Behavioural scientists have dedicated many years researching what makes us happy
and we have learned that by being happy promotes a healthy lifestyle, both physically
and mentally. Each one of us has the power within to ensure that our lifestyles help set
us on course for a happier life.
Author, Sheryl Sandberg, said ‘happiness is made up of numerous small moments of
joy. The more you experience joyous emotions, the happier you are’.
As human beings, there is joy in many of the things we do daily, all we have to do is
discover those moments and enjoy them as they come. When asked to share ’what
makes you smile?’, people provided a subjective insight as to what brings them joy:
‘Walking along Dollymount Beach in Dublin with my dog, embracing the wind and
feeling the sand on my feet’
Getting outdoors into the fresh air has a multitude of benefits. Being in nature reduces
stress-related hormones and makes us happier. Making time for the outdoors is a
wonderful method of ensuring we are on track to feeling happier.
‘Helping others by being kind’
When you serve others, you experience joy, and you bring joy to others. The power of
what you do and can do makes a difference in your perspective, which enhances your
spirit.
‘A cup of tea and homemade rhubarb tart!’
There’s a myriad of ways that baking and cooking sparks joy. It brings people together
and can mark important milestones. Cooking has the power to create a certain kind of
happiness that we’re grateful for. Being handed or eating something homemade, it has
the power to transform our day and enjoy the delight in little things. We've put together our favourite rhubarb tart recipe for you to try out.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past two years, it’s that the little things are
the BIG things. There’s genuine joy in realising how much small moments of GOOD can
make a difference to our mood and our entire day. Take time to search for those little
things throughout your day; making coffee in the morning, chatting with your colleagues
at lunch, walking your dog in the evening, and enjoy them fully. It is important to pay
attention to the here and now, and to find ways to enjoy the present moment. When you
are actively present and mindful, you get to see what’s around you.
