Understanding Your Brain and Emotions to Improve Your Life
Have you ever wondered why some people seem happier and luckier, while others struggle with challenges and setbacks?
As a psychiatrist, I have treated many patients dealing with sadness, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues.
Through my research and working with patients, I have learned important insights about the human mind and emotions that can help anyone live a happier life.
In this blog, I will share what I have learned about topics like happiness, self-esteem, dealing with suffering, overcoming trauma, living in the moment, managing emotions, and being your best self.
My goal is to provide science-based, actionable advice to help you unleash your potential for joy.
The Complex Nature of Happiness
What does it really mean to be happy? Happiness is complex and multidimensional – it’s something we sense and feel rather than just define. True happiness comes from living a purposeful life that matches your values and making the most of your abilities every day.
In our prosperous yet often-materialistic society, many falsely equate happiness with accumulating possessions and sensations.
However, no amount of things can inherently provide inner fulfillment. Happiness lies in “being”, not “having”.
It starts with self-esteem built upon reasonable aspirations and achievements across personal, emotional, and professional domains. The outcome is proper self-evaluation and harmony.
Self-Esteem and Happiness Go Hand-in-Hand
Research demonstrates that self-esteem and happiness intertwine.
A person at peace who enjoys little things and has self-confidence likely has adequate self-esteem. However, the opposite also holds true – struggling with self-doubt can severely impact life satisfaction.
The solution is not quick fixes or pills. Medications relieve symptoms but cannot replace the inner drive.
Instead, we must gain tools to overcome past wounds and approach the future with hope.
Why? Because no life story lacks scars. How we handle defeats ultimately shapes who we become.
Happiness takes resilience – the capacity to rebuild after trauma or loss.
Love Is the Antidote to Distress
A traumatic event shatters one’s identity and beliefs about self and world. Healing takes love, connection and affection – factors that build resilience.
Families and communities either give the critical second blow that can turn hardship into lifelong trauma, or they provide the support that allows personal growth.
The right attitude makes all the difference. We cannot choose what happens, but we can choose how to respond.
Life deals everyone cards—some better than others.
Winning the long game takes inner mastery to stop dwelling on the past or dreading the future.
Live in the Present Moment
Scientists discovered that the fundamental wiring of the human mind causes it to get stuck ruminating over upsets.
Our primal brain centers activate fight-flight-freeze reactions to perceived threats.
Remaining vigilant to avoid danger once ensured survival. But for modern challenges, these instincts often fail us.
The solution is learning to live in the present. This means controlling reactions to recognize current circumstances objectively without overestimating threats. When we calm inner turmoil through self-examination and reflection, we gain immense freedom to pursue purpose and joy.
Handle Emotions Intelligently
Emotions profoundly impact health. Repressing anger, hurt and frustration ravages the body. Instead, acknowledge and constructively express feelings.
Studies reveal optimists with positive mindsets live longer. Likewise, freely voicing sadness or shedding tears releases tension.
Suppressed emotions can literally sicken hearts and minds. Handle them wisely.
Stay Persistent in the Face of Setbacks
Manifesting good things is rarely a straight path. You take two steps forward then one step back. Important dreams can take years to fully realize. Continued belief and effort are crucial.
When faced with disappointments or delays, find the lesson then keep believing and acting. Be patient with yourself and the unfolding. Persist through the ups and downs, and know that good things will blossom.
Become Your Best Self
Striving toward fulfilled potential best positions one for happiness. Consider knowledge, willpower, goal setting and passion. Consider what personal skills you could enhance. What dreams could you pursue? Purpose fuels progress.
Aim to live fully and mindfully while uplifting others.
Every day is a new chance to point life’s arrow toward good. When hardships arise, reflect on how to gracefully proceed.
The human spirit’s incredible resilience allows wounds to mend and joy to return. There is always hope
You Have the Power to Direct Your Life
I want you to walk away from this article knowing that you are never at the whim of fate. Yes, challenges and setbacks will come. But ultimately, you are far more influential over what happens in your world than you realize.
Habits of mindset and action make all the difference. By being grateful, acting on intuition, putting yourself out there, and believing in your ability to attract what you desire, you point your life energy toward drawing wonderful things to you.
If you are longing to experience more good – more adventure, love, stability, meaning, joy – in your life, reach out to me. I am here to support you in harnessing your natural power to attract all that your soul desires.
My clients work with me as their guide and strategist in learning to consciously shape their future.
We will precisely identify what success looks like for you, illuminate inner blocks, map out customized plans of small action steps, and keep you moving forward with motivation, troubleshooting, and care.
I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person and virtual counseling. Please get in touch today to schedule your consultation. Together we will illuminate how to orient your life to make yourself into a magnet for wonderful things.
Call (561) 376-9699 / (305) 981-6434 or visit the contact page to make an appointment with Dr. Benejam.
