8th Class English Notes (Unit 8.2) Happiness and Health

Exercise

Informative Writing:

When you write an informative piece of writing, remember to present a main idea and support it with facts. You can include information from several sources. An informative writing draws conclusions based on the information presented and is organized in a logical way. You can use rhetorical questions to engage the reader in your work. It is always suggested to use transition words in an informative writing.

Use authentic sources:

When looking for information about a particular area or event, it is recommended to consult an encyclopedia, a book, a magazine article or a website.

Note-Taking:

When you collect information for a report, an article or an event, a good idea is to take notes. Notes always help you to keep your writing organized with facts. You can note down dates, key features of the event or some quotations to make your work more engaging for the reader.

Your turn to write:

Task: In recent times, we have seen intolerance and stress rising a lot in our society. Write an informative report on how to reduce stress and bring about happiness in the society.

Try to use facts and figures to prove your point. You may search the internet and various other sources.

Making Notes for the Topic

Healthy Lifestyle:

1. Regular Exercise:
   • Note: Regular physical activity releases endorphins.
   • Fact: According to the Mayo Clinic, engaging in regular exercise helps release endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers.
   • Example: Harvard Medical School’s research shows that just 30 minutes of daily exercise can significantly alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Balanced Diet:
   • Note: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins improves mental health.
   • Fact: The American Psychological Association highlights that a balanced diet can reduce stress.
   • Example: Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can lower cortisol levels.

Social Connections:

1. Building Strong Relationships:
   • Note: Good relationships are key to happiness.
   • Fact: The Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals the importance of strong relationships.
   • Example: Regular interactions with family, friends, and community members provide emotional support.
2. Community Engagement:
   • Note: Volunteering fosters a sense of purpose.
   • Fact: According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteering lowers rates of depression and anxiety.
   • Example: Community engagement strengthens the social fabric.

Positive Mental Habits:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:
   • Note: Mindfulness reduces stress and improves focus.
   • Fact: The American Psychological Association reports that mindfulness enhances well-being.
   • Example: Regular meditation decreases cortisol production and increases serotonin levels.
2. Laughter and Humor:
   • Note: Laughter reduces stress hormones.
   • Fact: The Mayo Clinic notes that laughter boosts the immune system.
   • Example: Engaging in activities that elicit laughter can yield mental health benefits.

Informative Report on

How to Reduce Stress and Bring About Happiness in Society?

Introduction

A stress-free, happy life is a blessing to have. However, the desire to succeed in life socially and economically has risen the rate of stress and intolerance potentially in the youth.

You see, stress is a silent killer of happiness. It can lead to various health problems and lower our quality of life. Nevertheless, we can reduce stress and increase happiness in our life through effective strategies.

In this report, I will bring forth these methods with support of supported facts and figures. By the end of this informative report, you will get some practical solutions for a happy living.

1. Healthy Lifestyle

No one on earth can deny the importance of a healthy lifestyle for a happy life, and a happy society. It is an effective remedy to reduce stress and promote happiness.

Now, what is a healthy lifestyle in real? Well, it is a combination of two key aspects; regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity is a powerful way to reduce stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise releases endorphins, natural chemicals that make us feel good.

Similarly, a research from Harvard Medical School takes it a step further. According to their study, 30 minutes of exercise each day can significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in a person.

Therefore, it proves that it is essential for us to include physical activity in our daily routines to improving our mental health.

Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy diet is always a good idea for your mental well-being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce stress, states The American Psychological Association.

For example, if we eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish like Rohu or walnuts, it can lower cortisol levels in our body, which is a hormone related to stress.

2. Social Connections

Humans are social by nature, and a human personality cannot be more fresh and happy if not socialized. Hence, making strong social connections can provide emotional support and help reduce stress in us, humans.

So, we need to build meaningful relationships with others. One such way is to engage in community activities. You would experience, it can make a significant difference.

Building Strong Relationships

Good relationships are key to a happy and healthy life. A study by the Harvard Study of Adult Development found that people with strong relationships are happier and live longer.

In life, we need emotional support to reduce stress and improve our mental well-being. Therefore, we must regularly interact with our family, friends, and community members to get this dire emotional support.

Community Engagement

Together we form a community, with same human bodies and the same needs for all. So, if we participate in the community activities and volunteer, it can create a sense of purpose and belonging.

The Corporation for National and Community Service conducted a research to dig this out more. They found that people who volunteer experience lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Hence proved, community engagement benefits individuals and strengthens the social fabric of society.

3. Positive Mental Habits

Adopting positive mental habits can effectively reduce stress and increase happiness. Practices such as mindfulness and laughter can have a significant impact on mental health.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can reduce stress and improve focus. The American Psychological Association reports that mindfulness enhances overall well-being.

Regular meditation decreases cortisol production and increases serotonin levels, promoting happiness and reducing stress.

Laughter and Humor

Laughter is a powerful way to reduce stress. The Mayo Clinic notes that laughter reduces stress hormones and boosts the immune system.

Engaging in activities that make you laugh, like watching a comedy or spending time with funny friends, can have immediate and long-lasting benefits for mental health.

Conclusion

Reducing stress and increasing happiness in society requires a holistic approach. This includes a healthy lifestyle, strong social connections, and positive mental habits.

By incorporating regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, building strong relationships, engaging in community activities, practicing mindfulness, and finding reasons to laugh, we can improve our well-being and contribute to a happier, healthier society.

Rhetorical Question

Can you imagine a society where everyone actively works towards reducing their stress and enhancing their happiness? What a wonderful world that would be!

Sources

• Mayo Clinic
• Harvard Medical School
• American Psychological Association
• Corporation for National and Community Service