Microjoyfulness for Better Health

Two years ago, we moved to Cape Cod. We had good reason to make the move: We like it here.

Even in the depths of winter, there are always a few people (sometimes huddled in their cars!) sitting at the beach at sunset, watching the gorgeous red glow over Buzzard's Bay. And even when it's drizzling, there are always folks hiking the conservation areas, spotting birds or just walking the dog.

Now an official research study confirms that taking those few minutes a day to truly take notice of the good things in life can make an impact on mental and physical stamina.

According to Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s College of Arts and Sciences and the principal investigator of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory, says that "this study shows that if happiness is something you want out of life, then focusing daily on the small moments and cultivating positive emotions is the way to go. Those small moments let positive emotions blossom, and that helps us become more open. That openness then helps us build resources that can help us rebound better from adversity and stress, ward off depression and continue to grow.”

Rather than trying to smile through tears or see the positive side of your rotten boss, Frederickson suggests focusing on “micro-moments” of joy.

For some folks, that may mean taking a moment to literally smell the roses as you hurry to grab a bite of lunch. For others it means stepping away from the bills, off the scale, or into the music store.

Microjoyfulness isn't hard to achieve. It's cheap. It's fun. Pick some up today!

Photo courtesy of StockXChange.