Part 2: Why Joy Matters: The Science Behind the Spark

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)!

If joy were a vitamin, every teacher and caregiver would need a daily dose. Research shows that small moments of joy change our biology.

Micro-moments of joy reset the body’s stress response. They help regulate blood pressure, calm the heart rate, and reduce cortisol. They also strengthen immunity. One famous study found that people who felt brief joy were literally less likely to catch a cold.

Joy also boosts cognitive flexibility, the brain’s ability to think creatively and solve problems. In classrooms, that means students (and adults!) can learn and adapt more easily when joy is in the mix. It even improves relationships: shared laughter, playful moments, and delight in learning together build oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone.

The brain science is clear: joy is not extra credit. It’s the foundation of learning, connection, and resilience. When schools and homes build small rituals of joy, ie morning greetings, classroom music, a shared snack, or a silly brain break, we’re doing more than creating “fun.” We’re stabilizing the nervous system, priming the cortex for engagement, and inviting safety into the room.

So yes, joy makes us kinder, smarter, and stronger. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing.

✨ Joy Practice Challenge: Before tomorrow’s first class or family moment, plan one 30-second joy infusion (a favorite song, a shared laugh, a deep breath in sunshine) and watch how it changes the tone of everything that follows.