What makes us truly happy, owning more things or sharing more experiences? Science says the answer is clear, and the Mahjong table proves it tile by tile.
Why Experiences Bring Lasting Happiness
Research shows it’s not “things” that make us happiest, it’s experiences, especially shared ones. Studies in Review of General Psychology and Applied Research in Quality of Life reveal that experiences bring deeper, longer-lasting joy than material purchases.
And here’s the bonus: we get a happiness boost in three stages—when we anticipate the experience, while we’re living it, and when we relive it in memory. That’s a triple win shopping can’t compete with.
American Mahjong as a Happiness Booster
Playing American Mahjong is a perfect example of joy through experience. It’s a game that bridges generations and friend groups, sparking laughter, creativity, and connection every time tiles hit the table.
Yes, the NMJL card changes each year, but the bonds, inside jokes, and memories you build last far longer than anything you could buy.
How Mahjong Aligns with the Happiness Files: 5 Keys to Joy
Arthur C. Brooks outlines ten keys to happiness in The Happiness Files. Five of them line up beautifully with what happens around a Mahjong table:
- Keep Your Mind Active – Mahjong is a mental workout. The shifting NMJL card challenges memory, logic, and strategy, keeping your brain sharp.
- Be Nice to Others – Courtesy and patience are part of the culture. Mistakes? We laugh, correct, and keep the game moving.
- Join a Club – Classes, weekly meetups, and special events create a welcoming community where friendships deepen.
- Build Connections Outside of Work – Mahjong draws players across ages and backgrounds, opening doors to new circles and friendships.
- Give Back and Be Generous – Teaching a beginner, inviting someone new, or celebrating another’s win are everyday acts of kindness around the table.
The Brain Chemistry of Mahjong: Nature’s Happy Boosters
Think of Mahjong as a natural way to activate your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals:
- Dopamine (Motivation & Reward): Every small wins like spotting a pattern and progressing toward a hand, or finally calling “Mahjong!” delivers a rewarding dopamine boost.
- Oxytocin (Connection & Belonging): Passing tiles, sharing a table, and encouraging each other fosters bonding and trust.
- Endorphins (Laughter & Fun): Human connection triggers endorphins. A shared laugh over a surprising win is stress relief in its purest form.
Mahjong as a Happiness Practice
When you sit down at the Mahjong table, you’re doing more than playing a game—you’re:
- Exercising your brain with strategy and memory
- Boosting happy brain chemicals with wins, laughter, and connection
- Building community with people you care about (and new friends too)
- Living with purpose through generosity, presence, and play
As Arthur C. Brooks reminds us, happiness is rooted in purpose, connection, and kindness. Mahjong offers all of that—plus the fun of cracking a new hand.
Choosing Tiles Over Things
So next time you’re tempted to shop for happiness, skip the cart and pick up the tiles. Pull up a chair, laugh with friends, and savor the kind of joy that lasts long after the last tile is played.
Sources:
How Happier People Spend Their Money, Backed by Considerable Science
Continue Reading:
Stay Connected with Mahj Mind
Got a question or idea? Email us: MahjMind@gmail.com
Join the community: Mahj Mind AZ Facebook Group
Leave a comment