If you start paying attention to the moments between the hustle and bustle of daily life, you’ll likely find countless sources of joy. Seeing sunshine first thing in the morning, hugging a friend, or turning on a favorite song during your commute are all examples, and they all count as joy snacks in your happiness diet.
If you believe these little bursts of joy are inconsequential when looking at the big picture, think again. In his Washington Post piece, Dr. Richard Sima cites a 2022 study published in “Nature Human Behaviour” to support his claim that joy snacks are important for our overall happiness. When participants in the study were asked to recall the most meaningful event that occurred in their personal life during the last week, most named a small, everyday moment, such as a fulfilling conversation with a loved one.
Even when these joyful moments are over, their mood-boosting benefits can stick around. “The science behind joy snacking is rooted in positive psychology, which emphasizes the cultivation of positive emotions and experiences,” Dr. Carly Claney, a licensed psychologist and Owner of Relational Psych, told The Everygirl. “Regularly experiencing small, positive moments can boost our overall mood and well-being, contribute to resilience, and even counteract the physiological effects of negative events.” And once you notice what brings you joy and start intentionally sprinkling it into your days, you might find that savoring joy snacks becomes second nature.
