Peak Experiences
By
Bill Covino
Posted: 2025-05-26T16:22:23Z
In Greater Good Magazine, Paul Zak writes about how researchers can measure whether and when we are “thriving.” Thriving comes from being involved in activities and experiences that contribute to long, happy, healthy lives. To have a “thriving brain,” Zak argues, we should be immersed in at least six “peak experiences” each day, experiences that put us in a positive mood. There are six categories of experiences that affect our brain chemistry and contribute to positive moods and greater happiness: 1) Investing in relationships with others; 2) Putting others’ needs ahead of our own; 3) Celebrating the accomplishments and happiness of others; 4) Volunteering; 5) Adopting a dog (dogs tend to reduce stress and are great “links” for building relationships with others); 6) Doing what you love.
Which of these peak experiences have you had so far today?
You can read the brief article here: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_brain_activity_can_reveal_what_makes_you_thrive
