Hapify

~ Mark Twain #TT

When he was much younger, J.J. Abrams went with his grandfather to a magic shop and bought a mystery box of magic tricks, but never opened it. Mystery, he says, represents infinite possibility and hope and serves as a catalyst for imagination. The best thing about mystery may be that what we may imagine is limitless. Often, Abrams says, what you think you are getting is quite different from what you really get. That element of surprise and joy is what makes experiencing life a truly fantastic pursuit of happiness.

My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right? ~ Charles Schulz

Don Norman of the Design & Emotion Society has spent a lot of time investigating how pleasant things tend to work better. This is directly related to the workings of the brain. When you become anxious, the brain releases neural transmitters which help you focus, but make you a “depth-first” (and less creative) problem solver. But, when you become happy the brain releases dopamine, helping you become a “breadth-first” problem solver allowing more out of the box thinking. Over time, our brains have become hardwired through visceral, behavioral, and reflective processing to be attracted to things that are more pleasing. Recent appealing Hapifies include full cupboards, beautiful new apartments, and sleek smart phones as evidence of this. These pleasing designs get the dopamine flowing and allow us to open our minds and explore the breadth of things around us.

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. ~ Andrew Carnegie

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." ~ Abraham Lincoln #TT That's why we created #Hapify, to help people discover and share happiness.

Dr. Stuart Brown has a curious past where he formerly researched murderers, not quite a happy subject. But that research led him to a new subject: Play (a much happier subject). He found that murderers have a commonality – a lack of play throughout their childhood. Play, he found, is key to human brain development and to a becoming a healthy, happy, functioning, adult member of society. In the 1500’s play wasn’t just for children either; with people of all ages playing outside in town courtyards. So next time you feel down, jump around a bit, goof off, you may be surprised at how quickly a smile washes over your face :) 

"Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health." ~ Julia Child #TT

The Dalai Lama, long considered one of the world’s wisest human beings, continually preaches happiness asserting that in today’s consumerist society people have become clouded with money and material possessions resulting only in temporary happiness. One thing that he believes can create a happier world: promoting “moral ethics based on affection” to our children to cultivate a more compassionate society. His long-time students are listening: “People need to start thinking inward to find compassion instead of chasing that almighty dollar.” We could all use a little more compassion in our lives; let’s be sure to encourage happiness in those around us :)

Looking for happiness in your work? Acclaimed designer Stefan Sagmeister delivered a TED Talk on his seven rules for fulfillment in your career. One rule to live by: “Do more of the things I like and fewer of the things I don’t like.” Sometimes that can be easier said than done! Having a forum to capture and savor the things that make you happy is the first step to really committing to increasing your happiness. That really was the inspiration behind Hapify: track and appreciate happiness; grow it by sharing and discovering with others to help make the world a happier place :)

Can happiness truly extend our lifespan? Well, researchers at the University of Edinburgh may have found just that. A study of captive Orangutans had zookeepers logging the animals’ perceived happiness. After a seven year period, researchers found that animals rated “Very Happy” had life expectancies 11 years longer compared to those rated “Very Unhappy.” People have long been searching for the elixir of life, and while spreading happiness won’t make you immortal, it is a great start towards a longer, healthier, happier life :)

Read the article here

work. happy.

(Photos via @itsWETPAINT)

KLM carrying out 'Little Acts of Kindness' to spread happiness amongst customers. 

The Hapify Hierarchy of Needs