The Power of Joy
Dear Joy,
Let’s take a moment to talk about how you show up in our lives. According to research you’re an emotion that plays a vital role in helping us decrease stress, increase life satisfaction, and build emotional strength. Embracing you means we can lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
You bring freedom and connection—with others, nature, and the universe. Joy creates possibilities for hope, sympathy, and empathy. It also fosters happiness and resilience, crucial given that in 2021, nearly 6% of U.S. adults experienced severely impairing depression.
While some people experience it only in positive situations, others have the capacity to feel it regardless of circumstances. Joy is unique and distinct from other positive emotions like gratitude or contentment—and it’s closely related to gratitude and spirituality. In fact, gratitude can predict increased future joy, creating a beautiful upward spiral.
Even in difficult times, joy can create a 'feeling of freedom' and provide self-renewal and meaning through transcendence. The relationship between joy and health is an area that needs more exploration, but it is there, waiting to be discovered.
Where can I find you?
Finding joy more often involves choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life. When challenging situations arise, we can pivot our attention towards the opportunities present, even in difficult times. When joy appears, it's essential to notice when it enters. It's essential to remember that joy often arises from the smaller moments, not just big life-changing events.
The outcomes of experiencing joy are truly profound. When we experience this uplifting feeling of joy, our bodies undergo a series of changes. Our breathing quickens, our heartbeat increases, and our body feels warmer. The release of adrenaline prepares us for engagement and makes us feel more mentally ready for life's challenges.
In our brains, joy activates several pleasure-related areas. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and endorphins are released, spreading its sensation throughout our central nervous system.
We can find you in:
Physical Activity
Taking up a sport
Walking in nature
Social Connection
Dedicate yourself to others (e.g., volunteering)
Spiritual and Mental Practices
Practice meditation
Develop a joyous mindset through exercises like "three good things"
Personal Growth
Discover something new
References:
Cohn MA, Fredrickson BL, Brown SL, Mikels JA, Conway AM. Happiness unpacked: positive emotions increase life satisfaction by building resilience. Emotion. 2009 Jun;9(3):361-8. doi: 10.1037/a0015952. PMID: 19485613; PMCID: PMC3126102.
Cottrell, L. (2016). Joy and happiness: a simultaneous and evolutionary concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(7), 1506–1517. doi:10.1111/jan.12980
