#NationalDayofJoy
What is the National Day of Joy?
The National Day of Joy, founded by Comfort Keepers®, is about finding joy in everyday moments. Too often, the pursuit of joy is relegated to the background of people’s lives as they tackle their day-to-day responsibilities. But finding joy, no matter your age, is important for maintaining your physical health, mental health, and overall well-being.
When you experience joy, you can’t help but wear a smile on your face and allow yourself to laugh – which is literally great medicine for your body. The Mayo Clinic reports that, physiologically, laughter enhances your intake of oxygen and stimulates your heart, lungs and organs. Laughter also releases endorphins into your brain, relieves your stress response and soothes tension. Beyond a quick pick-me-up, finding joy and laughter improves your immune system by reducing negative thoughts that can increase stress and decrease the body’s immune response. Finding joy also helps to improve mood, ease anxiety and even helps to lessen depression.
The National Day of Joy was inaugurated in 2019 by Comfort Keepers, a provider of in-home care for seniors and other adults. As part of the first annual Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers released the results of its National State of Joy survey, which polled Americans on what brings the most joy into their lives. The survey found that people with the greatest levels of joy are older, with those over 60 averaging higher levels of joy than 18-29 year old’s and those 45-60.
Additionally, Day of Joy events were held in cities and states nationwide, newspapers, magazines and television news programs reported on the Day of Joy, and thousands shared their experiences on social media.
Comfort Keepers believes that promoting joy in our clients’ lives is our most important job. Regardless of their age, the people we care for desire all the same things that people of any age do – connectedness, love, meaning, purpose, and hope. When seniors find joy in their lives, Comfort Keepers research has found that it benefits both them and their adult children who will have peace of mind knowing that their parents are happy and safe. In turn, this gives adult children the freedom to undertake their own family priorities and enables a more meaningful child-parent relationship versus a stress-filled, caregiver-parent relationship. As the U.S. population grows older and the ranks of those 65 and over swell to encompass a fifth of the U.S. population by just 2030 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), Comfort Keepers believes that helping seniors find joy will benefit our clients, their families and our nation.
Now more than ever, it is important for us all to celebrate the simple things that bring us joy.
Who created this day?
This day was founded by
Comfort Keepers in 2019.
How should this day be celebrated?
Take time, whether it’s five minutes, 15 minutes, an hour or a whole day, to
focus on an activity or activities that bring you joy. Spread the
joy by smiling and saying ‘Hello’ to a stranger, or sharing your
Day of Joy activity on social media using #NationalDayofJoy.
Comfort Keepers National Day of Joy
Annually the 4th Wednesday in June
We believe in celebrating moments of joy every day. Start today by sharing something that brought you joy this week, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Comment below to share a moment that made you smile - we all need some positivity!
2020 National State of Joy Survey Results
What Brings Us Joy?
We asked thousands of Americans in different regions of the country, what brings them the most joy in our National State of Joy Survey.
- West
- Midwest
- Southwest
- Southeast
- Northeast
If we have learned one thing in 2020, it is that even in difficult times we all have the capacity to experience joy, and to spread joy to others.
Our National Day of Joy survey confirms what we know to be true:
The World Needs More Joy
- Ninety percent (90%) of people surveyed agree that “the world needs more joy.”
- Eighty-five (85%) percent agree that finding joy is more important now more than ever.
- Eight in ten agree that the world doesn’t seem to have as much joy as it used to.
Simple Activities Bring the Most Joy
Sixty-one percent (61%) responded that family dinners brought them the most joy. This was followed by:
- Time spent outside (60%)
- Watching a favorite TV or movie (58%)
- Receiving a hug from a friend or loved one (58%)
- Listening to favorite song (65%)
Joyful Activities Have Changed Since COVID-19
Many individuals are enjoying certain activities now that they did not have time to do before COVID-19, including:
- Spending time with family (33%)
- Reading (32%)
- Taking walks (28%)
- Almost three-quarters (72%) agree that technology has brought them a lot of joy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Too often, the pursuit of joy is relegated to the background of our lives as we tackle our day-to-day responsibilities. But it doesn’t take much to lift ourselves and others – sharing a hug, taking a walk, listening to music or just spending time together are easy ways to experience and share uplifting moments.
Finding and sharing joy, no matter your age, can help brighten someone’s day and improve our physical health, mental health, and overall well-being.
The only question left to ask is….
What brings you joy?
Join the movement and share your moments, whether big or small, using hashtag #NationalDayofJoy on social media. We’ll be there to celebrate with you!
Celebrations
Comfort Keepers offices around the country celebrated joy on June 24, 2020. Clients, caregivers, referral partners and local businesses were part of the celebrations, which had a unique look this year!
Below are some of the submitted photos from all over the United States. #NationalDayofJoy
National Day of Joy in the News
Comfort Keepers Honors CareOne Healthcare Heroes, Celebrates National Day of Joy
JUNE 29, 2020
On Wednesday, June 24th, Comfort Keepers of Shrewsbury celebrated their Annual National Day of Joy by choosing to honor CareOne healthcare workers at multiple locations, with the simple joy of ice cream!
Read MorePhysical, Social Needs Catered To With Elder Care Services From Comfort Keepers
JUNE 29, 2020
With Comfort Keepers’ elder care services, Santa Clarita seniors can limit the number of people to whom they’re exposed during the coronavirus pandemic while maintaining physical and social health.
Read MorePortage senior living community celebrates National Day of Joy
JUNE 24, 2020
Family and friends of residents in Portage senior living community celebrated the National Day of Joy with a car parade Wednesday.
Read MoreComfort Keepers Celebrates Annual National Day of Joy
JUNE 24, 2020
A northern Michigan company spent Wednesday spreading joy across the area. Comfort Keepers in Traverse City celebrated its second annual National Day of Joy.
Read MoreMiles Nielsen and Kelly Steward perform virtual concert for National Day of Joy
JUNE 24, 2020
Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward took to their guitars Wednesday evening to perform a virtual concert playing uplifting songs for people to enjoy on this National Day of Joy.
Read MoreSunny 99.9 Live with Comfort Keepers El Paso
JUNE 24, 2020
Andrew J. Polk talking more about Day of Joy with Comfort Keepers El Paso!
Read MoreThe sweet delivery was part of Comfort Keepers' annual Day of Joy
JUNE 24, 2020
"We just hope to see smiles," Comfort Keepers delivers treats to seniors
Read MoreComfort Keepers Celebrates National Day of Joy – June 24, 2020
JUNE 15, 2020
Comfort Keepers® of Berks County, a leading provider of in-home senior care, will celebrate the National Day of Joy on June 24, 2020.
Read MoreIsolated Seniors Miss Hugs From Loved Ones More Than Anything Else During COVID-19
JUNE 14, 2020
A new survey of American adults aims to answer some questions about how the coronavirus lockdown is taking a toll on people’s emotions.
Read MoreLove After Lockdown! People Can't Wait to Give Hugs After the Pandemic Is Over
JUNE 12, 2020
In a world where people are made to stay six feet apart, it's no wonder they're missing hugs big time! Americans 65 and over are no exception, per a new study from Comfort Keepers.
Read MoreComfort Keepers celebrates National Day of Joy
JUNE 12, 2020
The National Day of Joy, which takes place on the last Wednesday in June, was established by in 2019 to help inspire and encourage people to experience joy and share it with others; an action that has become more meaningful in the current Covid-19 environment.
Read MoreComfort Keepers Celebrates 2nd Annual National Day Of Joy; Releases Survey That Finds 9 In 10 Americans Believe The World Needs More Joy
JUNE 10, 2020
Read MoreStudy: What Americans over 65 miss this the most about pre-pandemic life
JUNE 10, 2020
Half of Americans 65 and over confessed to missing the physical intimacy of hugs during COVID-19, a new survey revealed. Fifty-seven percent are eagerly awaiting the chance to embrace a loved one as soon as they can. The survey also showed that this population is also craving time with family (48%), their "regular" routines (40%), and their freedom (51%).
Read MoreTODAY Show's Hoda & Jenna
JUNE 26, 2019
Maria Shriver and Jenna Bush Hager discuss National Day of Joy and what brings them joy.
Read MoreGood News, America. Survey Says We Get More Joyful As We Age.
JUNE 25, 2019
Comfort Keepers is so committed to promoting joy and inspiring others to make the world a more joyful place, that the company registered the last Wednesday in June as the National Day of Joy.
Read More