UNIT -1 Human Ecology and Happiness

Hedonistic thinkers both in the west ( like Mill, Bentham ) and Charvakas in the Eastern
wisdom have equated happiness with pleasure. The state of pleasure however is
solely dependent upon our sense experiences and is much short lived and temporary.
Here the stimulus is provided by the external environment as compared to happiness
which is long lasting and is more connected with our inner state of being. According
to Aristotle and most other ancient philosophers Happiness is eudaimonia and does
not consist of a state of mind or a feeling of pleasure or contentment as it is commonly
understood. For Aristotle, eudaimonia is the highest human good, the only human
good that is desirable for its own sake (as an end in itself) rather than for the sake of
something else (as a means toward some other end).
According to Aristotle, every living or human-made thing, including its parts, has
a unique or characteristic function or activity that distinguishes it from all other things.
The highest good of a thing consists of the good performance of its characteristic
function, and the virtue or excellence of a thing consists of whatever traits or qualities
enable it to perform that function well. For example, the virtue or excellence of a knife
is whatever enables the good performance of cutting, that of an eye whatever enables
the good performance of seeing, and so on. It follows that eudaimonia consists of the
good performance of the characteristic function of human beings, whatever that may
be, and human virtue or excellence is that combination of traits or qualities that enables
humans to perform that function well. Aristotle believes that the characteristic function
of human beings, that which distinguishes them from all other things, is their ability
to reason. Happiness is the perfection of human nature. Since man is a rational
animal, human happiness depends on the exercise of his reason. Happiness depends
on acquiring a moral character, where one displays the virtues of courage, generosity,
justice, friendship, and citizenship in one's life. These virtues involve striking a balance
or "mean" between an excess and a deficiency. Happiness requires intellectual
contemplation, for this is the ultimate realization of our rational capacities.

Happiness in higher states of awareness is experienced as ‘Bliss’ or ‘Ananda’.

Vedanta calls this ‘realization of the Self’.

Happiness has multiple dimensions and only when we experience peace and
contentment in these dimensions that we are able to experience true or holistic
happiness. These are:

1. Physical dimension: We need to be physically healthy by:

• Consuming fresh and nutritious food, say NO to junk food ( to be consumed

only occasionally).
• Exercising daily
• Yoga, sports, walking etc.

2. Emotional and mental happiness:

• Indulging in constructive and purpose driven activities.

• Being kind to ourselves and others.
• Reading good books and using social media positively and wisely.
• Practising gratitude daily.

• Doing pranayama and breathing exercises so that our body cells are
properly oxygenated and quality of our thoughts improve.

3. Social happiness and wellbeing:

• Being kind and caring for ourselves and others.

• Nurturing relationships with love, compassion, gratitude and harmony.
 • Practising values of respect, honesty and authenticity.

4. Materialistic happiness leading to holistic success:

• Having a purpose driven life with a holistic goal to serve ourselves as

well as others (ikigai)
• Being consistent in efforts. Unhealthy comparison with others to be
avoided.
• Keeping oneself motivated through meditations, affirmations,
visualisations and breathing techniques.
• Using time judiciously.

Happiness hormones that the body is capable of producing by itself include:

dopamine, which makes us feel good; serotonin, which reduces depression; and
endorphins, which make us happy and thus help to reduce physical pain.

Factors that promote the production of happiness hormones

1. Exercise

Exercise not only keeps us fit and healthy, but also protects us from disease and
degeneration. It stimulates the production of various hormones, including:

• Growth hormones that are crucial to repair and growth.

• Testosterone, which helps to refresh and reinvigorate the body and aids muscle
growth.
• Insulin and thyroid hormones that help to regulate blood glucose levels and aid
metabolism.

Additionally, exercise can assist the brain in producing hormones associated with
happiness, such as:

• Dopamine, the hormone responsible for making us feel good. If we are able to
achieve our body shape or weight goals, this hormone will be produced in greater
quantities.
• Serotonin, which can help reduce the symptoms of depression.
• Endorphins, which are directly related to happiness, meaning they can help to
reduce physical pain or symptoms of injury in our muscles due to its chemical
properties being similar to morphine, which is used for pain relief.

2. Partaking in fulfilling activities that leave a smile on your face

Visiting new places, getting a relaxing massage, or partaking in activities that leave a
smile on your face, whether they involve family members, friends or loved ones, can
all provide a welcome relief from the stress and problems that may accumulate in our
daily lives. Furthermore, keeping a smile on your face when encountering difficult
circumstances can aid the body’s production of serotonin and endorphins, both of
which are directly associated with happiness.

3. Light exposure to sunlight

Exposing the body to sunlight during the early morning or evening time also aids the
skin’s production of vitamin D. This vitamin not only helps to keep our bones and
immune system at full strength, but also indirectly stimulates the production of
serotonin, a hormone capable of reducing the symptoms associated with depression.

4. Eating chocolate (in moderation)

Studies have found that consuming around 50–100 grams of dark chocolate
(equivalent to 300–600 calories) 1–2 times a week could reduce a person’s chances
of an early loss of life resulting from heart disease when compared to those who do
not eat any chocolate at all. Chocolate contains essential chemicals which aid
circulation and help to strengthen coronary arteries. Dark chocolate, made from 70–
85% real cocoa, is most effective in this regard.

Although dark chocolate contains minimal amounts of sugar and milk, it still should not
be considered completely healthy and should therefore only be consumed in
moderation.

5. Focus on eating foods that are high in tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which the body is unable to produce by itself.
Tryptophan can be sourced from milk, butter, peanuts, almonds, dried dates, bananas,
cottage cheese and other high protein foods. The body is able to use this substance
to aid in production of serotonin and in the neurological processes that help us feel
happy. Moreover, tryptophan works alongside folic acid and iron to assist the body in
producing red blood cells.

6. Playing with pets

You may have found that your stress levels are reduced when playing with pets. This
is because our relationship with cats, dogs or other pets that show us affection can
increase the body’s production of hormones associated with happiness, including
serotonin and oxytocin (a hormone linked to love and relationships).

7. Hugging or kissing a loved one

Hugs and kisses between humans lead to the body producing a number of different
hormones:

• Endorphins – the happiness hormones – that are associated with feeling

enchantment.
• Dopamine, which is produced when we feel satisfied, resulting in feeling happy,
excited and stimulated.
• Oxytocin, which is linked to relationships and helps us to build bonds with other
human beings.

8. Meditating

Meditation is a form of spiritual relief that can be beneficial after a day full of emotional
situations that can leave us feeling down. Meditating, by breathing in slowly and deeply
before releasing that air just as gently, can help you gradually rid your mind of any
negativity you may have accumulated that day. Just being alone with your thoughts
for a few moments can help you to gain an awareness and acceptance of certain trying
situations, leaving you with a more positive perspective. Meditating for at least 30
minutes has also been shown to decrease production of cortisol, a hormone produced
during stressful times, and replacing it with endorphins which are responsible for
feelings of relief. Endorphins also produce a happy and refreshed feeling, slowing the
aging process and strengthening the body’s immune system while simultaneously
adjusting brain waves to ensure a calm mind for a better night’s sleep.