09 May Is happiness really in our genes? No, well definitely not 100%!
There's been a lot of talk lately about the finding of a happiness gene. Numerous articles were published last week including this one in the Sydney Morning Herald…
Genes are the key to happiness
Basic levels of contentment are largely determined by a ''happiness gene'' in the brain, research suggests.
People tend to be more or less satisfied with their lives depending on what form of the gene they have.
The 5-HTT gene helps nerve cells recycle the signalling chemical serotonin, which is known to be linked to mood and depression.
Basic levels of contentment are largely determined by a ''happiness gene'' in the brain, research suggests.
People tend to be more or less satisfied with their lives depending on what form of the gene they have.
The 5-HTT gene helps nerve cells recycle the signalling chemical serotonin, which is known to be linked to mood and depression…
…you can keep reading and still access the full and orginal article HERE
But please note the following…
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such articles and such research do not tell the full story
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the contribution of genetics to our happiness levels is far from 100%
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there are other factors, that contribute just as much if not more to our happiness and most of these are under our control (e.g. optimism, relationships, the pursuit of meaningful goals etc)
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and even that part of our happiness that is influenced by genes can be expressed in different ways depending upon how we live our lives!
So in short, some people may well be born "luckier" than others when it comes to having certain genes but each and every one of us, no matter what we're born with, can choose to take control of our lives and enjoy more happiness if we want to. And this is probably the most important message we, here at The Happiness Institute, try to spread each and every day.