts and my feelings all fixed with her.

We have little time together, so when we are I want to ensure I am present!

When WE make the time (and I say WE as her social calendar is very active, being a 15 year old beauty) and we are present with each other, my happiness is at an absolute high! We laugh to the point of tears and discuss topics that really open her and my mind. It's fun and interesting always.  

4. I LIKE TO FEEL....

This is a little difficult to explain and frankly I'm not sure how to word this in a way that you will understand... I believe this has to do with Emotional Intelligence. I understand my emotions but better still, those of others. I feel so truly blessed that I can have a positive impact of those around me and am whole-heartedly blessed that I have an ability to hold 'inner-peace'.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Seem's like simple words, but when you believe this, it doesn't kill the fighter it simply allows deep inner-peace. Helps to ensure no fear of change, crushes perfectionist tendencies, keeps me balanced and curious.

So, maybe there's a slow-release of happiness drugs consistently,

More holistically - I allow emotion to enter me through positive influence. My glass is not empty and not full, I am grateful that I have a glass.

I could continue this article for days, but will end here so as not to bore you.

In summary, I am HAPPY and very in-touch with MY HAPPINESS DRUGS!