Five Minutes to Happier: Study Shows Daily ‘Micro-Acts of Joy‘ Boost Mood
SAN FRANCISCO – A new study reveals that incorporating just five minutes of intentional joy into daily routines can considerably improve emotional wellbeing, with benefits amplified by consistent participation and observed to be greater among individuals facing economic hardship. Researchers found participants experienced improvements across multiple areas of mood and emotional control through engaging in small, pleasurable activities – dubbed “micro-acts of joy.”
The research, led by Professor Eliza Epel, investigated the impact of a programme encouraging participants to deliberately seek out and savor positive experiences. Questions centered on participants’ perceived degree of control over their emotions. The findings challenge the notion that happiness is solely dependent on external circumstances, suggesting individuals possess more agency over their own wellbeing than previously believed.
The study demonstrated that the benefits of the program increased with the number of days participated in, with those completing the full seven-day program experiencing the most ample improvements. Participants hailed primarily from the United States,Canada,and the United Kingdom,but notably,individuals from regions with less favorable economic conditions reported greater benefits. Younger participants also experienced a more pronounced positive effect than older adults.
“An important conclusion of the study is that people probably have more control over your own happiness of what they believe,” Dr. Epel stated. While acknowledging that such interventions won’t resolve severe mental health challenges or widespread anxiety - issues that have been escalating, “especially among younger generations“ – the research highlights the potential of proactive joy-seeking.
Professor Epel emphasized the importance of prioritizing happiness now, rather than postponing it until future achievements. “We often say that we will allow ourselves to be happy once we have reached some point in our life or overcome a bump. It is a mistake,” she explained. “you have to turn it around: ‘Don’t wait.You have to be happy now.’ We need the energy of joy to overcome the challenging moments.”
