Why are feelings of pleasure and well-being so important to good health?
Feelings of pleasure and well being originate in the ancient, non-verbal parts of the brain that we share with lower animals through our common evolutionary past. This part of the brain also interacts with body systems which control blood pressure and immune responses. When your basic needs are met, your body’s systems work at peak efficiency. When these same needs are frustrated, you may have chronic feelings of hopelessness which drive your body’s systems into a kind of “self-distruct mode” where diseases and cancer can easily get a foothold and heart disease, strokes and accidents become more likely. Your ability to think logically in words is a powerful ability which also has the power to ruin your health if it is directed at goals which are actually at odds with your basic needs.
