Why Seeking Joy Should Be Part Of Your Daily Routine

In a world filled with conflict and suffering it’s easy to get swamped down with the negatives and forget life’s simple pleasures. Many people’s spiritual practices focus on improving oneself as well as society at large. While these practices are important they can be draining at times. One way we can recharge is by emphasizing joy in our lives. 

Here are 10 tips for bringing more joy into your life and the world at large: 

LAUGHTER IS THE ANTIDOTE TO LIFE 

While sorrow and loss is a natural part of life, joy and laughter can help dispel suffering even if it’s just momentarily. Whether it be spending time with your friends or family, these moments of happiness and laughter will knit together to create a tapestry of happiness. 

UNDERSTANDING JOY DOESN'T HAVE TO COME FROM YOU 

If you are struggling to find joy in your life, you can piggyback off someone else’s. Similar to jumpstarting a car sometimes we need a little help to get the joy moving. Try watching a feel-good film on Netflix or put on one of your childhood favorites, read a funny book or memoir, play with your pet, or simply ask your friends what’s good in their lives. All these things can help bring you joy. 

GET TO KNOW WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY 

Write a list of things that bring you joy and start doing them! Take yourself on a ‘me’ day to the spa, your favorite music or book store, or your go-to place for lunch- you could even indulge in all three. Perhaps you find joy in organizing your house or spending time in nature. You need to learn what brings you joy and incorporate them into your life. 

TRY AND ADD A BIT OF JOY TO YOUR LIFE DAILY 

Find a simple way to start your day joyfully, this could be indulging in a cup of coffee with your partner, going for an early morning run, meditating or even making yourself your favorite lunch ready for work. Schedule these things into your calendar as a quick reminder. 

If you have the time you could even volunteer within your community- bringing joy to others can help fill you with joy too.

BRING JOY TO OTHERS 

It could be volunteering within your community, or sending a thoughtful message to a friend going through a difficult time to help bring them some joy. Helping to put a smile on their faces can be seriously rewarding. 

USE JOY IN YOUR SPIRITUAL PATH 

It’s important to remember not to deny ourselves joy in the name of others. By making your life more joyful it will help you become stronger, and give you the ability to cope with the world. Joy is one of the fundamental birthrights of humans so let yourself experience it.

UNDERSTAND THAT FINDING JOY CAN BE HARD

If you have experienced a recent trauma or are suffering from depression or anxiety you may subconsciously feel you do not deserve joy. To combat this you should speak to a trusted loved one and to an experienced health care provider or counsellor to help determine what physical, emotional, or circumstantial causes may be. 

REMEMBER THAT JOY CAN BE FOUND IN THE SMALLEST OF THINGS 

Joy doesn’t have to be complicated it can come from just being present in the moment. Cue up your favorite playlist while you do your chores and relish in having a clean space. Always remember to slow down and savor the small moments.

ARE YOU CLOSING YOURSELF OFF FROM JOY?

If you have been denying yourself joy lately, it may be a sign that you are punishing yourself. It may be from your past experiences in relationships, friendships or childhood. Learn to make your own rules surrounding joy away from these influences. 

MAKE JOY YOUR PURPOSE

Remember even when you feel lost or confused, your life has a purpose. This purpose should involve joy in some way as it will positively influence the rest of your life. 

Next up, Ways To Stop Overthinking Your Relationships