5 Reasons Why You Have To Accept Pain To Be Happy

Happiness and pain may seem contradictory and incompatible terms. However, is it possible to be happy in the midst of pain? Accepting pain is not only possible when one is seeking happiness, but it is above all necessary.

In fact, happiness is not synonymous with the absence of pain. True happiness, in fact, lies in the midst of pain. The issue is not to avoid the pain we feel or to reduce its impact on our life, which is, at the same time, deeply beautiful and painful. One thing cannot exist without the other.

Happiness is contagious, even through pain

Happiness is a contagious state of mind in all circumstances. And this has very little to do with our circumstances and is directly related to our way of reflecting on life and what is happening around us.

That happiness is contagious is not just a pleasant thought, it is a chemical process that develops in our brain thanks to mirror neurons.

When we see someone feeling an emotion, our brain “puts it into practice” the same emotion, imagining what the other person is experiencing. In these cases, the person activates the same synapses in his brain that can be related to the emotions he has identified. This process, basically empathy, is also how we get the mass mentality.

Each time these synapses are activated, the brain is remodeled. This is why it is so important to spend time with people who are always able to be in a good mood, who radiate cheerfulness, and that is why one must avoid pessimistic and always bad-tempered people. Yet this is only the first step. Accepting pain involves another set of issues that need to be addressed.

Because accepting pain will help you be happier

The benefits of happiness are undeniable. For example, it can help us live longer and healthier lives. However, in reality, many of us don’t have a clue how to go about being happier. The pursuit of happiness for some people is counterproductive, in part because it is based on avoiding and eliminating any form of pain from one’s life.

However, as we have already mentioned, happiness is much more than the absence of pain. Pain is, in fact, a necessary part of happiness . Studies show that there are various ways in which pain can become a source of pleasure. Let’s see why.

1. Pain helps to recognize pleasure

Happiness as a state of mind is a matter of contrasts. If we were happy all the time, we would not be able to recognize that state of mind as happiness. Sometimes it is necessary to try the opposite end of the spectrum to be able to recognize and appreciate the most authentic happiness.

This does not mean that it is necessary to feel continuous pain to recognize pleasure, but that, despite it, whatever its nature, it is possible to value the small details and enjoy them,  which, otherwise, would go unnoticed.

2. Pain relief increases pleasure

The pain is not pleasant, but the relief from it is. Studies show that when the pain subsides, happiness increases, above and beyond the levels that would occur if we had not experienced pain first.

This also underlines the fact that small and simple things can be valued and become a greater source of happiness when going through a period of pain, which also increases the feeling of gratitude. Furthermore, pleasure becomes a deeper and more lasting emotion, more than just a physical sensation.

3. Pain strengthens social bonds

Pain feeds empathy. This is why people go out of their way for someone who is having a hard time, such as the death of a loved one or a serious illness. The social bond that arises from pain improves cooperation and brings out the best in people.

Thanks to all of this, overcoming pain becomes easier and strengthens relationships, creating bonds that go much further  . In this regard, pain also helps you to get to know people better and to discover the good in them, a feature that will continue to be there when the storm has subsided.

4. Enduring pain makes us worthy of a reward

Overcoming a difficult situation makes us feel deserving of a reward we have earned through our efforts. In these cases, it doesn’t matter “what”, it is important to know that we have been able to overcome adversity, that we have overcome ourselves.

In reality, the real rewards are overcoming  and being able to do better. This reward is intended to make us more aware of our effort.

5. Pain makes us aware

Pain makes us aware of what is happening in that moment, it pushes us to live in the present. Perhaps said so it doesn’t seem all that important, yet being aware is a skill that is directly related to happiness.

Being aware of what we are experiencing helps us forget superficial matters and focus on what really matters. In this way, we can avoid worrying about what does not have a solution or worry about the uncertainty that involves not knowing what will happen tomorrow. Learning to focus on the present moment, even when you are in pain, can help you have a happier life.