How to be a shiny, happy person

By: Fiona Fernandez

Date: 2010-01-12

Against a backdrop of depression-related suicides, Active focuses on smart ways

to stay happy. It's all doctor-recommended and doesn't hurt
When Bobby McFerrin got the world to hum his multiple-Grammy Award winning
track, Don't Worry, Be Happy, therapists must've silently rejoiced that playlists were
finally sounding upbeat. After all, you don't need a shrink to tell you that listening to
music (the easy-on-the-mind kind) works well to lift your spirits. But what is it that
ups the Happiness Quotient? Is there a set formula or a carefully cultivated state of
mind? There might be more questions than answers to counter the big depression.
Have Bananas, not Maida
Dr Nirmala S Rao, practicing psychiatrist and founder of Aavishkar Centre of Self
Enrichment, says there's no specific mantra to stay happy; it's more about maintaining
moderation in every sphere. "Identify what returns you strive for. Justify if it's actually
worth it. It boils down to a work-life balance."
There's great news beyond the couch. Naini Setalvad, Mumbai-based dietician
confirms that your intake is directly linked to being upbeat. There are two "feel-good"
hormones in your body -- serotonin and dopamine. "Eating bananas, brown bread,
potatoes, Omega 3 fatty acids, cocoa (the cocoa content in chocolate gives you a high)
and Vitamin B12 helps regulate these hormones," she says.
Making a regular routine of what you enjoy doing can play de-stressor, reveals
Yogacharya Anandji, Founder-Proprietor of The Yoga Training Centre. "Follow it, for
at least 30 minutes daily." Of course, tomes have been written of how yoga and
meditation helps chase the blues away.
Demand is the culprit
Dr Rao believes professional lives are centred on the growth-rewards cycle. "Our
growth is weighed by the rewards secured. Unknowingly, we assume that sadness is
linked with expectations at work/ school, when in reality, it is the demand," says Dr
Rao. We crave for immediate rewards, which our professional/ academic life
provides. Meanwhile, our personal lives get marginalised; while we harbour similar
expectations here too. Slowly, depression creeps in and could get serious."
Johnson Thomas, Director, Aasra Helpline, suggests that a suicidal streak is thanks to
a rapidly changing value system. "Family systems that provide us with emotional
stability are diminishing. Hopelessness emerges from a breakdown of support
systems." Aasra dealt with an average of 50 suicide calls every day, last week. "The
caller is someone who hasn't experienced a great deal of pain/ rejection/ difficulty and
is suddenly faced with numerous demands from people and society. Those between 15
to 25 years are most prone," he shares.
4 quick ways to beat melancholia
Smile more. Studies show how simply smiling can send serotonin levels soaring,
making you feel better, physically. Avoid booze. Alcohol is actually a central nervous
system depressant. Have 100-200 belly laughs a day: the equivalent of a high impact
workout, it helps burn up to 500 calories. Ask for a hug. A 40-year-old study on child
rearing practices conducted atHarvard University says, those kids who were hugged
and cuddled more grew up to be the happiest.
Japan refused to be happy
The only country that Bobby McFerrin's chart topper wasn't No. 1 was in Japan,
because (Emperor) Hirohito was dying at the time and the Japanese felt it was
inappropriate to be humming along to Don't Worry, Be Happy.
Depression as a defence mechanism
It's common knowledge that depression attacks people in their most productive years.
Dr Rao says most professionals use work as an escape route from depression. "Work
is an antidepressant; that's why people push themselves into the rat race. Work
becomes their identity."