Finding happiness and joy in your daily routine might seem impossible when you are slogging from one end of the city to the other to get to your job, buy groceries, and back again. When the weather is gloomy outside and the cloud cover is near-constant, you tend to feel tired and ready to crawl under a blanket whenever you can. Try to reframe life’s twists and turns and find joy in the everyday moments. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Seek Laughter
Let your hair down, so to speak, by visiting a comedy club with your friends or significant other. Sit down, have a drink (or not), and let yourself go. Feel free to laugh at the hilarity and enjoy your surroundings. When everyone in the same space is smiling, the mood is infectious. There is just something about giggling like a little kid when you are an adult that leaves you feeling more relaxed and energised at the same time.
Express Gratitude
From time to time, you have surely experienced a feeling of pleasure or joy after saying thank you. Showing others how you feel through simple yet kind words is a meaningful way to connect with the people around you while making you both feel good. Send someone helpful in your life a thank you note, such as a mentor, a neighbour who watered your garden, or your mum when she watched your children at a moment’s notice.
Another way to express gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. It is an easy way to put your private thoughts on paper and document things you are grateful for. Watch this video for tips on how to begin.
Sometimes, you become so busy in your day-to-day schedule that you rush by things you see every day. Take a moment to stop and smell the proverbial roses – truly. If you see a beautiful flower, bend down and give it a sniff. The scent might evoke a lovely memory of playing in the garden at your beloved grandmother’s home. Look at the architecture of the old buildings you pass on the way to work. Pay attention to the details and consider the history and effort that went into creating the world around you. Even if these things do not spark joy, they might bring a moment or two of awe and inspiration that makes you smile.
Wake Up Earlier
This tip may seem odd. However, consider the average morning. If you get up early or on time, good for you! If you tend to hit the snooze button more than you should, consider waking up earlier. You will give yourself more time to get ready and look your best so you can feel your best. In addition, you might carve out a few minutes to step into the garden with your morning cuppa and enjoy an amazing sunrise or sit at the window on a cosy day and watch the rain patter down whilst reading a chapter in your latest book. Leisure time, even if for a few moments, can bring anyone joy.
Look for joy and connect with it in your daily activities. Laugh when you can and treat yourself to a night out of fun. Show others how much you appreciate them by saying thank you. You will be amazed at how you feel a little bit happier when you find joy.