10 Ways to Create More Joy in Your Day

On a scale of 1-10 how much joy do you think you feel every day? Of course, we all have good days and bad but we never want that number to become consistently low. It’s easy to attach our feelings of joy to a bigger goal, something that will happen one day...but no matter what you’re working towards there’s no reason not to enjoy the journey…

So, here are a few very simple ways to bring a little more joy into every day. Look for the one that seems the easiest for you at the moment and get started today. 

1: APPRECIATE THE PRESENT
Whenever you feel your mind worrying about the future, ruminating over the past or simply running on autopilot, take a moment to bring yourself back to the present. Try focusing on your breath for a few minutes or close your eyes and listen to the world around. This will help bring your mind back to the present and help to reduce your stress levels. 

2: MAKE A HAPPY LIST 
Make a list of 5-10 things that make you feel happier...for me that would be listening to my favourite 90’s playlist, snuggling my dog, taking a shower...you get the idea. It helps to have this on hand for those days when you need help shifting the clouds and brightening your day. Taking action no matter how small, always helps.   

3: MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
I know, this one doesn’t always feel easy but remember to start small. If finding 10 minutes just for yourself feels like a challenge, then start with 2 minutes because we can all find that! Use this precious time to focus on your wellbeing...breathe, stretch or simply sit a while. This is how I started my meditation practice - with just 2 minutes every day. And as you begin to enjoy those few minutes, you’ll be amazed how easy it becomes to find a few more. 

4: FEED YOUR SOUL
What feeds your soul? I love to read, meditate and spend time outdoors. Whatever it is for you then build it into your day, something as simple as a walk at lunchtime or a page of your latest book. Feeling nourished always brings joy into your day. Make a list and try adding something that nourishes your soul into every day. 

5: EMBRACE NATURE
Spending time outdoors is the easiest way to do this but with the British weather this isn’t always possible and so remember to welcome nature into your home too. Throw open the windows and fill your home with fresh air, grow some vegetables in your garden or plant a beautiful border of flowers that you can see from your window. Even having a few house plants can make all the difference and you can find plenty that don’t need too much TLC. 

6: REFRESH YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
Getting your day off to a better start always brings more joy into your day. So, if you wish your mornings were less manic and more mindful then try giving them a makeover. Doing this creates a happier and more easy going day. Use our guided meditation to help you create a positive intention for your day ahead.

7: PAUSE THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY
Finding time to pause and reset can feel incredible. And, it’s easy. Take a minute - even if you’re sitting at your desk - and check in with how you’re feeling. Are you still carrying anger from a disagreement earlier in the day or disappointed with a member of your work team. Taking a few minutes to acknowledge and process the emotion helps you to release it and move on with your day feeling lighter and more joyful.

8: CULTIVATE GRATITUDE
I’m sure that there are many things in your life that you feel grateful for, but how often do you consciously acknowledge them? It sounds simple but taking the time to write them down or think them through can make a world of difference to how you feel. And there’s something to be said for gratitude helping to attract even more joy into your life - give it a try...here’s how to start a gratitude practice.  

9. SET A NEW GOAL OR INTENTION
When you need to create more joy in your day, or life in general then try setting a new goal or intention. Nothing too overwhelming, but be sure that it’s enough to make you feel excited. Grab some paper and write it out, create a vision board or set up a spreadsheet - whatever makes you happy - I personally love all three! Whatever you decide to plan for, try to break it down into manageable steps that can be taken daily.   

10. SPEND TIME WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
Yes! This is always a great way to bring more joy into your day. Make a date with your favourite people who share a positive outlook on life...meet somewhere that makes you both happy and where you can listen and support each other. 

You only have to choose one thing to start with and so please don’t let overwhelm creep in after reading the whole list.  Experiment with what helps you bring the most joy into your day, maybe try something different each week and see how it goes.

Get started today and your days will soon be filled with more moments of joy. 

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.