Insights in Neurosurgery

Happiness and health? Is Happiness more than just a good feeling?

4^th International Conference on BRAIN DISORDERS AND DEMENTIA CARE
August 14-16, 2017 | Toronto, Canada

Timothy Lau

University of Ottawa, Canada

Keynote: Neurosurg

DOI: 10.21767/2471-9633-C1-004

Abstract

The connections between happiness, health and wellbeing are more than psychological. Not only do happy people have higher self-esteem and have a better quality of life they are also healthier. Literature reviews, longitudinal studies and meta-analysis describe the connection. Happier people tend to live longer, have lower heart rates, lower heart rate variability, and blood pressure, have better immune systems, exhibit more adaptive stress responses, and have lower rates of chronic pain and chronic illness. As the science of happiness evolves the mechanisms for how different forms of happiness influence health and how factors like social relationships, sleep and exercise play a role will become clearer. This review will explore the literature surrounding these connections.

Biography

Timothy Lau is a distinguished teacher, faculty of medicine and associate professor for the department of psychiatry in the University of Ottawa.