Part 10: 50 Simple Joy Habits (That Actually Work)

Welcome to The Everyday Science of Joy, a 13-part series for educators and caregivers brought to you by the ESSDACK Resilience Team and inspired by the work of Ingrid Fetell Lee around The Science of Joy. We’re diving into what brain science tells us about joy: why it matters, how it shapes our nervous systems, and how we can design classrooms, homes, and communities that help people truly thrive.

Each post, we’ll explore one joyful concept and connect it to practical, brain-based strategies you can use right away. Think of this series as a little dose of inspiration and science, wrapped up with curiosity, compassion, and maybe even a laugh or two because joy is serious business (and seriously good for us)!

From jumping to sunshine, the science says small things matter. Move your art around. Bring in plants. Wear bright socks. Dance between tasks or while you’re making dinner. Or as you’re getting dressed on a Saturday morning.

These micro-habits may sound simple, but they nudge and retrain the nervous system toward safety and creativity. Each one tells your brain, “You’re still alive. Keep going.”

✨ Joy Practice Challenge: Pick one joyful habit to practice daily for a week…and then notice the shift in your energy, connection, and patience.