Extraordinary Health 26 | Page 35

“ Happiness is an attitude that is accessible to all people,” said Pharrell.“ It’ s a state of mind and it’ s real. You don’ t have to doubt it.”
Nowadays, Pharrell is front and center and can be seen several nights a week as a coach on The Voice, where he mentors future artists with uplifting advice and much-sought-after expertise. The accolades have piled up, including Billboard’ s Producer of the Decade, 11 Grammy awards, an Academy Award nomination for“ Happy,” and ASCAP’ s prestigious Golden Note Award. His solo album G I R L was a global phenomenon in 2014 and his song“ Freedom,” launched in June 2015 on Apple Music, was nominated for Best Music Video at the 58th Grammy Awards. He’ s also a successful fashion designer with his own Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM apparel brands and his trademark hat has its own Twitter account, making it arguably as widely known as the“ Sorting Hat” in Harry Potter movies.
Despite his daunting schedule packed full of media appearances and obligations, the 42-year-old sails through it all by taking care of his health as much as possible, requesting fish or grass-fed beef, gluten-free bread and alkaline water when he’ s on tour. He stays fit by chasing after his seven-year-old son, Rocket Man, and skateboarding on the half-pipe he had built in his home. And what about his contention that being happy is the ultimate state of being integral to emotional health? Numerous studies suggest the notion is compelling.
Dr. Melissa Wood of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston recently reported that“ women in a HAPPY Heart study became happy and content while improving heart risk.” Other studies suggest that states of happiness are linked with lower stressrelated hormones and better immune function. And it’ s easy to understand how. Data shows that positive mood, humor and optimism are associated with better health and well-being.
“ Happiness is an attitude that is accessible to all people,” said Pharrell.“ It’ s a state of mind and it’ s real. You don’ t have to doubt it.”