In this health column, now a decade old, national and global events that have affected our lives, well-being and health have been added. We are recovering from the pandemic and facing serious conflicts that affect our global well-being and happiness. What is the universal concept of happiness to this extent? I share Tal Ben-Shahar's definition, which is the concept of layers of physical, emotional, intellectual, relational, and spiritual well-being. The sum of these five elements forms the concept of happiness. The factors behind happiness are considered in two dimensions: internal (biological, cognitive, personality) and external (behavioural, socio-cultural, economic, geographic). Of all the internal factors, biological factors are the most important predictors of happiness. Studies in neuroscience have shown that parts of the brain (such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and limbic system) and neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and endorphins) play a role in controlling happiness. Physical health plays an important role in happiness. Therefore, it can be said that biological and health factors play a crucial role in happiness.
Today, mental illness is one of the biggest concerns, both preventative and therapeutic. The World Health Organization's warnings recognize that since 2020, this will be the main cause of the disease, and the pandemic came and exacerbated the situation. Therefore, we need to develop effective public policies and also for each person's lifestyle. What can I do for my physical health, diet and sleep schedule? What can I do to make my relationships healthier? What aspects of my spirituality do I need to pay more attention to? What affects me negatively? How to reduce social media time? How can I improve my mental health?
On these topics, the health column was run. In promoting health literacy among readers and the Marquiense community. We hope that this health column will respond to this challenge and provide us with guidance so that, by the end of 2024, we will learn to be healthier and thus increase our happiness indicators.
Happy 2024!
Maria Amelia Ferreira
Provided by Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Marco de Canaves
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