Joy is an emotion, and emotions are physical sensations in our bodies. We express the emotion of joy in many physical ways. For example, we jump for joy when we win a competition, or some other occasion… We squeal with delight after getting a surprise gift and feel exuberant when we hear great news. We feel jubilant on beautiful day or when we enjoy some sunshine at the beach in summer’s season.
How often do you feel joy? As children, joy was a familiar feeling for most. As we aged, we’re engaged into so many rules and commitments. We start climbing the career ladder, raising families, and committing to create our financial freedom. Engaged into all of this, we often loose the sense of presence in our own lives and joy that comes along with. These worthy goals and desires are important milestones, but our fulfillment comes with having more joy in our life, discovering our purpose and contribution to the world around. The fact is, when we feel joy, we feel great about ourselves. We feel confident, powerful, capable, lovable, grounded, and fulfilled. Here are nine ways to experience more joy in our life.
- Release the past and take responsibility for your life!
When you dwell in the past, it prevents you from having the clarity to focus on the joy in the present. Whatever your pass experience, might be you’ve lost a loved one, ended a relationship or have been struggling financially, they are valid reasons to feel down. Allow yourself the space to express the emotions that comes with them but learn about yourself from these experiences and emotions, then drop. You deserve to feel joy again.
- Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude will move you from the past to experiencing the joy in your life. Choosing to be optimistic and focusing on good things in life, trains your brain to feel joy more often. When you are grateful, fear leave space to abundance. Gratitude creates a cycle of positive emotions, and the more you practice gratitude, the more positive emotions you will feel.
- Honor yourself consciously and frequently.
Joy doesn’t come from others; it comes from within. Interrupting negative thoughts about yourself and replacing them with statements that honor yourself, such as, “I’m fine the way I am. I’m whole and complete. I always do my best. I can do this. I love myself. Focusing on the good and what you did well, writing down self-appreciations are the things that reinforce your self-concepts.
- Give yourself a break from day-to-day world.
Nurture yourself. Set up a time, just for you, when you can disconnect from daily responsibilities and get away from the noise, stimulation, and demands of your world. Joy comes easily when we focus on our own needs in a caring and loving way. Get a massage. Close the door, put your feet up, and watch the world outside your window. Take a nap. These activities replenish you and give your body a chance to feel pure joy.
- Surround yourself with positive people
Surrounding yourself with positive attitude people is vital to every area of your life because it will be nearly impossible for you to feel pessimistic. They’ll lift your spirits and help you find the good in any situation. Letting go of people who don’t make you feel joy – or who actively work against it – isn’t always easy but hanging them around with their toxic negativity is what’s holding you back.
- Engage in an activity that’s pleasurable and feels like play.
Do an uplifting and enjoyable activity that’s not goal-oriented, but just plain fun. A few examples include playing around with your dog, dancing, hiking, looking at beautiful art, enjoying a concert, or making love. Play and other activities that don’t have a purpose other than helping us feel relaxed and happy keep our mind focused in the present. The present is where joy lives.
- Actively seek joy through inspiration.
Another way to get more joy into our lives is to engage on activities that stretch our perceptions and take us out of ordinary day-to-day life. Engaging in meditation and prayer are two ways to produce a feeling of well-being, serenity, and joy. Being alone in nature is another way to feel the joy of beauty.
- Create positive daily rituals
Purposely engaging in activities that give you more joy in your life starts with your mindset, and your daily routine has a powerful effect on your state of mind. Exercise is proven to reduce depression. Even a 15-minute walk or run per day can boost your mood. So, explore a movement you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Also eating pleasurable food while minding their properties is just as important. Adding mindfulness practices like priming, meditation or journaling will help you feel joy on a daily basis.
- Be fully present
We live in a fast-paced world, always planning our next move, searching for that perfect relationship, or hustling into work. The truth these days are when we do relax, we’re glued to our phones – and social media constantly reminds us of what we’re missing. How can we feel joy when we are always searching for something better? Unplug. Focus on the present. Notice what’s around you and savor it. That’s true joy.
- Find your purpose
When you’ve set yourself up for success through gratitude, empowering daily rituals, and mindfulness, you’re ready and have the clarity to find your purpose. Your purpose goes beyond your career or short-term goals. It’s what gives your life meaning. It’s what you most want to accomplish in life. It’s your legacy. What makes you feel joy? What do you want to be remembered for?
Having clarity around your purpose and engaging into making a difference in others’ lives brings meaning to your own lives. This is why learning how to have more joy in your life always involves contribution for you to feel complete. You don’t need money to find fulfillment through giving. All you need is a desire to do good in the world and the drive to donate your time, skills, or expertise to a cause.
Wrapping up, the most important thing is to learn to relax and enjoy the process. Take your journey one good feeling at a time. Life is constantly changing, and what you put out is what you receive.
Thanks for passing by my site,
Sending you most love and light!
To your success,
Cecile