You either have luck or you don’t. Most of the time, others have it. You always have to work hard for everything. That’s why the positive experiences in your life are not luck, but simply hard work. But it’s not that simple: it is entirely possible to raise your own happiness level significantly and sustainably. Of course, you have to do something about it, but in a different way than you might think. Diane Hielscher explains how you can put your brain on the happiness track.
The power of neuroplasticity
Doomscrolling is the name given to frequent compulsive scrolling through negative or disturbing content. The endless consumption of negative news has already become the main occupation for many of us. Not only does this waste valuable time, but even worse, it also causes our mood to gradually plummet, in extreme cases to the point of depression.
With every new piece of bad news, we make ourselves unhappier. That’s how our brain works. Once it has started to suffer, it continues to search for that very thing. That’s exactly how Diane felt after the painful separation from her husband. Until she realized that she could actively promote her happiness. She was helped by the realization that our brain is able to reorganize itself and build new neuronal connections – by specifically “feeding” it with new experiences, thoughts and behaviours. This ability of the brain to constantly restructure itself is known scientifically as neuroplasticity.
Happiness can be learned
The process of neuroplasticity helps us to establish new ways of thinking and feeling that make us happier and more resilient. Our own level of happiness can be strengthened, for example, through everyday rituals and conscious decisions.
One simple exercise is the gratitude diary. “By writing down three things you are grateful for every day, you direct your brain towards something positive. This already promotes a grateful and happy mood,” recommends Diane. This “positive algorithm” in the brain allows us to develop optimism step by step.
For Diane, the realization that she could shape her brain structure through conscious thoughts and actions was life-changing. “We can decide how we react to challenges. The right mental attitude can be learned,” Diane continues, “it’s not esoteric, it’s science.” Her insight: happiness is not just a fleeting emotion, but a skill that we can specifically develop.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to experiences, learning, or injuries. This involves forming new connections between neurons and strengthening or weakening existing ones. It plays a vital role in learning, memory, and recovery from neurological conditions.
Since the 1960s, researchers have studied neuroplasticity to understand how the brain changes over time. It enables the relearning of skills after events like strokes and is used in treatments for mental health conditions.
Habits like exercise, healthy eating, and mental challenges promote neuroplasticity, while chronic stress can hinder it. This field highlights the brain’s adaptability and offers new possibilities in medicine, education, and personal growth.
How does Neuroplasticity work?
Neuroplasticity means that the brain is constantly changing and adapting. These changes occur when we learn, have new experiences, or recover from injuries. The brain forms new connections between neurons (structural plasticity) or strengthens and weakens existing connections (synaptic plasticity).
When we repeat something frequently, the connections between neurons become stronger, making us better and faster at that task. Conversely, the brain weakens connections that we don’t use to make room for new ones.
Positive input as fuel
As the founder of LifeXLab, Hielscher has created a platform which offers positive and inspiring content. She believes that through conscious media consumption and the right choice of information, we can change our perspective on the world. By starting our day with positive news and motivational content, we better prepare ourselves for life’s challenges and maintain our mental health.
Training from LifeXLab at Belle&Yell
LifeXLab – Think yourself happy
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About Diane Hielscher
Diane Hielscher, born on July 6, 1979, in West Berlin, is a German radio presenter, podcaster, journalist, and communications coach. She is a prominent voice on Deutschlandfunk Nova, where she delves into topics such as personal development and the science of happiness. After studying political science, Diane wrote for ZEIT Online, traveled the world, and worked as a host for Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB), FluxFM, and Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR). In 2014, she was honored with the German Radio Award as the best presenter in the country. Since 2017, Diane has been dedicated to exploring how people can create lives that allow them to unlock their full potential. With this mission, she founded the LifeXLab in 2020. LifeXLab offers ideas, visions, hope, and knowledge about the brain, aiming to help individuals utilize their mental potential to create a healthier future.
