Expressing joy or happiness and laughing are not futile or unrewarding reactions to health as some believe. Studies show that those who experience and show positive emotions are usually better prepared for facing hardship and coping with pain, stress, and anxiety. Not only that, appreciation of experiences and blessings can translate into stronger immunity, better health, and fewer diseases, thus improving quality and outlook on life. Let us see how this works.
To physically express joy and satisfaction creates awareness of happenings around us and enhances pleasure. Watching the setting sun or a piece of art with appreciation; relishing the taste and texture of food; fully inhaling the scent of a rose; and laughing whole-heartedly at a funny joke are all positive ways of expressing ourselves and enhancing the quality of life. By expressing emotions, we become more in touch with ourselves and the world around us.
Wherever you are or whatever you are doing, share with a friend or companion a thought, memory, or feeling. Research indicates that those who communicate their positive feelings or details of events have a higher degree of happiness than unexpressive individuals. Here are suggestions to enhance joy.
Try to visually remember certain facial expressions during funny and happy situations. Pleasant vivid memories increase our happiness. Don’t you smile to yourself when you recall a hilarious incident? This sort of light-heartiness improves your mood.
Savoring success by congratulating yourself for an achievement with a physical expression is another way of enjoying life. Pride in your accomplishments and bask in their glow or warmth.
Become sensitive to details of sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. Avoid visual distractions or simultaneous actions. Focus on your pleasure or a mouthful of chocolate cake. Shut all your other senses; live the moment. You will discover more joys to life.
Once in a while react to good news not just with a controlled smile, but with a shout or leap with joy, with a joyful laugh, or a hug to a standing friend. In experiments, those, who physically expressed themselves or laughed audibly, appeared to have more enjoyment than those who suppressed their feelings. Putting on a smiley face also produces positive effects.
Appreciate the outcome of things by reminding yourself with less pleasant past results, whether it is with the success of the event, the weather, or an accident, i.e. “It could have been worse or it is better than.” Comparing successful achievements with lesser ones gives satisfaction.
Contemplate the good things in your life and count them. Think how lucky you are to have caring parents, sincere friends, nice people around you, a good meal, a comfortable home, or a well-paying job. Regardless of how you express your gratitude, whether it is in simple words, prayer, speech, poetry, or artwork, it is gratifying and increases joy. Before going to bed, focus on your blessings and be grateful.
Be aware of your surrounding or an event by getting absorbed in it with mental reflection, admiration, or appreciation. Mindfulness is very rewarding.
Appreciation of time is another gratifying experience. Enjoy every fleeting moment even if it is the last day of the holiday or the last minutes before a farewell. Reminiscing over past joys can make a rough road seem less bumpy and can give more motivation for continuation. Recalling events with fondness and taking pride in accomplishments can enhance enjoyment in the present and help handle difficulties in the future. While taking joy in achievements builds optimism for times ahead and confidence in one’s abilities, suppression of good feelings and negativity dampen joy and lead to dissatisfaction, pessimism, and suppressed immunity. Such attitudes can be signs of low self-esteem or depression.
According to Fred B. Bryant, Ph.D. co-author of the book Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience, it is important to take time in expressing joy and satisfaction by relishing your food, marveling at beauty, or priding in one’s achievements, rather than staying neutral, being negative, or downplaying success. With positive attitudes, expressing joy, and delighting in one’s achievements or beautiful moments, we will be able to surmount formidable difficulties; achieve greater happiness; gain physical, emotional, and mental health; and live life to the fullest. Become a bon vivant to be happy and healthy!
