The truth about JOY: Joy, science, and a magical choice
In your busy life, joy can sometimes feel like a foreign concept. But did you know that our complex relationship with joy is actually rooted in neuroscience?
You may remember that the amygdala can't always distinguish between positive and negative excitement. It's our brain's attempt to protect us from potential disappointment.
The truth is, joy never actually hurts us; it's the fear of losing joy that creates the discomfort.
Consider Serena: When her son gives her a hug, she thinks, "He's growing up so fast. Soon he won't want hugs anymore." For Serena, joy feels bittersweet, due to an anticipation of future loss.
Now consider Lauren: When her daughter laughs, Lauren is able to pause, soak in the sound, and think, "What a gift to hear this laughter right now." By doing so, she actively rewires her brain's response to joyful moments.
Serena's reaction isn't uncommon. Our survival-oriented brains are always anticipating problems to keep us safe, which sometimes interferes with our ability to experience positive emotions.
Interestingly, research shows that embracing joy can have significant benefits including boosting immune function, reducing stress, and increasing resilience. Like a shot of vitamin C!
Don't worry, learning to fully experience joy won't detract from your skill in anticipating and preventing problems. Instead, it will complement these skills, providing a necessary balance and contributing to overall well-being.
You probably have moments like Serena and moments like Lauren.
It's exciting to know that you can practice choosing joy more and more.
