What does joy mean to you?
What is something that brings you joy?
Is joy something you currently invest your time in?
Joy is a feeling of intense gratitude for something or someone in your life. It's a beautiful experience of inward peace and happiness brought on when something aligns deeply with your core values.
Joy is connected to your being and purpose and comes from the inside out. Having joy in your life improves your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health.
It's easy to get sidetracked with the busyness of our lives. In the process of trying to keep up with things, we get into a routine, and before you know it, you're on autopilot...eat, sleep, work, repeat...until one morning you wake up and realise you're not happy and you can't remember what joy feels like!
Here are my 9 ways to spark more joy in your life!
1. PRACTICE GRATEFULNESS
Practising gratefulness is the key to unlocking the joy and happiness that is already in your life.
Just as you exercise your body, you can exercise your mind to view the world in new and beautiful ways. It only takes a few minutes a day to cultivate gratitude and to start experiencing more joy in your life.
2. CONNECT WITH OTHER PEOPLE
Make time to connect with other people, especially happy people!
Hanging out with other people makes us feel happier, healthier and more content.
3. SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE
Some fresh air, sunshine, and a stroll outside are often all it takes to clear your thoughts and remind you of the beauty all around. Spending more time outdoors increases our overall sense of wellbeing, making us feel healthier and happier.
4. SMILE AND BE KIND TO OTHERS
Try this incredible experiment: Make a conscious effort to smile more (when you're in the car, at home, at the supermarkets, at work, anywhere, anytime) and notice how the whole world smiles back at you! It is life-changing, trust me!
5. DO SOMETHING NEW OR DIFFERENT
Make something, get creative, learn a new skill or start a new hobby. Take a different route to work or try another supermarket for a change. Start your day doing something you won't usually do, like going for a walk, making a special breakfast or putting on some music!
6. SAVOUR THE MOMENTS
To savour a moment is to become very aware of your senses, taking note of all the beautiful and magical things you're feeling, seeing and experiencing. It's slowing down and feeling grateful.
It can be as simple as savouring the first bite of a delicious meal, dipping your toes in the sea, listening to your favourite song or as big as the moment you said "Yes!".
No matter how big or small, these are the kind of moments joy is made of, and you need to savour them!
7. LISTEN TO MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU
I don't mean to put on just any old music (although it also helps)...I mean to put on music with intent. Listen to music that resonates with your vibe. Music that stimulates and inspires you, that makes you feel good or reminds you of good times. Music that makes you want to dance!
8. MAKE TIME TO PLAY
Just because we're adults doesn't mean we can't play and have fun anymore. Play with your kids, your partner, your pets or with yourself! Get messy and have some fun!
9. LAUGH MORE
Laughter has positive effects on our physical and mental health! So don't take life too serious; crack some jokes, play silly games, hang out with people that make you laugh, go to comedy nights or watch funny cat videos and learn to laugh at yourself. Whatever tickles your funny bone, do more of that!
DO YOU NEED SOME HELP TO SPARK MORE JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
As a Health Coach, I can help you get "unstuck" and help you realise which areas of your life are lacking or holding you back so you can reconnect with your joy!
Get in touch to find out how we can work together to help you cultivate more joy and ignite your passion for life!
Love x Mila*