''Joy" …. a feeling that involves the way we engage with the world. Colours seem brighter, physical movements feel freer and easier, and smiling happens involuntarily. These days our joy seems to get sucked right out of us by the daily stresses of work, chores, deadlines, finances, and having to navigate a seemingly chaotic world. We always say to ourselves, "I will be happy when ….". Sound familiar? The truth is, we can always find ways, both big and small, to enjoy life even in the most challenging of times.
Little things in daily life can bring us true happiness
In our fast-paced lives, we never stop to smell the proverbial roses. Set aside time to enjoy simple pleasures. Seek out the beauty around you. Studies have shown that there is a beauty/happiness connection, which is partly due to the fact that appreciation of beauty taps into similar emotions that one feels when one experiences great happiness. Beauty rewards the pleasure centres of the brain and as such it is wonderful to consider that “a thing of beauty is a joy forever”. Enjoy being out in nature, prepare your favourite meal, watch a glorious sunset, read a great book, plant a garden, take a long bath, or light a candle. These are some of the simple ways in which one can buffer time between obligations to enjoy the simple pleasures that are accessible to us at little or no cost.
Stop complaining
A constant expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something can cast a shadow of negativity that sucks the joy out of life. Instead of feeling resentful about chores, for example, see them in a positive light and recognize how blessed you are to have a home to clean or a family to cook for and care for. Even when we feel like a complaint is justified, find the lesson in the experience and use it as an opportunity for personal growth, helping you to, more easily, overcome future challenges.
Seek tranquility and quiet
Set time aside every day to turn off your computer and mobile phone and disconnect from the constant onslaught of media and technology and let your mind find peace, stillness and calm. Being in the present moment means not worrying about the past or fearing the future. Studies show that people who focus on seeking pleasure in the moment are happier and more productive.
Banish Fear
Fear, real or imagined, is a threat of harm. While there are certain things that trigger fear in most of us, we can learn to become afraid of nearly anything or we can teach ourselves that most fears are not warranted and can be overcome. We cannot enjoy life when we are constantly scared that the sky might fall on our head. Learn to manage what is within your control and let the rest go, and aim to become a light-hearted and optimistic influence on those around you. What you give out, you get back!
Improve Yourself
All of us are works in progress. Personal development helps you improve your self-esteem and love yourself more because you become the person you want to be. Improve your habits, appearance, skills – whatever you wish to improve on. You will learn to respect, accept and love who you already are, which brings with it a feeling of joy.
Deepen Connections
It is important to build on relationships that are significant to you because they will lower depression and anxiety as well as lessen any sense of loneliness in your life. Relationships create a sense of belonging and purpose. Reach out to relatives and loved ones face-to-face. Many of us have lost these special connections in the light of the events of the past few years.
Revisit Play
Play for adults is critical in our stressful lives. Play has been shown to release endorphins, improve brain functionality and stimulate creativity. Play helps us feel younger and more energetic. Rekindling a sense of play can reinvigorate your creativity and bring more enjoyment to your life. Kick a ball outside, paint a picture or do anything that makes you feel young at heart.
Embrace Gratitude
Having an attitude of gratitude shifts your focus from yourself to appreciating someone or something else and is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improves your health, helps you deal with adversity, and builds stronger relationships. A daily gratitude practice reminds us just how amazing, delightful, and enjoyable life really is.