Amidst the chaos that is contemporary living, uncovering pockets of joy becomes a potent catalyst for elevating both happiness and well-being. Micro-acts of joy, small yet impactful gestures, have the potential to transform our daily experiences. This article explores the fascinating connection between these micro-acts and the enhancement of overall well-being. How Happiness Affects Health Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion; it serves as a cornerstone for overall well-being, profoundly impacting both mental and physical health. The link between happiness and health is a subject of extensive research, revealing a symbiotic relationship that goes beyond mere positivity. From a psychological standpoint, a happy and content mind contributes to reduced stress levels. The release of endorphins, often termed 'feel-good' hormones, acts as a natural stress reliever,    promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. This emotional equilibrium, in turn, fosters resilience in facing life's challenges.  Read more: How to raise happy, confident, strong girls On a physiological level, the benefits are equally significant. Studies show that individuals with a positive outlook tend to have lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. The immune system also receives a boost, making the body more resilient to illnesses. Furthermore, the connection between happiness and longevity is a compelling aspect. Studies indicate that those with an optimistic outlook on life are likely to enjoy a longer lifespan. It emphasizes the vital role of emotional well-being in determining one's overall health and lifespan. In essence, happiness becomes a powerful elixir for a healthy life, influencing the mind and body in intricate ways. Cultivating joy not only adds vibrancy to our existence but also acts as a fundamental building block for a resilient and thriving state of health. Read more: Happiness Hormone: Ways to Boost Dopamine

Anita (9) hardly finds the scope to play after school, as her parents don’t allow her to leave their home alone on the pretext of security concerns. She can only visit relatives during holidays. Such restrictions are negatively impacting her mental and emotional health. Neli’s (15) parents always emphasize good grades at school. Participation in creative activities or hanging out with friends is not encouraged by her parents. Neli often feels confined, bored, and lonely. Besides studying, Neli wants to explore new places and take up creative hobbies.  Rita (18) has self-esteem issues over her looks. Negative comments from relatives and neighbors about her appearance are only making it worse.  After completing her master's degree, Zerin (25) wants to focus on her career. But her family wants her to stay home and carry out duties traditionally associated with women. Read More: Brave Women Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War These scenarios are not uncommon for girls and women in Bangladesh. Parents often try to limit the liberty and potential of girls due to a range of issues, like insecurity, social prejudice, traditional mindset, etc.  How can we address this situation? “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less,” according to Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. In the twenty-first century, women are participating and taking on leadership roles in health, science, sports, technology, commerce, business, education, agriculture, politics, law enforcement etc.  What is the secret to raising strong girls who can defeat fears and develop themselves as confident, happy, and independent persons? Set positive examples for your girls Parents should be cautious about their impact on their daughters. Every mother or father who wants to raise a strong daughter should first try to set good examples. When daughters discover great qualities like honesty, kindness, hard work, perseverance, confidence, etc in their parents, they try to emulate those qualities and develop their personalities accordingly. Read More: 10 Greatest Female Scientists of All Time Demonstrate the value of inner beauty In today’s world, many girls and women become prey to the marketing strategies of the beauty industry. Many girls tend to suffer from inferiority complexes due to their skin complexion, height, weight, and many more reasons. They waste time, effort, and money in the race to meet the social standards of beauty.  Parents need to teach their daughters the value of inner beauty instead of focusing on physical beauty. Introducing daughters to successful women of substance can help them in this regard. Read More: Jute Sanitary Napkins: Bangladeshi scientist Farhana Sultana got awarded for eco-friendly innovation Living with disabilities  According to WHO, about 16% of the total population on earth has some kind of disability. In Bangladesh, many parents fail to equip their children born with disabilities — physical or intellectual — the skills needed to live a fulfilling life. If a child has some kind of inability or limitations, like a learning disability or physical disability, the parents should try to accept it and encourage their daughter to overcome the barrier.   Read More: OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award: Bangladesh's Gawsia among top women climate scientists Not limiting her potential  To raise a confident girl, parents should remove the words “that’s for boys” from their vocabulary. Women are exploring careers in diverse sectors that were previously associated with men. If a young girl is told that some professions and tasks are suited only for men, she gets a message of inequality. Such way of thinking can make her emotionally weak and destroy her potential.  When a girl gets mental support for following her dreams, she will never give up. Parents need to encourage their daughters to explore their opportunities. Praising her success will also help her feel unique.  Read More: “Icchedana”: A drama series on girls triumphing over gender stereotypes, social restrictions

Happiness is an emotion that all people strive to experience. It's a feeling that can consume people’s minds and bodies, making them laugh, cry, and even infect others with positive vibes. However, the science behind this sensation is far from simple. Complex chemical reactions occur within human bodies to induce those moments of joy and elation, and it's not just the balance of different hormones that affect mental health. The role of 'happy hormones' is equally vital in shaping the emotional state. In this article, we'll unveil the secrets of boosting dopamine secretion in your body, so you can unlock a world of happiness and contentment. Dopamine: The Happiness Hormone Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of various cognitive and physiological processes, including movement, motivation, reward, and pleasure. It is produced in several parts of the brain, including the substantia nigra, the ventral tegmental area, and the hypothalamus, and is involved in complex interactions with other neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. Dopamine's role in human happiness is complex, as it is involved in both positive and negative emotional states. While dopamine is responsible for generating feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and reward, it can also be involved in negative emotions such as fear and anxiety. This is because dopamine is also involved in the processing of aversive stimuli, such as pain and punishment, and is thought to play a role in the motivation to avoid these unpleasant experiences. Read More: Spending Money for Happiness: 10 Effective Ways Low levels of dopamine have been linked to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Conversely, high levels of dopamine have been associated with conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which are characterized by mood swings and hyperactivity. However, the relationship between dopamine and these conditions is complex and still not fully understood. There are several ways to increase dopamine levels naturally, including engaging in activities that are pleasurable and rewarding, such as listening to music, exercising, and spending time with loved ones. A healthy diet that includes foods high in tyrosine, an amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine, can also help increase dopamine levels.

“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t know where to shop” – this witty line from Gertrude Steiner refers to all of us when we spend money on our favorite things. Some people might say money can’t buy happiness, and that's may be true up to some extent. In reality, it doesn’t have to buy you happiness; rather it can be an instrument for being happy. Let's discuss some of the best ways to spend money for happiness. What is Happiness? Many of us spend almost the whole life in pursuit of happiness. Happiness is something that can’t be defined easily. In simple words, happiness is a positive emotional state where you feel contented, satisfied, and joyful. From scientific the viewpoint, release of hormones, like dopamine and serotonin can make a person happy. These important neurotransmitters are primarily associated with the expression of happiness in a human body. More to say, these hormones can leave a positive impact on both body and mind. They can accelerate and motivate a person towards the state of mental serenity. Read: 3 Inspirational books to read in quarantine How to Spend Money for Happiness? Experience over Things Are you planning to buy a new furniture or gadget and thinking that it will bring you happiness? Well, think again. Even though a materialistic good may give you some pleasure initially, it will eventually turn into a decorative piece few days later. Research shows that people tend to derive more happiness from experiences; rather than spending money on material goods.  To buy experience, you can spend money on tours and fill your bucket list. The concept of gathering new experiences, may include visiting a new place, or meeting new people, or trying new cuisine. Such experiences may unleash possibilities of deriving delights and happiness that will exist in your memory for a long time. Read IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Long Healthy life Spend On Goods That Alleviates the Experience This might sound contrary to our previous point. Spending money on certain goods can truly bring you happiness. Some material goods can help to alleviate your boredom. For instance, instead of buying an expensive showpiece or furniture; try to spend on something that can connect you to an experience. It can be a new pair of headphones or a musical instrument or a new phone that improves your online experience. Here, the key idea is to derive pleasure from the instrument; in lieu of making the instrument the mode of happiness. Read: Off Road Vs Road Cycling: Know the Difference Getting Gifts for Others You might be thinking how does that help your happiness? Well, the human mind works in surprising ways and one of them is deriving happiness from doing things for others. You don’t have to spend a lumpsum amount to gain pleasure. Some small acts of kindness or little gifts may help your brain to release dopamine to trigger happiness. So, the next time when you wish to give something to your friend or family, just go ahead and do it. Donating to Charity Philanthophic activities like charity work is another great way to find happiness. Donating to a charity or someone in need can leave a long-lasting impact in mind. This is in line with our previous point that a human mind is instinctively helpful. So doing things for others or helping people in need is bound to bring happiness. But a question may arise against that where to donate money? During the pandemic situation, numerous people have lost their jobs and shelters. You can do research and find some benevolent organizations who are working for the underprevileged people. The thought of doing good naturally triggers happiness and this feeling is perpetual. Read Best Sites to Sell Used Electronics in Bangladesh Find Small Pleasures Instead of spending or splurging on lavish items once in a full moon, get in the habit of finding small pleasures. What we mean is, find small expense sources that can give you pleasure rather than going after something that might break your bank. A fancy dinner night is sure to give you a lot of pleasure. Alternatively, you can frequently enjoy coffee or snacks with your favorite friends or family members. These moments can bring you more happiness. Read:Egg Diet For Weight Loss: Does It Work? The key here is the perpetual feeling. You should maintain a small and constant source of happiness rather than something that comes once in a while. Get yourself Time This point isn’t directly related to spending money; rather it focuses on the accumulation of money. In today's world most people spend time to earn money. Money can bring you happiness in many ways. However, sometimes, you need to sit back and relax a bit. Take some time off from your work to focus on your life and destress. Taking a short break from your regular life-routine, you can rejuvenate your soul and bring more happiness in your life. Read Arogga: The Bangladeshi Medicine Delivery Startup Which Raised $200k Avoid Financial Stress The gist of this article is all about spending money to get happiness. However, in pursuit of happiness, you should not spend too much. You need to balance your expenditure cycle considering the limit of your earnings. While searching for happiness, you sure don’t want to add up more stress in your life? You should spend as per your wish, just make sure you are spending sensibly. Travel There is nothing more exciting like making memories in a new place. Travel memories are something that you will cherish forever. They will be a constant source of happiness and remembrance. The tour experience can be as per your budget. It does not mean that you have to splurge and travel to an exotic location. You can also go somewhere close, or any nearby place that’s an escape from your everyday life. This is honestly one of the better ways to spend your money for happiness. Read Renowned online payment gateways in Bangladesh for domestic, international transactions Start a Garden Well, this will require some dedication besides money. Plantations can be a great source to induce happiness in your life. You can start a small garden on your terrace or your balcony. This can give you a new purpose to live a healthy and happy life. It can also serve as an escape from the stress of work or relations in everyday life. The joy of creating lives (plants) can take away the monotony from your routined life and cherish your soul. Share a Meal Sometimes the simple act of sharing food can give a person limitless happiness. This is something that you can feel instant. Human beings are naturally inclined to be sociable. A simple way to share happiness is sharing a meal. Try it next time with your friends or colleagues. During the pandemic situation many people can not afford food. You can also share food with a distressed person sitting beside your favorite food store. Such activities will not cost you huge money but you can feel immense happiness in return. Read:Thunderstorm Lightning Struck Safety Tips: Stay Prepared Bottom Line To sum things up, there are a lot of ways that you can get happiness by spending money. We truly encourage and appreciate you in the journey of deriving happiness. But, we also suggest that you should be a responsible spender in order to avoid financial stress. We hope that this article helps you to get some ideas about finding happiness. So which one are you going to try next?