10 Simple Strategies for Finding the Joy in the Everyday
Category: Depression // Misc.
With these simple strategies, finding joy in the everyday can make your life that much richer!
Topic Of Discussion
It’s normal to think big when thinking about the joy in life: weddings, the birth of a child, that awesome vacation – and those are incredibly joyful things! But even on the most average days, joy is all around us, and if we seek it out, our lives can be that much richer.
Having trouble finding joy in the everyday? Read on for simple strategies to make it easier!
Get clear on what joy means to you:
We tend to use “joy” and “happiness” interchangeably, but where happiness is a feeling, joy is more of a state of being connected to finding your purpose. In other words, finding joy might look different for different people. Gaining clarity on what it looks like for you will make it easier to find.
Don’t go it alone:
Joy tends to feed on itself. There’s perhaps no better way to find your own joy than by surrounding yourself with others who are seeking theirs. Grow together!
Do your best to stay present:
Sure, not every moment is joyous. But even if you’re just standing in line at the grocery store, try looking around yourself before you let your mind wander. By staying in the present, you have a better chance of finding joy there!
Cozy up your spaces:
Make your personal spaces joyful to find your own joy. Whether it’s with a splurge like new bedding or simply pulling a favorite blanket out of the linen closet, a happier, cozier space is an especially easy way to find more joy in your life.
Take time to enjoy yourself:
It’s in the word itself – seeking enJOYment is quite literally the act of finding joy. So make time in your schedule to seek it out. Maybe you already know what you enjoy, or if you don’t, use this time to explore new hobbies and interests.
Go outside:
A great way to enjoy yourself! Whether on a hike or just sitting in the grass, the joys of nature can be hard to resist and worth trying when your joy-meter is low!
Set some boundaries around the negative:
It’s important to stay up-to-date on current events, but focusing too much on bad news, especially during tough times, can make joy that much harder to reach. Next time you’re checking the headlines (or doing anything else that draws your focus towards the negative) set a timer and take breaks.
Keep an eye out for the positive:
No matter how solid your boundaries on the negative might be, joy can still be hard to reach if you’re not looking for it. If you keep your eyes open, you might see joy-sparking acts of kindness or moments in nature to brighten up even the darkest days.
Make lists:
And if your visibility for joy is especially low, why not open your journal, phone notes, or just find a piece of paper and make a list of things that make you feel joyful? It might help you focus-in on what to look for as you watch for the positive.
Learn to let go:
If it’s been a hard day, take comfort from these words from Ralph Waldo Emerson and try again tomorrow! “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
Wrapping it up
If a difficult phase of life is making it especially hard to find joy in the everyday, our understanding therapists at Tri-Star Counseling want to help you. Schedule an appointment today to start getting back on track.
Brent Metcalf, LCSW
