Life can be tough, but it doesn’t have to mean living a life devoid of joy. In fact, research shows that savoring small moments of happiness and kindness can help us cope better with stress.
Unlike chasing happiness as a goal, which can backfire, noticing joy is different. It’s about taking brief notice of the good things in life, even when they’re not grand or monumental. This might mean touching the sunlight on the wall before answering emails, smelling your morning coffee, or sharing a kind word with someone.
By doing so, we build habits that help us handle stress better and are less absorbed in rumination. Moreover, giving joy to others increases happiness, flourishing, and optimism, while lowering anxiety and loneliness.
Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Checking on a neighbor, sending an encouragement text, or helping someone with a small task can all contribute to our well-being. Research shows that students who engaged in more kind acts per week had higher scores on happiness, flourishing, and resilience.
So, don’t wait for life to calm down before savoring joy. Take notice of the little things, let them land, and offer them to others. A ray of sunshine, a cup of good coffee, or a genuine smile may not fix the world, but they keep us human while we do our work.
By incorporating these small habits into your daily life, you can cultivate a more positive baseline and better cope with stress. So, go ahead and take a moment to savor the little things – you deserve it!
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/positively-different/202602/life-is-hard-savor-your-joy-anyway