Why The Little Book of Chanukah is the summer read for a dose of happiness – a new book that reveals Thailand’s secret to a happy life
Recent years have seen us all look to other cultures for guidance on how to live our lives. Now it’s time to meet the new hero of happiness – Sanuk!
Sanuk is a Thai concept that can be loosely translated as “fun”. Although sanuk is actually much more than that. it is about achieving pleasure, satisfaction and harmony in all aspects of life.
It’s a happier, more optimistic way of life, and it’s something we can all learn to embrace.
Being close to friends and family is what makes a top sanuk experience. But you can inject sanuk into all aspects of your life. Deeply rooted in Thai culture, sanuk is a guiding principle in the daily lives of Thais.
Being close to friends and family is what makes a top sanuk experience
Everything should be as pleasant as possible. Nothing is taken too seriously and anything worth doing should contain some element of sanuk. You know sanuk when you feel it – and Thais believe it’s the little things that make up a happy life.
If hygge is snuggling under a cashmere blanket by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate as storms rage outside, Sanuk is a laugh-filled picnic with friends, family and kids on a warm, sunny day.
Here’s how to channel the Sanuk spirit for your happiest summer yet…
Prioritize fun
When was the last time you had fun? Maybe it was meeting old friends over dinner as you retold familiar stories that still bring tears to your eyes, or maybe it was playing with your kids, laughing with a co-worker over a joke, singing together at a concert or helping neighbors make your community a better place to live.
Whatever the occasion, chances are it triggered a feeling in you that left you wanting more. The joy of being completely in the moment and stress-free is a magical state when we feel truly alive.
But what if you could bring that feeling of lightness to all areas of your life, every day?
There is a famous Thai proverb that says: “Don’t seize the day. Just tickle his belly.’ It is a reminder that joy and fun are found in all elements of life.
Sanuk encourages us to bring more joy into our lives by reconnecting with loved ones, embracing new connections, and coming together to help make the world a better place, one smile at a time.
The impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of all of us has been enormous. It’s never been more important to see what brings us joy, so we can actively try to create more play and spontaneity in our lives.
It has never been more important to see what brings us joy
If you think it’s impossible to plan for fun, try this. Think back to when you had the best time. Who were the people you were with? Make an effort to meet them. what did you do Schedule this activity. It really can be that simple.
In fact, the gustatory thrill of waiting can be as much fun as the event itself. Children are masters at this. Anyone who has spent time with a child under 10 in the weeks leading up to Christmas knows that anticipation for the big day is a big part of the excitement.
Looking ahead brings more joy than looking back, with a study into the link between anticipation and happiness finding that when it comes to holidays, just planning or anticipating your trip can make you happier than not you really do
The ways in which we sabotage ourselves are familiar to clinical psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd, whose area of expertise is adult mental health. Hibberd believes that we should learn to prioritize pleasurable activities.
“The time doesn’t always have to be productive,” says Hibberd.
“It’s important to do things just for fun, with no expected outcome or purpose beyond having fun.
“As children we know the importance of fun, but somewhere along the line it gets lost as we move into adulthood and move down the priority list.
“Play is important for happiness and creativity, and it’s something we should actively keep in our lives.”
READ MORE: 4 Steps to Happiness – From Ancient Yogic Wisdom
What does science say..
Studies have found some of the reasons why having fun for its own sake can improve our emotional well-being. When we do pleasurable activities, dopamine, the feel-good hormone, is released, which boosts positivity and can counteract feelings of hopelessness and anxiety.
Doing fun things also provides a source of something called eustress, a type of positive stress that can contribute to feelings of optimism and excitement about life.
There are also physical benefits. Research by Professor Matthew Zawadzki, a health psychologist at the University of California, Merced, has shown that when people engage in leisure activities, they have a lower heart rate and more psychological engagement – meaning less boredom, which can help prevent unhealthy behaviors .
Studies have found some of the reasons why having fun for its own sake can improve our emotional well-being
Having fun also gives us the opportunity to connect and bond with others, one of the key factors when it comes to sanuk.
Ten free ways to have fun:
1. Head to the nearest park with a friend (or 10), a ball and a frisbee.
2. Host a game night. board games, cards, trivia quizzes.
3. Invite friends over for dinner, everyone brings a dish.
4. Organize a clothes swap with your friends.
5. Check out a new neighborhood.
6. Make a time capsule of things that sum up life as it is now.
7. Have a mini spa day with friends. DIY facials, manicures, massages.
8. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog.
9. Have a culture day. visit your local free museum, watch a classic movie.
10. Swap houses for a night with friends who live somewhere completely different.
The Little Book of Sanuk: The Thai Secret To a More Joyful Life by Karen Sinotok (HarperCollins, 12.99) is for sale now and available for purchase on Amazon.
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