A universal truth is that we would all like to be happier, yet when we chase this elusive concept, we often end up right back where we started—or worse. But what if we could find activities that naturally trigger neurological pathways related to positive emotions, and happiness just sort of comes along for the ride? (Along with improvements to our physical, mental and spiritual health!)
These are what we call NeuroAdventures: outdoor activities mindfully executed to release natural neurotransmitter chemicals of happiness in our brains. This website celebrates these activities and highlights what aspects of them stimulate the neurochemical pathways that make us feel positive sensations and emotions, both short- and long-term — which can then lead to a state of mind most would call “Happiness.”
A recently-released book called NeuroAdventures (available in ebook and print versions) will explore in depth the mental Happiness aspects of these activities, both objectively and subjectively. After an initial summary of recent scientific findings in the fields of neuroscience, biology and psychology on this topic, the book then illustrates these findings subjectively by taking the reader on a year of such NeuroAdventures—outdoor adventures deliberately chosen and mindfully executed to activate natural neurotransmitter chemical pathways of happiness in our brains.
The book also highlights environmental issues encountered along the way—raging wildfires in our fields and forests, plastic pollution and coral bleaching in our oceans—along with a hopeful message for how to address these problems, using tools of economics and science, guided by a “compass” of compassion, aka – loving kindness.
There is also the YouTube channel called NeuroAdventures that will focus on the physical and longevity benefits of regularly going on such adventures. (I’m 66 years old now and still participating in rigorous outdoor adventures on a daily basis, so I can attest that they help to keep us young, both mentally and physically.) I encourage anyone and everyone to watch a few of these videos to understand those benefits, as well.
So to answer the original question: Will regular participation in NeuroAdventures improve our baseline levels of happiness? The simple answer is “Yes.” But… How? This book illuminates the details, and hopefully inspires us to pursue our own NeuroAdventures, making our time on this planet a journey to remember.
If we combine this website, the YouTube videos, and the book all together, we can learn why and how to add these meaningful activities to our daily lives, and can also begin to understand and appreciate just how incredible it is to be alive at this moment in time, living a life outdoors and experiencing it with others who share our passion for such adventures.
NeuroAdventures 