Most of us live busy lives. Often, we are so busy juggling tasks and responsibilities that we forget to take the time to do the things that bring us happiness. Unfortunately, a lack of joy in your daily life can lead to unhappiness, and it can even have long-term negative consequences on your health.
Several well-known studies demonstrate that positive emotions, such as joy have a profound effect on your health. One such study entitled “Positive Emotion and Health: Going Beyond the Negative” was published in the July 2005 issue of Health Psychology. This study found that positive emotions such as joy and hope not only the incidence of heart disease, but also have a protective effect against high blood pressure, diabetes, and upper respiratory infections. Let’s break it down.
Happiness Affects Your Health
Happiness Begins in the Brain
When something you perceive as happy happens, your brain receives the signal to release serotonin and dopamine into your central nervous system ( your brain and spinal cord) and that trickles down to the body.
Happiness is Good for Your Heart
Several studies suggest that happiness causes better health. The study cited above found that Joy and optimism provided a 51% reduction in the rates of heart disease among men who were followed for 10 years during the study!
Your Immune System
Your immune system actually responds BETTER when you are happy! Not only does it actually make you less susceptible to being sick but it also helps your immune system respond better if you do get sick. In addition, study participants who reported higher positive emotions at the beginning of the study had fewer reported complaints of aches and pains and even had fewer chronic diseases!
Happiness Combats Stress
The study cited above also found that the happiest participants had 23 percent lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Happiness Helps You Live Longer
In one of the most famous studies about happiness and life expectancy, the longevity of Catholic nuns was linked to the quantity of positive emotion they expressed in their autobiographical essays upon entering their convents (typically in their 20s). The study found that the happiness seeming nuns live 7-10 years longer than the least happy!!
3 Easy Ways to Add Joy to Your Daily Routines
Thankfully, no matter how busy your life may be, there are steps you can take to instantly boost your mood and health.
Take time to appreciate and revel in activities that delight you. Whenever you feel your energy beginning to dwindle during the day, take a break and focus on something that brings you pleasure.
You know what I always say, make 5 minutes of joy! Why? Giving yourself permission to have little “joy breaks” throughout your day will instantly lift your mood, as well as help you reduce stress and recharge your energy.
Taking a Joy Break
Simple things like savoring a cup of your favorite coffee or reconnecting with an old friend have the ability to bring you joy. Take a walk, put on some music and dance or sing.
The important thing to remember is to take time each day to focus on those simple activities that make you feel happier.
Count Your Blessings
If you’re having a particularly difficult or hectic day, you might find it tempting to focus on the negative aspects of the day. Instead, try focusing on the things that are going in a positive direction and be thankful.
Feeling and expressing gratitude is very powerful. Taking time to reflect on better times in the past, as well as the things that are currently going well, can instantly lift your mood and give you the strength to keep working towards your goals.
Consider keeping a “blessings journal” so that you have a physical record of the good things in your life. This will help lift you up and encourage you during difficult times. I have loved incorporating a gratitude practice into my morning routine. Every morning I write down three things I grateful for and three things I am excited about. That alone has helped me start my days on the right foot.
Try Something New
Shake things up and do something new. The old adage, “familiarity breeds contempt,” is certainly true when it comes to our daily lives. Why not try something completely different to rediscover your joy?
You are only limited by your imagination. Try a new recipe. Consider learning a new skill or hoppy. It could be something tiny or something huge, just try something new!
When looking for something to try, pay attention to the dreams you’ve had as a child and adult. For example, did you ever dream of traveling to another country? Consider taking an online class (or try the free app Duolingo) to learn that country’s language and then plan a trip to take after COVID.
Remember to make time for laughter and fun throughout your day. Not only will you rediscover your joy, strengthen your health, and increase your own happiness, but your positive energy and outlook will also affect others around you and increase their level of joy, too!
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[…] Little by little, you’ll find that you’re spending more of your time thinking positively, and your life will take a turn for the better! Read this post to see how happiness can actually make you healthier. […]