The Brain Chemistry of Happiness

About this event

Hack your brain using neuroscience to find happiness. You'll learn about pleasure and reward in the brain and much more. Followed by Q&A. We’re all in the pursuit of happiness – but what is it actually made of? Is happiness a passing feeling, a state of mind, or a surge of chemicals in the brain? In this workshop, we’ll take a look inside the human head to uncover the neuroscience behind pleasure, reward, and fulfillment. Join Dr Iliff to explore how brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin shape our daily lives. We will look at how modern habits can hijack our biology and why big wins - like hitting the lottery - don't always bring lasting joy. By understanding how your brain chemistry works, you will gain practical insights into what really drives happiness and success at work and at home. Explore happiness at a neurochemical level, understanding how chemical activity in our brains impacts our everyday lives Discuss the latest neuroscientific research into happiness and how to implement these insights into your day-to-day Understand the role of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in the brain Learn about the cognitive and wellbeing benefits of creativity and laughter Speaker bio: Dr Jonathan Iliff is a psychiatrist and medical doctor in the NHS, with a background in neuroscience and psychedelic drug research. His research focused on the use of psychedelic compounds, like LSD and psilocybin - the active ingredient in magic mushrooms - a promising new treatment for depression. Today his focus is clinical - focusing on helping with people, and their problems in the here and now. His mission is to stoke conversation about health and mental health, change attitudes that persist in even the most tolerant parts of our society, and encourage innovation like the use of psychedelic drugs that aim to improve the lives of the billions of people that suffer directly and indirectly from mental health disorders.