Cultivate Joyful Living - 14 ways to practice joy every day
Some days, life can feel out of our control. Sometimes it can feel like it’s moving forward, backward, or swirling around us without asking our opinion or handing the reins over for even one second.
This out-of-control feeling can lead to anxiety, stress and overwhelm that can feel debilitating at times. Happiness can feel out of reach and joy may seem like an experience only other people have the privilege of navigating.
But we are here today to tell you that joy is within your control and within your reach, no matter your circumstances. Like with any new habit, it just takes practice, intentionality and consistency.
Now, we’re not advocating “putting on a brave face” or ignoring or masking serious life circumstances or mental health issues. In fact, the “smile through it” mentality is not one we advocate. We advocate seeking help, acknowledging issues and utilizing healing practices - like doing small things each day that bring you joy.
Today we’re here to offer a few tips to help you practice cultivating the habit of seeking joy - a practice that will supplement the help you’re receiving along your healing journey.
14 Ways to Practice Joyful Living - Today and Every Day
Here are 14 simple ways to practice cultivating joy in your everyday life, especially if you’re seeking healing and support for mental, emotional and psychological wellness.
Get Creative. As often as you can, seek small outlets of creative expression. Journal, draw, paint, craft, embroider, sing, dance - do anything that feels fun for just 5 minutes today. Additionally, seek input that fills your creative cup. Listen to music, read a mind-soaking novel, visit a local museum, watch painting tutorials on YouTube. Experience creativity, practice creativity.
Look Forward to Something. Book a staycation. Book a vacation. Block off your calendar for a cozy night in. Establish an evening routine that truly excites and energizes you. Ask a friend to brunch. Arrange for something to look forward to!
Create a Joy Playlist. Make a list of your favorite songs - songs that make you dance without evening thinking about it. Keep that playlist bookmarked on your computer or saved for easy access on your phone. Press play when you need a jolt of happy!
Bake Something. It’s hard to avoid feelings of joy and happiness when your kitchen smells like your favorite muffins, cookies or banana bread. Call a friend or relative and ask for a family recipe!
Buy Flowers. Buy those flowers at the supermarket you always eye as you walk in. Visit your local farmer’s market or head to your local florist and pick out a bundle of florals that catch your eye.
Pick Out a Mug. If you love having a morning cup of tea or coffee, curate a mug collection that makes you smile. Each morning, take a few moments to select a mug that sets your desired tone for the day.
Take a Drive. Go anywhere! Drive through town, out through the countryside, or to a friend’s house. Sight-see, listen to music, and enjoy the open road.
Plant Something. Get your hands dirty, plant a small shrub, and tend to a living thing. Every morning, visit and tend to your plant and watch as it grows under your care.
Look through Mementos. Pull out old boxes of photos, school papers, children’s crafts, baby mementos, and call the ones you love.
Do nothing! Make a day of it. Clear your schedule and calendar. Tell your friends and family you’re taking a personal day, and do whatever feels right that day.
Take a Walk. Even just a short, 5-minute walk with fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood and get your blood flowing. Think of it as a joy booster!
Be a Local Tourist. How long has it been since you visited your local coffee shop for the first time? Pretend you’re a tourist for the day! Visit your favorite coffee shop as if you were a newbie - ask your barista what they recommend, chat up some other customers, and window watch as you sip a new drink
Freshen Your Linens. Wash your sheets with your favorite fabric softener (and be sure to wrap up in those warm blankets fresh from the drier!)
Start Your Day with Affirmations. Affirm before your feet hit the floor. The first words we speak and think have a tremendous impact on how we start our day, which sets the tone for our day. Affirm what you need before you get out of bed. Say, “Today’s a good day,” or, “I feel peace this morning.”
What brings you joy and happiness? When do you find yourself losing touch with anxious thoughts, slipping into moments of creativity and play? Seek those things, weave them into your daily living, and start practicing cultivating joyful living!