Don’t you just love doing so? When you know that something you did causes someone to smile, caused a burden to lighten, brought a ray of sunshine to a cloudy day. Isn’t that the coolest thing? And don’t we all wish we could spread more of it, both to others and ourselves?
I read the coolest study about serotonin levels. That’s what anti-depressants do—raise those levels in the brain so folks feel happy. They of course come with all sorts of side effects, and while a percentage of people do exist with clinical depression and need them, and they work situationally as well, it seems these days the entire universe is swallowing them. And many studies have shown that the pills don’t actually help mild depression any more than placebos do.
Again, I’m not saying in any way that medications aren’t called for in specific cases. But for the rest of us, better ways exist.
Anyhow, the cool study referred to above revolved around acts of kindness. It showed that when an act of kindness occurred, it raised the serotonin levels in both the giver and receiver. Pretty neat, no? But even beyond that, it also raised the levels in anyone around witnessing said act. Wow! Now, that’s cool beans!
So, I can feel better by being kind, being the recipient of a kind act, or just seeing one occur! I’m in. Because I like to feel good 🙂
And I know of no other beings on the planet more proficient in bringing about good feelings, with complete love and kindness, than Labradors. So, here a 4 ways they teach me every day:
- When I see you, I’ll wag my tail.
Okay, so this might be weird in literal interpretation. But it’s the outright joy they bring when seeing you walk through the door. The sun has just risen. The stars are out. All is right with the world!
And we can do this too. You know when someone is truly happy to see you. Her eyes light up. Her genuine smile is so welcoming. And how does it make you feel? Happy.
- When You’re Sad, I’ll Lick Your Hand.
Okay, so preferably the tears from your face but we won’t go that far. But when someone is grieving for anything, to sit with him, to pat his hand, even with no words is just like that lick from a beloved dog. And serotonin rises.
- Joyously, I’ll Share with You my Bumper.
Of course, this is most likely so you’ll throw it for me, but I’ll bring it back and back and back. Isn’t this a fun game? Are you smiling now? In other words, I’ll entertain you with who I am. I’ll share with you the essence of me, even if it’s goofy and not all that brilliant. But it’s actually who I am, and that brings a smile—to both of us.
- If it’s Hot, I’ll Shake Pond Water on You. If it’s Cold, I’ll Curl up with You at Night.
In other words, I’m here for you. No sweat off my back, just know that if you’re in need, I’ll help. In whatever way I can give. Maybe it’s a smile or a hug or a hot cup of coffee.
As Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
How do you make someone happy?
