Zest!

What does zest look like?
How do I grow it?
Exercise!
Refuel
Become one with nature
Gain autonomy
Do what you love

Those with high levels of zest are full of life and energy, whereas those on the other end of the spectrum are generally lethargic and resigned. People with zest approach setbacks and serendipitous moments with enthusiasm. This excitement can help energize people around them. For instance, when participating in a brainstorming exercise, someone with zest might talk about ideas excitedly, encourage participants to share their ideas, and then help to build on those ideas.

It’s important to know that there are still a lot of open questions about zest, including the degree to which it is a teachable skill and, to the extent it can be learned, how best to teach it. Though the research about zest is still emerging, we do have some ideas about how you might develop zest.

Make a concerted effort to exercise because physical activity can increase your energy and vitality.

Get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.

Find time to engage with the natural environment, as contact with nature can influence vitality.

Play an active role in your decisions, because greater autonomy tends to lead to greater energy and engagement.

Dr. Jonathan Haidt suggests doing something because you want to do it, not because you have to do it. Find your passion. What do you love to do? If you already know what your passion is, then build time for it in your schedule. If you don’t, then try to discover it. What did you love to do when you were younger? Try it again now.