Could micro-acts of joy be the key to happiness?
Just five minutes a day performing 'micro-acts of joy' that foster positive emotions is enough to banish stress, boost health and improve sleep quality, psychologists discovered.
Listening to laughter, admiring a flower or doing a nice thing for a friend can measurably improve people's emotional well-being and attitudes toward life, according to Dr Elissa Epel. It's often said that happiness is finding joy in the little things in life – now, scientists appear to have found the proof. Pic: Getty Images
The professor, an expert on stress and ageing who oversaw the new research, said: 'We were quite taken aback by the size of the improvements to people's emotional wellbeing.'
Her team at the University of California, San Francisco, studied nearly 18,000 people, mainly from the US, Britain, and Canada, for the web-based Big Joy Project over a two-year period, up to 2024.
The study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, asked participants to perform seven brief acts of joy over a seven-day period.
Professor Epel said the thousands of people who took part matched the positive results achieved by programmes that required months of classes for hours at a time.
Ethnic minority participants saw even greater benefits than white participants, while younger people reported more benefits than older people.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The sign of common condition that affects thousands of Irish women – and you might notice when brushing your hair
And it could lead to future health problems OVARY AGONY The sign of common condition that affects thousands of Irish women – and you might notice when brushing your hair THERE is a sign of a common condition that affects thousands of Irish women that you might notice when brushing your hair. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects how women's ovaries function, impacting their hormones and menstrual cycles. Advertisement 4 The HSE are urging women to know the signs of a common condition Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Polycystic ovary syndrome impacts hormone and periods Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 It can cause hair loss and weight gain Credit: Getty Images - Getty It can also affect fertility and long-term health, potentially leading to serious health problems. However, these issues can often be managed or improved through lifestyle changes. The condition does not mean that cysts are present on the ovaries. Instead, polycystic ovaries are slightly larger than normal and contain numerous follicles. Follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs that release an egg during ovulation. However, women with PCOS often cannot release eggs regularly, resulting in irregular ovulation — with ovulation occurring at unpredictable times rather than on a monthly basis. The Health Service Executive state that many women have polycystic ovaries without necessarily having PCOS. Ovaries that appear polycystic are also considered normal in teenagers. Advertisement There are six key symptoms to watch for: Irregular periods or no periods at all Excess body or facial hair Weight gain Thinning hair and hair loss (alopecia) Oily skin or acne Difficulty in becoming pregnant The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to have a genetic link and may run in families. Two primary factors may contribute to the condition: insulin resistance and hormone imbalance. I'm living with PCOS and it's a nightmare - I constantly have hairs growing on my neck and chest every day You may be diagnosed with PCOS if you are an adult and meet at least two of the following criteria: Advertisement Irregular, infrequent, or no periods at all Excess hair growth on your face or body, or high levels of testosterone in your blood An ultrasound scan showing polycystic ovaries Currently, there is no cure for PCOS, but its symptoms can be managed. Individuals with PCOS can improve their symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term health issues by making lifestyle changes. There are also medications available to treat symptoms such as excess hair growth, irregular periods, and fertility problems. Although PCOS can contribute to fertility issues, it is still possible to conceive, even if you do not experience regular periods. However, the condition may increase the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy complications, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Advertisement FUTURE HEALTH RISKS Despite the treatment available, the condition will increase your chances of developing other health problems in the future. These include: type 2 diabetes high blood pressure depression and mood swings high blood pressure and high cholesterol - which can lead to heart disease and stroke sleep apnoea - interrupted breathing during sleep weight gain endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) - this is more likely if you carry excess weight and have irregular periods FERTILITY WITH PCOS The condition can be a cause of fertility problems but you may still become pregnant even if you do not have periods. It can increase your chance of miscarriage or medical complications, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, during pregnancy. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of complications, including trying to keep a healthy weight. Quitting smoking, eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the risks. Advertisement Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce these risks, including maintaining a healthy weight. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can significantly improve outcomes.
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Extra.ie
Toxic friendships - time to let go
We all know the types, the ones who only breathe in! They take, take, take, and never give back in return. Everyone knows somebody like this, but if that person is not part of your inner circle, then maybe they are not really much of a consequence. But if they are, and their taking becomes too much for your kind and generous soul, and you are not the kind to speak up for yourself, then you're in a bit of a bind. But maybe we may be able to offer some advice to you on how to spot these toxic friends or family members, and how to either call them on their behaviour, or drop them like the proverbial hot potato and never look back. Pic: Shutterstock Healthy friendships are a fantastic source of support. They lift us up, they laugh and celebrate with us, they cry with us when we need them to, and they are there rain or shine. They don't talk down to us, they don't belittle or demean others and are just bloody good eggs. But, as your granny used to say….There's always one! This is the one who makes every situation about them, turns every conversation around to them, doesn't listen to you, or pretends to listen, but then quickly changes the subject, never asks how you are doing, and only calls when they need something. Naples, Italy, Friends having dinner – (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) We have all known this kind of 'friend' and while we may be fond of them because perhaps they have been around since childhood, or maybe they are family members, nonetheless, if this person is draining your energy, giving you anxiety or making you dread answering the phone to them, then don't you think its time to do something about it. The 'VeryWell Mind' is a website that offers good advice about all things psychological, and has wonderful advice on toxic friendships. Dr. Patrice Le Goy, from the VeryWell Mind says 'The word 'toxic' is thrown around a lot these days, used as an insult whenever a person disapproves of someone else's behavior. But the truth is that some friendships are, indeed, toxic. The movie 'Mean Girls'Paramount Pictures. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) 'Toxic behaviors are ways of acting that demean or gaslight others and generally make them feel bad about themselves and your relationship'. If you can relate to the list below, you might be friends with someone who could be considered toxic. If they behave selfishly, if they are critical of you, if they bring you down, are too competitive, are insincere and can't be trusted, they manipulate people and situations to suit themselves and if they are always steeped in their own drama, BINGO! Pic: Getty Images According to Dr. Le Goy, it should be no surprise that toxic friendships are bad for us and can cause us harm. 'Toxic friendships can be so damaging to our mental health,' She notes that humans are hardwired to seek connection and close relationships with supportive, loving people. She says that 'even once we know our friendship is toxic, we still might hang on to it. We might feel loyal to our friend because they were decent in the past, or perhaps they've manipulated us into thinking that no-one will have our backs as well as they do, even if their version of that isn't as great as they make it sound'. But, staying in a toxic friendship is the wrong choice, even if leaving it feels like it would be very challenging. 'The constant bombardment of negativity in toxic friendships can lead to depression, anxiety, and doubts about our self-worth' she adds. Pic: Getty Images But if you already know that this 'friend' does not have your best interests at heart, then you already know they are not going to take it well if you call them on their behaviour, or you try to say adios, even in the nicest possible way. Dr Le Goy continues, 'You may hope to end the friendship in an open and honest way, but that is not always possible' She explains, 'for example, if your friend is a narcissist, they may be unwilling to accept that they are the problem and they may even try to charm their way back into your good graces. Other types of toxic friends may attempt to turn others against you.' Dr. Le Goy continues, 'If they don't respect your decision to end the relationship, then you may have to accept that and move on without closure. Also, not respecting your decision might be the confirmation that you need that the friendship is toxic,' she says. However, knowing that it may be hard and may cause you a sleepless night or two, doesn't mean you should do nothing. You may want to end the relationship, or you may wish to give your friend a chance to make amends first. Whichever approach you take, be protective of your own emotional wellness. As they say on every flight, put on your own mask first.
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Extra.ie
Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis
Justin Timberlake has announced that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. The singer revealed the news on social media as he commemorated his Forget Tomorrow tour, which finished in Turkey on Wednesday. He wrote: 'If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Photo by. 'When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.' Justin has been facing backlash from fans during the tour for his lack of enthusiasm on stage and letting the fans do most of the singing during some songs. The diagnosis adds a bit of perspective to what fans were complaining about during some performances and the former NSYNC star added that he nearly stopped the tour altogether. He continued: 'I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going. The singer has faced backlash from fans during the tour. Pic: Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images 'Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. 'I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted.' Justin believes that sharing the news could help others struggling with the disease and he hopes he and his fans 'can all find a way to be more connected'. Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint pain and other symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is successfully treated with antibiotics. The 44-year-old cancelled and postponed multiple shows throughout the tour's run, citing health issues including bronchitis and laryngitis. Six of his US shows were postponed from October and November to February and he ultimately cancelled the final show of the American leg of the tour in Ohio due to the flu in February. Justin ended the post by thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin. He said: 'Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I'm on my way.'
