Huntington Beach City School District

Mindfulness Monthly Memo | June Issue 

The theme of this month is “Joyful June,” emphasizing how positive emotions and feeling good can improve different areas in life. 

Science explains that the feeling of joy is distinct from other positive emotions because it is connected to accomplishing something one has long wanted, or to an outcome that exceeds one’s expectations. Joy is also related to feeling awe or wonder and triggers different physiological and psychological changes, making it a more impactful emotion than others, such as happiness. 

Physiologically, when one feels joy, their breathing becomes faster, their heartbeat increases, and their body feels warmer, caused by the release of adrenaline in the body that helps one prepare for a challenge. These changes are also scientifically linked to an overall improved mood. Psychologically, the feeling of joy triggers neurotransmitter activity in the brain. More specifically, dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and endorphins are released when feeling joy, which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and the body’s natural opiates.  

Everyone is different and will feel joy from various things. Here are some ideas to boost joy in your own life: 

1. Food: Try new foods, go to new restaurants, or enjoy food with others. While the act of being in the company of others can produce joy, sharing food with others can boost joy even more. Furthermore, preparing food with family and friends is another way to experience the positive effects of joy. 
2. Physical Activity: Feeling joy from exercising is more dependent on the circumstances of the physical activity rather than the activity itself. For example, someone may not experience joy from going on a run by themselves, but they may experience joy from going on a run with a friend. Studies show that achieving a personal goal related to exercise is another good way to boost joy. 
3. Writing: Writing about and reflecting on positive experiences is another simple yet effective way to boost feelings of joy. This exercise can help individuals experience better moods and well-being, and is more effective the longer you stick to and are consistent with the exercise. 

Appendix

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. (2023, March 20). Joy is good for your body and your mind – three ways to feel it more often.