Do you ever feel like you struggle with finding joy in life during difficult times Perhaps having a mental list of easy habits to try out weekly could allow you to feel more happiness even amid hardship. You could incorporate something as simple as listening to music in the shower, and you might find that this elevates your mood.
Do you wonder how much closer you would be to achieving your goals if you had more joy These positive feelings could stem from when you come home and see your pet running to greet you, or it could be the sensation of waking up and knowing you have zero responsibilities for the day.
Whatever joy means to you, this feeling can be harnessed in surprisingly simple ways, even during difficult times when it can be hard to remember what being happy feels like. So, here are 19 tips for finding joy in life during difficult times that can be incorporated into your daily life.
1. Stay in the Present
When we are overwhelmed or feeling sadness and loss, the secret to finding joy is in taking life one day at a time. Difficult periods can seem more manageable when we don’t overwhelm ourselves by worry about the future and all of the unknowns.
Practice focusing on small moments in the present that spark some joy, whether that means playing your favorite song on repeat, planting new flowers in the garden, doing yoga, or seeing a good friend. When we take time each day and do something fulfilling, big or small, finding joy becomes more natural.
2. Indulge Your Five Senses
Everything you taste, smell, touch, hear, and see can affect your mood. When we spot a butterfly or take the perfect bite of food, our senses are heightened and we instantly feel excitement and joy. So, satisfy your sweet tooth with that piece of cake, light a fresh candle, pet your furry friends, listen to songs that boost your spirits, or watch the sunset. Anything you can do that awakens your senses will give you feelings of joy.
3. Change up Your routine
Do you feel stuck in a rut like a hamster running on a wheel When this happens, it’s easy to see the smallest of troubles as an epic problem. A quick fix is to switch up your daily regimen.
If you always start your morning off with coffee, consider drinking tea. Instead of driving the same route to work, try taking a scenic detour. Shaking up your routine and trying new things will allow you to find unexpected excitement and joy in life.
4. Become the Main Character
One of the biggest fears people have in life is loneliness or worrying that they might be lacking, which can hinder joy. By filling that gap with self-love, you become the main character of your life story.
When you no longer feel the need to always be surrounded by people and you are glad to spend time with yourself—that is joy. It means all of the people in your life are great supporting characters, and you are the star of the show. Once this is achieved, you become more self-reliant, and keeping happiness alive is much easier to achieve.
5. Take Time for Mindful Activities
Are you constantly on the go and busy Setting aside time in your day to slow down and exhale leads to a wonderful feeling of being at peace. This could be through meditating, walking, gardening, journaling, reading, or even folding laundry. Creating a quiet space allows you to hear your thoughts, and it nurtures the soul. By practicing mindfulness, you can let go of stress and replace it with joy and calm.
6. Give Yourself a Makeover
Sometimes, simply dressing up or putting on makeup can change your outlook and help you feel refreshed. Think about it—whenever your hair is curled or freshly cut, do your spirits feel lifted Most likely, yes! Even getting your nails done can make you feel glamorous and ready to take on the day. When you pay attention to grooming, you look your finest and feel your best, which is a fast track to experiencing joy.
7. Be Silly and Unleash Your Inner Child
As we get older, we tend to become more cynical and lose sight of our inner child and the ability to be silly and have fun. But the key to staying plugged into the experience of joy is to remind us of our youthful spirit. Sometimes, we have to go on that roller coaster, roll down a grassy hill, or have a sleepover like we did as kids to feel pure bliss. By occasionally letting go of any rigidness that comes with growing up, we can shake off the doldrums and truly enjoy ourselves.
8. Treat Yourself
There is a reason retail therapy exists, and it does not have to break the bank! Consider buying a new outfit, take yourself out to a fancy dinner, or pick out something small that makes you smile. Give yourself the experiences you dream about having each day. When you are bogged down or going through a difficult time, treating yourself feels rejuvenating and helps you find joy in life.
Source: https://www.lifehack.org/
BDST: 1703 HRS, OCT 07, 2020
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