Happiness isn't just a state of mind. It's also a state of body.

Standing straight can give you a shot of confidence and forcing a smile might improve your mood. But do you know why? We generally believe that the brain is the big computer telling our bodies how to respond, but new research shows that the system often works in reverse. Your body reacts first, and your brain then interprets the physical signals. As you walk by a dark alley, your heart starts pounding and only then does your brain get the message I'm scared! The body can also send messages about positive emotions, allowing you to experience more happiness, love, and joy.

In What Your Body Knows About Happiness, Janice Kaplan, the New York Times bestselling author of The Gratitude Diaries, explores the startling new evidence showing that our feeling bodies are often smarter than our thinking minds. Talking to experts in a wide range of fields, she brings her distinctive brand of conversation, humor, and storytelling to scientific research, drawing unexpected links that reveal the power of body-mind connections. Learn how to use your body to be more creative and how changing your environment can improve your mood. Discover how your brain resolves bodily pain, why blue and green are the happiest colors, and even why wine tastes better when you're drinking it in Paris. You'll also get tips and strategies for knowing your body in a whole new way—leading to greater happiness and pleasure every day.