The Big Joy Project brings benefits to health and wellbeing

Researchers, led by UC San Francisco analysed the effectiveness of a wellbeing intervention, known as the Big Joy Project, a citizen science project based at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. More than 18,000 people from around the world competed the project which required a time commitment of just 7 minutes a day for 7 days. The Big Joy Project consisted of micro acts including finding awe, making a gratitude list and performing kind acts for others.

After 7 days participants reported higher levels of wellbeing and positive emotions and a stronger belief that one’s own behaviour can promote happiness. Participants also reported decreased levels of stress with improved health and sleep quality.