Discovering Joy: Unexpected Research Reveals Pathways to a More Fulfilling and Robust Existence
In a surprising turn, science has unveiled a list of unconventional activities that can significantly boost happiness and a sense of fulfillment. Originally popularized by Cracked.com, the list includes seven happiness boosters, and we've added more science-backed activities to create a comprehensive guide for a happier life.
- Reducing time spent on yielding activities and replacing them with genuinely joyful or meaningful experiences can make a remarkable difference. This could mean stepping away from mindless social media scrolling and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
- Trying something slightly outside your comfort zone can ignite curiosity and foster growth. Whether it's trying a new dish, a creative project, or a new hobby, stepping out of your comfort zone can provide a fresh dose of excitement and motivation.
- Connecting with someone you enjoy talking to can enhance social bonds. A brief conversation with a friend, family member, or even a stranger can bring a sense of connection and happiness.
- Taking time just for yourself without productivity goals can foster presence and self-care. It's important to take a break and enjoy the moment, without worrying about achieving something.
- Delegating, delaying, or changing how you handle unpleasant tasks can make them more manageable and less draining. By taking a proactive approach to unpleasant tasks, you can reduce stress and increase your overall happiness.
- Planning an experience that excites you can offer anticipation as a source of joy. Looking forward to an exciting event can help boost your mood and increase your happiness.
- Reflecting on what activities made you feel good and what didn’t can help you consciously cultivate habits that boost happiness. By understanding what activities bring you joy, you can make a conscious effort to incorporate them into your daily life.
In addition to these seven activities, other science-backed activities include:
- Taking mindful walks outside for 10 minutes to reset energy and reduce stress.
- Physically standing up to change perspective and improve alertness.
- Engaging in kindness and generosity, which not only elevate your happiness but also benefit society at large.
Studies from New York University, University of Miami, and the University of Bristol's "Science of Happiness" program show that adding unpredictability to your day can activate the hippocampus and striatum and elevate mood. This could mean chatting more with strangers during commuting or lunch breaks, watching poignant movie clips or listening to moving music during downtime, or even swapping your usual commute route.
Embracing honest conversations with loved ones, even the occasional disagreement that deepens connection, can also boost happiness. Reflecting on mortality can deepen appreciation and purpose, while engaging in absorbing mental tasks can unlock "flow" states, a state linked to happiness.
These activities, when combined, can serve as science's "cheat code" to a happier, richer life. By cultivating presence, social connection, kindness, deliberate enjoyment, and small lifestyle shifts, you can move from passive distraction to active fulfillment.
- Embarking on mindful walks outside for 10 minutes daily can serve as a quick and effective method for resetting energy levels and reducing stress, given findings from studies conducted at New York University, University of Miami, and the University of Bristol's "Science of Happiness" program.
- Active participation in honest conversations with loved ones, which could potentially lead to disagreements, can promote stronger connections and boost happiness, as demonstrated by various studies in the field of mental health.
- Engaging in absorbing mental tasks can help to unlock "flow" states, a psychological condition associated with happiness. This form of personal and intellectual growth can greatly enhance one's sense of fulfillment, based on findings from research in the areas of science, health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
