Many of us postpone joy. “I’ll relax when this is finished.” Neuroscience suggests we’ve been thinking about it backwards.
The evidence
The Whitehall II study found people who experienced more positive emotions had lower levels of stress hormones and healthier inflammatory profiles (Steptoe et al., 2008). Positive emotions appear to support healthier functioning across multiple biological systems. Your brain performs best when it isn’t under constant pressure.
The practice
Schedule fifteen minutes for something you genuinely enjoy — music, a walk, a chapter, a call with someone who makes you laugh. Don’t wait until you’ve earned it. The brain benefits from joy today, not someday.
What mindspan measures
mindspan measures morning cortisol and DHEA-S together and reports their balance as a resilience index — the flagship metric of the Optimism Biology Report.
References
- Steptoe A, et al. Positive affect, neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses (Whitehall II). 2008.
This article is for education and general wellbeing. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not replace your physician. mindspan is a wellness screen, not a diagnostic test.
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