What Your Body Knows About Happiness

November 11, 2024
The modern belief that joy originates in the mind discounts the body’s role in well-being, according to this persuasive guide from novelist Kaplan (The Gratitude Diaries). Arguing that “happiness isn’t exclusively a conscious decision,” she details how physical signals—reactions to sensory cues, hormones that affect mood—are translated by the brain into emotions. As modern technology continues to promote virtual rather than face-to-face interaction, people have grown increasingly disconnected from their bodies, viewing them as a burden “rather than a partner in making us happy.” Kaplan shows readers how to better read physical signals, find healthy ways to address them, and implement such body-centered practices as surrounding oneself “with soothing objects that bring physical pleasure” (a steaming cup of coffee, a fuzzy sweater). Casting a wide net, the author cites a wealth of illuminating research on why the body reacts as it does, noting, for instance, that the visual system triggers emotional responses to architectural styles—gentle curves and fractal-inspired design patterns that are reminiscent of nature inspire more joy than brutalist, utilitarian buildings. Her commonsense suggestions may not be groundbreaking, but they’re sound and easily implemented. This is a worthy addition to the recent wave of books on the mind-body connection.

Starred review from February 25, 2025
Descartes famously said, "I think, therefore, I am." Kaplan, author of The Gratitude Diaries (2016), argues convincingly here that the body has an equal role in who we are. You may have noticed that it's easier to feel empowered when standing up straight. Or that a soft chair and a warm drink evoke gentle thoughts. Kaplan interviews experts and examines studies that show that it's often the body that reacts first, with the brain following to explain it all. These body messages, says Kaplan, can be spun to be positive, such as when feeling anxious before performing a task can be transposed into excitement. By looking at a bouquet of flowers, gazing at the ocean, or catching a glimpse of a sunset, you can lighten stress. You can use smell and touch to evoke memories or take advantage of practices to manage pain. Kaplan proposes a "happy body diet" which involved eating what your body is seeking and only enough to satisfy it. Throughout the book, she outlines how messages from the body can be used to increase gratitude, creativity, health, and happiness. Kaplan's accessible manner, logical thinking, and practical examples make all these ideas easy to understand and help the body and mind work together.

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