A recent study indicates that brief, daily activities can significantly enhance positive emotions and increase happiness. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), as part of the "Big Joy Project: short practices радости улучшают благополучие," published their findings in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in June 2025.
The study focused on "joyful practices," simple actions designed to boost positive emotions. These included smiling exercises, pausing to appreciate life, or performing small acts of kindness. Dr. Elissa Epel, a leading expert in the field, highlighted that these straightforward interventions can lead to substantial improvements in mental well-being and life perspective.
The study involved nearly 18,000 participants from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, spanning two years, concluding in 2024. The results showed that participants who engaged in these activities for a week experienced significant positive outcomes, comparable to those achieved through therapy or training programs over several months.
The study incorporated seven activities over seven days, including sharing moments of joy with others, performing acts of kindness, writing a gratitude list, and watching inspiring videos.
To assess the effects, participants were asked to complete a short questionnaire before and after the intervention.
The findings suggest that these brief daily practices can have a lasting positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.
The study revealed improvements across all measured areas, with the level of improvement being consistent across the program.
This research demonstrates that short, simple daily practices can have a significant positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.