Eudaimonia is a new word I learnt last week! 🙂

I first heard this word used by an astronomer sharing their awe-inspiring pictures taken after a frustrating hour of searching for a specific star collection, and the joy of finally capturing this on their telescope.

Eudaimonia!

Turns out that the word comes from an ancient Greek concept, often translated as “flourishing” or “living a life of purpose”.

It’s about fulfilment and well-being.

And from this story, I reflected that eudaimonia could also be applied to the “small” things.

Small things that add up – for well-being and joy.

📍What’s meaningful to you?

This can come in all shapes and sizes!

From the small moments, to the bigger picture.

Meaningful moments add up.

A connecting conversation. Helping out a neighbour. A kind gesture to a colleague.

Perhaps it’s about the joy of learning. Creating.

Developing a new skill through consistent effort and practice.

Or perhaps it’s part of a bigger picture (your “bigger why”) e.g. your family, or creating a positive impact in your profession, or with your community.

So, what does this have to do with your brain health, you may wonder?

📍Eudaimonia for your brain health

Here are three ways eudaimonia can benefit your brain health

🌟1️⃣ Reduce Stress and Inflammation

A life with more joy can lower stress levels, reduce circulating inflammatory molecules in your body, and could benefit brain health. Excessive inflammation is linked with anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.

🌟2️⃣ Enhance Cognitive Function

Learning new skills or engaging in meaningful work, stimulates brain regions involved in thinking and problem-solving, enhancing cognitive abilities and promoting long-term brain health.

🌟3️⃣ Increase Neuroplasticity

Eudaimonia encourages personal growth, which supports neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections. This adaptability builds your brain resilience

📍Practical tips for more Eudaimonia in your life

One practical way to embrace eudaimonia in daily life is through mindful living.

Simple practices like daily gratitude, mindful breathing, and engaging in purposeful activities can reinforce eudaimonia.

By living with purpose, nurturing positive relationships, and practising mindfulness, you can achieve a flourishing mind and body.

This made me reflect on my own practice recently – with the sharing of brain health tips to thrive, e.g. in these Thursday Tips [TT] and some upcoming podcast interviews.

My mission is to share high-quality, actionable information that empowers people to improve their brain health and well-being.

And I hope you are enjoying these Tips!

📍Question for you today:

What would you do today to create a few moments of joy?

Wishing you meaningful moments and joy 😊

Dr Sui Wong MD FRCP