Rekindling Childhood Happiness

What brought you joy as a child? In a time devoid of digital distractions, what provided you with safety and contentment? For me, it was the simple act of being outdoors.

The exhilaration I felt while exploring my neighborhood with friends was unmatched. Even as adult responsibilities take over, those memories bring a smile to my face. Research consistently highlights the numerous benefits of spending time in nature, showing significant improvements in mental health, stress reduction, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. A study published by the National Institutes of Health emphasizes that outdoor physical activities are linked to better overall health.

Yet, as a child, I was blissfully unaware of these health benefits. I simply reveled in the joy of being outside with friends.

Rediscovering Passions

As a child, my happiness also stemmed from engaging in my favorite activities after school and completing homework. Unfortunately, in our fast-paced world, many of us struggle to prioritize hobbies. In 2021, 41% of Americans relied on side hustles to meet financial demands. While some are fortunate enough to turn their passions into income, many simply juggle side jobs to cover bills.

I cherished biking as a child, feeling the wind rush through my hair and the thrill of speeding downhill. I vividly recall a close call with a car, where I managed to brake just in time, lost in my joyous ride.

I also enjoyed helping my grandparents tend to their garden, picking fresh vegetables like potatoes and carrots, which we would later prepare for dinner. Once I turned ten, my love for baking blossomed. My mother allowed me to use our kitchen with the promise of cleaning up afterward. I still remember the pride I felt when I successfully baked brownies from scratch at the age of eleven.

The Absence of Digital Distractions

In those days, I didn’t own a phone, and streaming services were nonexistent, so my time wasn’t consumed by screens. Reflecting on my joyful, distraction-free childhood makes me believe that limiting digital exposure is beneficial. It's not about ignoring current events but rather managing the time spent scrolling through feeds.

A survey by the American Psychological Association reveals that over half of Americans feel stressed by the news, with many experiencing anxiety, fatigue, or sleep disturbances as a result. An article in TIME discusses the negative impact of constant news consumption.

Given the turbulent world we inhabit, it’s no surprise that absorbing distressing news can weigh heavily on us. We’re all connected, and such stories should evoke feelings within us. Nonetheless, we can choose how much news we consume and when. Alarmingly, one in ten adults checks the news every hour, while 20% monitor their feeds continuously.

I firmly believe that happiness and mindfulness are interconnected. When I receive my weekly screen time report, I often realize how much time I could have dedicated to activities I love instead of staring at a screen. When we are fulfilled and content, it becomes easier to be mindful of our surroundings, ourselves, and others.

Mindfulness in a Chaotic World

In light of our chaotic lives, the importance of mindfulness cannot be overstated. Engaging in practices that promote awareness and presence can guide us through turbulent times.

The first video, Handling the World's Chaos - Live Mindfulness Talk and Guided Meditation, offers insights into navigating the chaos through mindfulness practices.

The second video, Mindfulness in a World on Fire with Jon Kabat Zinn & Anderson Cooper, explores the relevance of mindfulness in our current climate.