We all have small obscure things that bring us a strange sense of joy. After all, is it not a good day when you hear the satisfying pop of a fresh jar of peanut butter being opened, or when you curl up to watch the finale of your favourite show after finishing yet another arduous shift at the library? I must admit, having at last moved into a flat that has a built-in-dryer has me feeling giddy every time I swing open the door to find a bundle of soft warm clothes.
Yet, as I’m crouched down taking in the heat from the dryer I have to wonder: is enjoying such a mundane thing an unfortunate side-effect of adult-life? My twelve-year old self would surely roll her eyes over the thought of warm sheets, or worse, how replacing an old grimy dish sponge with a new pristine one gives me a rush of dopamine. That being said, the feel-good chemical, however conjured, is the key to living a healthy and enjoyable life.
Science tells us dopamine is the brain’s canal to pleasure, joy, and intense satisfaction. Swirling through our bodies and waiting to be ignited, dopamine can hit from any simple thing. It turns out this has a lot of natural benefits for not only our wellbeing but physical health. Harvard Health reports rushes of dopamine can improve our memory, fear responses, and pain processing in the body – much needed after spending all day acquiring a sore back from the library chairs. The NHS has something to say on this too, reminding us that taking time to notice the everyday moments that bring joy are a great way to feel grounded, and improve our wellbeing.
It’s important, albeit hard sometimes, to remember that our life isn’t just defined by big milestones or events. Of course, graduation or the day you move in with friends will be moments we fondly remember for the rest of our lives. But, the quality of our lives is defined, most of all, by the tiny and obscure clips of joy that we experience everyday. So, after getting a good grade, treat yourself to that ultra-fancy cinnamon-scented body wash or new top you’ve been eyeing. In ten years, when we reminisce on our early twenties we’ll hopefully reflect on it as a happy period not just because of major events, but because we appreciated and found joy in the day-to-day.
Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash
