Kylie Reflection 2

Professor Sinkoff

SPC1017

Happiness was the topic of our presentations. The pursuit of happiness has been a significant topic of discussion for centuries. While happiness is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, there are still several ways to increase one's happiness. Each group evaluated different topics on happiness.  Group 1 discussed the topic of “Paying It Forward”, Group 2 presented "Happiness in Society", and Group 3 covered  “Mind, Body, and Self-care”.

Group one discussed "Paying it Forward". As explained by Group 1, Paying it Forward involves performing an act of kindness or going out of one's way for someone, with the expectation that they will do the same for someone else in the future. They also emphasized the importance of gratitude since it moves recipients to share and increase the very good they have received. Paying it forward, does not only benefit the recipient,  but it has been scientifically proven to have an impact on the one who is giving. Neurotransmitters in the brain that brings feels of satisfaction and cause the pleasure/reward centers in your brain to light up making you feel happy. The group also spoke about donation and the ways everyone can help, such as volunteering at a food bank, donating clothes, household items, and canned food ready to go. They even included graphics featuring organizations, companies, and people that are participating in “Paying it Forward” and the positive differences they’ve made thus far. Although their presentation visually lacked much color, it was incredibly informative. 

Group two focused on "Happiness and what it does for society." As a part of this group I felt our presentation was bright and colorful like our topic. Happiness within society, happiness in different cultures, and the history of happiness were some of the sub-topics we covered. Group 2 also explored the impact of happiness on different aspects of society, including social, economic, well-being, and politics. ​One of the most significant outcomes of happiness in society is its impact on social relationships. Happy individuals tend to be more outgoing, friendly, and empathetic, which can lead to stronger social connections and better communication skills. Happiness also has a significant impact on the economy. Research has shown that happy employees are more productive, creative, and motivated, which can have a positive impact on business outcomes. Happiness differs across different cultures, in India, happiness varies depending on social class, family honor, who you marry, and how much you love your family and respect them. In North and South Korea however, most people are unhappy whether they are rich or poor and no one can really figure out why. Suicide rates are also on the rise within these countries between the ages of 12 and 39. According to the presentation, negative emotions such as rage, anxiety, and depression can also cause heart attacks. ​People that are happy are 22% less likely to develop heart diseases. Being happy relieves the feelings of stress which decreases levels of cortisol; which in turn promotes healthy behavior and lifestyles. ​

Group three discussed "Self-care and good eating: heart, mind, and body." According to their presentation, self-care is essential to living a happier and healthier life. Some great examples of self care provided by group 2 are: eating well, exercising, spending time with family and friends, and getting enough quality sleep. A healthy diet throughout life promotes healthy outcomes and provides the necessary nutrients that your body needs to create new cells, clear out toxins and give you the energy to function every day and be more alert. A healthy diet that is low in fat and high in essential nutrients may also reduce the risk of memory loss. Exercise is a key way to maintaining great heart health. It improves the muscles’ ability to pull oxygen out of the blood, reducing the need for the heart to pump more blood to the muscles. Furthermore, spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself is necessary to living a happy and positive life. Make time to do the activities that you enjoy doing with the people you enjoy being with. Finally, getting enough sleep is crucial to wellbeing, by turning off screens two hours before bed, lowering the temperature during the evening , and taking a warm bath can all help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and vitalized. As for the visual aspect of their presentation I found that their use of a dark background made their photos and graphics stand out, making them interesting to look at.

In conclusion, happiness has a direct correlation with the well-being and quality of life of individuals. When people are happy, they are more productive, creative, and motivated. They are also more likely to be in better physical health, have stronger relationships, and have a higher life satisfaction. In contrast, those who are unhappy are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. They are also more prone to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The pursuit of happiness is a complex issue that is influenced by various factors, such as culture, genetics, and environmental factors. Culture can impact how people perceive happiness, and certain cultures may prioritize happiness differently.