I'm incredibly joyful and it's all due to my stroke.
My story: I would still be leading a life of quiet desperation if still married.
Well, at age 50 I had my stroke and the result of that is making me happy for the rest of my life. Got divorced at age 58, fired at age 56. All leading to moving to Michigan and finding lots of new friendships.
(Life is
definitely better as I age, I got divorced enhancing my happiness
immeasurably. I'm retired and comfortably well off. And healthy as I can
be post stroke. I'm going to live a long time yet.)
These Six Daily Immersive Experiences Lead to More Joy
Turns out, the secret to long-lasting happiness isn’t about chasing the next big thrill.
According to research from Claremont Graduate University, people experience the most sustained positive emotions not through distraction or entertainment, but through deep engagement in small, meaningful moments, especially with other people. The magic number? Six immersive experiences a day. Not six marathons or six breakthroughs, just six moments where you’re truly present, activated, and connected to something that matters.
These Everyday Immersions Boost Joy
Immersive doesn’t have to mean epic. You don’t need to climb a mountain or spend a week in a silent retreat to feel lit up. The study, led by neuroscientist Paul Zak, found that the most powerful mood-boosting experiences were the simplest ones, especially when they included a social or purpose-driven element.
The top happiness-inducing activities included:
1) Practice Small Act of Kindness
Small acts of kindness, like holding a door, offering a compliment, or helping a neighbor, engage you deeply with others and amplify feelings of connection.
2) Show Up for a Community You Care About
Giving your time or energy toward a cause or group you care about helps you align with a larger purpose and fosters a sense of belonging.
3) Share in Someone Else’s Joy
Sharing in others’ joys, whether it’s a friend’s promotion or a family member’s achievement, creates positive social bonds and multiplies your own happiness.
4) Hang Out With Animals
Interaction with animals is a simple, joyful way to be present and feel unconditional love and companionship.
(Sorry, won't be getting a pet. That would vastly complicate travelling. As a friend puts it: 'Pets are furry anchors')
5) Do Something That Aligns With Your Purpose
Activities that align with your core values or passions—writing, creating, teaching, or mentoring—immerse you in meaningful flow states.
(Getting stroke solved to 100% recovery is my purpose. Convincing stroke medical 'professionals' it is doable is extremely hard because they have such small closed minds!)
6) Choose Compassion on Purpose
Actively choosing empathy and fairness in your daily interactions nurtures deeper relationships and reinforces your sense of integrity. Try loving-kindness meditation to strengthen your compassion muscles.
What do these have in common? They’re active, not passive. They bring us into relationship with others, with our values, and with the present moment.
Why Your Brain Loves These
When you’re immersed in a meaningful activity, your brain produces:
- [ok-si-toh-sin]nounA hormone that promotes bonding, trust, and connection.Learn More — a hormone that promotes bonding, trust, and connection.
- [doh-puh-meen]nounA neurotransmitter linked to motivation, pleasure, and learning.Learn More — a neurotransmitter linked to motivation, pleasure, and learning.
These feel-good chemicals promote connection, focus, and satisfaction. You’re not just checking a box; you’re rewiring your brain to be more resilient and joyful.
According to Zak, immersive states are like a flow hack for happiness. Being with others supercharges this effect. Why? Because we are wired for connection. When we experience something meaningful with someone else, whether it’s a shared laugh, a volunteer shift, or a walk in the park, we create memories that strengthen both our emotional health and relationships.
Happiness Is Not a Solo Sport
While self-care is critical, community care may be the missing piece. In an era of isolation and infinite scrolling, many of us forget that true joy often lives in small, shared moments. And those moments add up. The research shows that doing good actually feels better than being treated well. That’s good news, because it means joy is available anytime you decide to show up, with kindness, intention, and presence.
In a world that often defines happiness as a personal achievement or a product to be purchased, this new research reminds us of something ancient and true: Happiness thrives in connection. Try aiming for six immersive moments today. Help someone. Pet a dog. Text a friend just to celebrate them. Do something that feels aligned with your purpose. You might just find that the joy you were chasing has been right there, waiting to be shared.
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