4/20 The Healing Power of Happiness

Welcome to Week 12 of Our Online Brain Fitness Class

Healing Power of Happiness Lesson

For centuries people have attributed happiness to health. In the Old Testament it is said that “a joyful heart is the is the health of the body” or in another version “a merry heart is like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 ). This week we are going to look at the connection between happiness and healing, and explore the evidence that promotes this belief to find out if there is any truth to this long-time claim. We will learn what happiness is, if and how it might heal us, what the brain has to do with it, and how we can become happier people by using our minds to change our brains. We’ll also take a short test to see where we currently stand on a happiness scale. Read and view the Interactive Lesson here, or download the Printable Handout. See Debbie's PowerPoint presentation for her day classes here, and Mary's presentation for the evening Zoom session here. No quiz this week - take the Happiness test and try to improve your happiness level applying the suggestions in the lesson. Let us know how you do.

The BrainHQ Connection

Have you ever wondered about all those little rewards the BrainHQ program gives you as you complete levels, add stars, reach your goal, or receive another "medal" for your efforts. There are some very scientific reasons for these "rewards". Read (Not so Great) Expectations, by David Rock, to better understand what the power of dopamine has to do with the design of our BHQ exercises. The more rewards we receive, the happier we are and the more dopamine we produce, which is good for our brain, because: "dopamine is central to being open, curious, and interested." Setting your goals unrealistically high can deplete your dopamine levels. Click on GOALS under your name on your BHQ program to adjust your weekly levels and give yourself a better chance to improve your scores and your dopamine levels - and more opportunities for happiness - it's good for your health.

Also found on the BrainHQ website: 16 Ways to Boost Your Happiness Right Now. Mary has shared this wonderful inforgraphic from the Huffington Post with us before, but it is so good it's worth a second look. Click on the image or on the title above for the full-size version.

Zoom Session

This week's Zoom Session will be on Wednesday, April 29th. Our lessons are different for both classes, but related, as brain plasticity is related to almost everything we know about brain health, worth a second look. Plan to join us for the entire hour if you'd like. Here’s our schedule of events:

6:30-7:00: For ALL! Q&A time about any of the BHQ exercises or navigating the BHQ or class websites.

7:00- 7:30: We will review and discuss our the Basics lessons on – Brain Plasticity

7:30- 8:00: We will review and discuss our Topics lessons on – The Healing Power of Happiness

Just click here to follow the instructions on the Home Page by scrolling down to Weekly Zoom Sessions. Or you can go directly to the Zoom site by clicking here.

First time on Zoom? Just follow the instructions on this Home Page to learn how. Returning students click here to connect directly.

If it’s your first time participating in a Zoom session, you can try it by getting on the site early to see how easy it is to get it set up. We begin our first BHQ Lesson at 6:30, so try getting on at about 6:15-6:30 and call Pat (at the number below) if you have any trouble. You can participate by video and audio, or just listen in by phone. Please let us know if you need help!

Enjoy the lessons, and have a brain-healthy week.

Contact Us

Need help? Contact us at:

Pat Mosteller (pmostell@sdccd.edu) Cell 619-818-3953 - Online classes

Mary Burns (mburns@sdccd.edu) - Online classes

Debbie Flores (dsflores@sdccd.edu) - Cell 619-608-9001 --Online classes & Wednesday AM and PM classes at the Kroc Center

Janet Blair ( blusdbits@gmail.com ) - St Pauls Plaza. Contact for Support and Lesson Review

Yael Lorberfeld (ylorberfeld@sdccd.edu) . Mondays at the Kroc Center, Wednesdays at the College Ave Senior Center (Temple Emanu-El), and Friday mornings at the La Jolla JCC.

Marilyn Kessler (marilynk@ifssd.org) - Mondays at the College Ave Senior Center (Temple Emanu-El)