Wanting to feel more positive emotions is usually the reason why people come to therapy. Whether it’s to get over an ex, process grief or feel more confident. However, humans are a species of moderation as research shows that too much of anything for a prolonged period, even experiencing too much joy, can be harmful.
What happens in your body when you experience too much joy?
When you experience joy, your body undergoes various physiological and biochemical changes naturally. Experiencing too much joy prolongs the changes brought on by experiencing joy. The mere realisation you are experiencing joy, sets off a range of changes whether you want it to or not. The most notable negative impacts relate to your neurotransmitters, hormones and heart rate. The positive impacts relate to your immune system, fight or flight system and your cognitive function.
Negative physical impacts of too much joy
1. Neurotransmitters
Joyful experiences trigger the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward, serotonin contributes to mood regulation, and endorphins act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
Experiencing dopamine, serotonin and endorphins for prolonged periods of time can become addictive, leaving you to crave them when they’re absent.
2. Hormonal changes
Joy can stimulate the release of hormones such as oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical”. Oxytocin promotes bonding, trust, and feelings of social connection. It can also contribute to a sense of well-being and reduced stress levels.
Experiencing too much joy can leave you misinterpreting the intentions of others i.e., attributing their behaviour to kindness when in fact they were looking to manipulate you to their way of thinking.
3. Increased heart rate
Joyful experiences can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls your ‘fight or flight response’. This physiological response is often associated with excitement and positive arousal.
Experiencing too much joy can cause your heart rate to beat too fast and if that continues for a long period of time, it may cause health problems for you.
Positive physical impacts of too much joy
1. Boosted immune system
Positive emotions, including joy, have been linked to a strengthened immune system. Studies suggest that experiencing joy may enhance the production of antibodies and other immune cells, leading to better overall immune function.
2. Relaxation and stress reduction
Joyful experiences can induce a relaxation response in the body, leading to a decrease in stress hormones like cortisol. This can contribute to a sense of calmness, improved mood, and overall well-being.
3. Improved cognitive function
Positive emotions, including joy, have been associated with enhanced cognitive abilities. They can improve attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity, allowing for more flexible and efficient thinking.
While these physical responses can vary depending on the person’s perception of joy and their life experiences, the duration and intensity of joy can also have an impact on you.
5 Harmful effects of too much joy
1. Emotional exhaustion
Intense joy, just like any extreme emotion, can be physically and mentally draining. Constantly experiencing heightened levels of joy without breaks or periods of relaxation can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
2. Unrealistic expectations
If you become accustomed to constantly experiencing intense joy, or periods of prolonged joy, you might develop unrealistic expectations of life. This can make it difficult for you to cope with everyday challenges or the normal ups and downs of life, potentially leaving you feeling disappointed or dissatisfied when things don’t meet your heightened expectations.
3. Ignoring negative emotions
Excessive joy may cause you to suppress or ignore negative emotions. While it’s human nature to prefer positive emotions, it’s important to acknowledge and address less positive and negative emotions as well. Ignoring them can lead to unresolved issues, potential mental health concerns, and difficulties in developing emotional resilience.
4. Disconnection from reality
Overwhelming joy might lead to a detachment from reality or an inability to see and understand the experiences of others who might not be as fortunate. This could affect your ability to listen, empathize and connect with others on a deeper level.
5. Poor decision-making
Experiencing too much joy may lead to an overarching worldview that everything will work out positively, causing you to not ask enough questions, adequately recognise risks for what they are, or consider consequences. As a result, your behaviour could be perceived as risky or impulsive (Fredrickson, 2001).
With any emotion, it’s crucial to strive for a balance and maintain a healthy range of emotional experiences. Embracing a broad spectrum of emotions, including joy, but also allowing space for other feelings, can contribute to overall emotional well-being. If you find that your emotional state is consistently extreme or affecting your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek support from a mental health professional.
If you would like to discuss your emotional state with me, book in a confidential call and we can discuss strategies to help you manage your emotions more effectively.
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