You can be healthier and happier when inspired
And now for something completely different: inspiration. I say that half seriously, but you’ll have to admit that the world, perhaps even your own particular world, is too much the opposite these days—a daily downer.
Depressed moods can trigger a downward spiral in overall health, so what to do? Getting those endorphins flowing from exercise and rewarding experiences like listening to your favorite music and nibbling on really good chocolate is one way.
But there’s another hack psychologists have been paying more and more attention to. Do you remember how it felt when you saw Simone Biles land a triple-double in gymnastics or when Caitlin Clark scored points like a Marvel Comics heroine during her rookie WNBA season? Or, even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, when a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon like Shohei Ohtani explodes on the MLB scene?
Didn’t it feel good? Weren’t you inspired?
The Science of Inspiration
Writing in The New York Times, Brad Stulberg, author and speaker on health, well-being and sustainable excellence, noted, “Human inspiration has long been a subject of investigation. A study a decade ago, co-written by the psychologists Victoria Oleynick and Todd Thrash, divided how humans perceive inspiration into two categories: inspired by and inspired to. In layperson’s terms, we can find ourselves inspired by a peak performer like Ohtani, and then we can use that inspiration as motivation to strive for our own goals and get the best out of ourselves.”
Inspiration does not come from great athletes only, of course.
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Look outside. There’s a reason the mindfulness practice of forest bathing can be so restorative: Nature’s aura, its multiple splendors, inspires awe and often leads to personal growth and motivation.
“Watching the world through [my sons’] eyes reminds me to stay curious, present and optimistic.”
—Rebecca DeLuca, vice president of destination sales for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Look inside. Reflecting on your own past experiences, especially those that have widened your horizons and shaped your values, can offer new—or renewed—insights and recharge your spirit and courage to push forward. Negative lessons, it should be noted, can also inspire by reminding yourself how you overcame past adversity to avoid repeating mistakes.
Look to those in need. Helping others, whether through generosity, compassion or being a mentor, can be indelibly inspiring. So can trying to make a difference in the world around you by supporting causes—via time or donations—and thought leaders working to make changes you care about.
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Nothing is more dependable a source of inspiration than art, in all its forms—even old movies and the books they came from. There’s a reason It’s a Wonderful Life, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Color Purple are so beloved and rewatched.
Snowballing Inspiration
The really, well, inspiring thing about inspiration is that it creates a positive feedback loop. It’s been said the psychology of inspiration works like a snowball rolling down a hill. One study demonstrated that college students who were inspired not only made greater strides toward goals but kept raising the bar to ever-greater achievement.
So, as an antidote to fraught times, look to be inspired wherever you can. You may not have to look far. Witness Rebecca DeLuca, vice president of destination sales for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and a Smart Women in Meetings winner:
“While inspiration is not difficult to find in a destination like Las Vegas, my primary source comes from my sons. Watching the world through their eyes reminds me to stay curious, present and optimistic. They approach life with fearless creativity and pure joy, which pushes me to lead with heart, stay adaptable and keep perspective—even when things get hectic. As a mother, I look to prioritize what really matters and motivates me to build a life—and a legacy—that they’ll be proud of. It reminds me that success isn’t just about titles or outcomes; it’s about how you show up, treat others and stay true to who you are.”
This article appears as “Yes!” in the May 2025 issue. Subscribe to the magazine here.
