The latest neuroscience now confirms what life experience and spiritual traditions have been telling us for thousands of years:
It means that we don’t have to simply hope that we’ll feel better, someday, maybe. We can take the reins and create more JOY for ourselves.
Think of JOY as a more meaningful type of happiness. ’Hedonistic happiness’ is fleeting, and only includes emotions we tend to think of as positive. ’Eudaimonic happiness’ includes meaning, growth, and acceptance. Even of emotions we may call negative.
(Don’t know how to pronounce ‘eudaimonic’? That’s where saying ‘JOY’ comes in handy.)
There is some great info on this page but before you check it out, give yourself the gift of JOY and sign up for the BIG JOY Project.
In just 7 minutes a day for 7 days you can create some JOY for yourself AND be part of the largest-ever citizen science project on JOY! Isn't that amazing?!
Try this:
Bonus – Do 5 kind things in one day, and feel stronger effects all week!
Why?
Science shows that when we do something kind for another person or for the world--even when it’s tiny and takes only a few seconds-- the JOY effect for us is BIG.
try this:
Bonus – Do this once a week for max impact.
Why?
Studies have shown these exact dosages of gratitude to be optimal for helping us feel more joyful. Imagine that! Better yet, try it!
try this:
Bonus – Think of one of your heroes. How might they see your situation?
Why?
Looking for ‘silver linings’ actually does help us feel better, studies show. And when we notice one silver lining, we’re more likely to notice others!
try this:
Bonus – Join or re-engage with an already established group, online or in-person, and interact with at least one person.
Why?
The science is clear: the single most significant predictor of mental and physical health is the amount and quality of human connections we have. We were all born to connect!
225 scientific studies show that people with more eudaimonic happiness, i.e., JOY:
Checking in with your mental health is important, but doing so can trigger a strong emotional response. If you feel like you are in need of support, we urge you to please seek out services that are available to you locally or click here for a small collection of Mental Health Resources.
