Euphoria
Joy at an intensity that can feel disorienting, often driven by exertion, relief, or a physiological cause rather than an ordinary event.
How it shows up
Euphoria can appear after a long run, a huge relief, a crowd moment at a concert, or sometimes from physiological causes such as certain substances or states. It often feels expansive and whole-body, with racing thoughts and a sense that anything is possible. It can be memorable and bonding. Because its intensity can outrun circumstances, it may also blur judgment, which is part of what separates it from ordinary joy.
How it differs from Joy
Joy fits its moment; euphoria is joy pushed to an intensity that can feel disorienting and loosely tied to any ordinary event.
Notice
If you have felt euphoria, notice what tends to bring it on and how your sense of judgment changes inside it.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the whole body, chest and head.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.