““We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” ”
At times like these, it might be easy to tune into the external happenings and lose sight of the power we have to turn up the light we carry within. It is our choice to experience and create joy, even in the face of world events.
We don’t have to wait for joy to find us. Joy is something we can create for ourselves.
Why Joy Matters
Choosing joy has nothing to do with denying the chaos, struggles, and difficulties that fill the news. It is a process for shoring up our mental health, and strengthening our ability to establish greater creativity, resilience, and connection in our lives. Studies have shown that joy can:
Reduce stress and increase overall well-being. A joyful mindset helps to balance our emotions and lighten the pressure we carry.
Spark creativity. The more we engage in joyful activities, the more open we become to new ideas and inspiration.
Deepen our relationships. Joy is contagious. Our joyful demeanor effects those around us, supporting our connections with others.
Improve physical health. It’s likely to be no surprise, that joy has been linked to lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, and even increasing life expectancy.
In essence, joy is a powerful force… a supportive choice.
7 Methods of Creating More Joy in Your Life
Here are just some of the simple ways for infusing your life with more joy:
1. Be Present in the Moment.
Joy isn’t experienced in the past or the future. It is felt in the here and now. Take a deep breath, observe your surroundings, and take in this present moment.
2. Play with Your Creativity.
When was the last time you created something just for the fun of it? Any form of creative expression opens the door to joy… whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or doodling.
3. Cultivate Gratitude.
Grateful people have an overall higher level of happiness and satisfaction with their lives. They are more easily able to keep the “ups and downs” of life in perspective and look at the good, even during difficult times. (shared from 2014 Post)
4. Move Your Body.
Go for a walk. Stretch. Connect with your body through dance or yoga. Movement helps to release any tension you might be holding and brings in a greater lightness of being.
5. Connect with Others.
A shared laugh, a heartfelt conversation, or even a simple smile can not only brighten up your day, but that of others as well.
6. Surround Yourself with Beauty.
What do you find uplifting in your environment? Choose the art, music, colors, and textures that light you up. Tune into the way you feel in your space, and in the beauty of places you choose to spend time.
7. Give Joy to Others.
One of the most joy filled ways of creating joy, for yourself and for others, is to give it. A kind word, a statement of appreciation, a thoughtful gesture, or an unexpected act of kindness creates ripples of happiness.
So, what brings you joy? How might you create more moments of joy in your life?
You may also be interested in:
Creating JOY: a 30 Day Challenge
JOY is Contagious: Some Simple Moments