Each new day is what you make of it. And while life can truly send us some serious and unexpected curveballs, the way we face these situations can say a lot about who we are.
Fortunately, there are many people out there who choose to face each day with a feeling of joy. This positive and uplifting energy can be a real benefit to others and to society. And while I may not always be in a good mood, I do try to put my best foot forward whenever possible.
Just like there are ways we can improve our own lives by learning from our canine friends, there are just as many ways we can improve our lives by adding in large doses of joy.
This exclusive list takes a look at 12 easy ways we can add joy into our lives on a daily basis. These uplifting methods are a simple reminder that we do have more control over our own happiness than we sometimes think.
Personally, I plan to try as many of these as I can today!
Which of these ideas will you try in order to up the joy levels in your life? Let us know in the comments.
1. Make a Joy List
Start a journal. Take the time each day to write down the things you are grateful for and the things that make you the happiest.
Kicking your day off with this daily ritual is an incredible way to inject your life with positivity.
And whenever you are feeling down, simply take a trip back to your joy journal as a reminder of all of the people and things that make you happy.
2. Practice Kindness
Make time for others. While there are many selfless reasons to practice kindness, why not try it for selfish reasons?
Being kind to others makes you feel good. A joyful existence is one that involves empathy and love. Volunteer at a shelter. Give a stranger a smile. Reach out to a friend in need.
Sending out kind vibes to others will pay dividends in the joy department later on.
3. Stay Active
Get up and get active! Take a swim class. Go for a walk. Ride a bike. There are so many ways you can inject a little joy into your day with physical activity.
There is real science behind the theory that staying active adds joy to your life: exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happier.
And why not bring a friend along to make the activity even more special?
4. Live in the Moment
Sometimes we can get caught up in the problems of the past or the uncertainty of the future.
But right now, in this very moment, you have the capability of being happy.
Escape your brain for a while. Find a quiet space and clear your head. Focus on your breathing.
Living in the present moment is an incredible way to remind yourself of all you have to be thankful for.
5. Dance Like No One's Watching
You've heard this saying before, but it's effects can be undeniably positive.
Whether someone is watching or not, why not dance your heart out? Who cares what other people think?
Putting your whole heart and your whole passion into whatever it is you love to do can be so rewarding.
Dance to the beat of your own drum. Dance like no one's watching. A joyful existence will quickly follow.
6. Try Something New
One of the ways we lose the joy in life is by allowing things to get stale. So take control, and shake things up a bit!
Try a new experience. Put yourself out there. There are an infinite number of possibilities.
What do you have on your "bucket list" that you haven't checked off yet? Go skydiving. Ask out that crush you've been eyeing.
Getting outside of your comfort zone and trying something new can be quite fulfilling.
7. Snuggle and Cuddle
Love and physical interaction is one of the best ways to up your joy levels.
Whether you have a romantic partner, or a pet that you love to death, snuggling and cuddling can be massively satisfying.
There is nothing quite like the connection between two loving creatures who share the incredible gift of touch.
8. Laugh Until You Cry
They say that laughter really is the best medicine. And there is no faster way for a "quick fix" of joy than to laugh so hard that you cry.
If you have someone in your life that knows how to give you the giggles, keep that person as close as possible.
If not, find a friend and watch a hilarious movie. There is nothing like a good laugh to chase away the blues.
9. Embrace Your Inner Child
We all remember how easy and carefree childhood was. Well, that feeling doesn't have to be a distant memory.
Embrace your inner child. Find ways to play in your day-to-day life. Who says you're too old to hop on a swing at the playground? Why not play a game of hide-and-seek with your nieces and nephews?
Reminding yourself about the joys of childhood will bring you joy in the here-and-now.
10. Stimulate Your Senses
Sure, we all know that we're supposed to stop and smell the roses. But what if we really did take a good whiff?
Our senses are directly connected to the pleasure centers of our brain.
Make yourself a delicious dinner. Stop in that bakery that smells so good every time you pass. Take a long, luxurious bath with lavender bath salts.
Stimulate your senses, and you will stimulate your sense of joy as well.
11. Make Something
A sense of accomplishment can be a great source of joy. But that doesn't mean you have to be a master DIY-er.
Making something really just is about the gratification of starting a project and seeing it through to completion.
Put together a jigsaw puzzle. Try a new lasagna recipe. Build a simple birdhouse for your backyard.
Making something can be such a rewarding experience.
12. Take in Nature
It might just be time to sit down and watch the sunset. Or perhaps you should go for a hike in the woods. Maybe you should take a stroll on the beach.
Being in and around nature can absolutely feed your soul and provide a deep feeling of joy.
Find a time in each day to appreciate the world around you, and your happiness levels will certainly climb.
These amazing ideas for finding joy can truly make life a whole lot better.
Which of these will you be trying yourself? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE these joyful ideas with friends and family!
