The goal of being happier is universal and shared with just about every person on the planet. One of the most effective ways of being happier is to figure out ways to invite more joy into your life.
Easier said than done, right?
Not necessarily! There are many simple yet proven ways to bring more joy to your life that do not necessitate a complete lifestyle change.
Below are just a few of our favorite ideas.
1. Spend More Time Outdoors
There is nothing but benefits to spending time outdoors.
And if you’ve been feeling a little dip in joy, it may be because you’ve been cooped up indoors for too long. When you spend more time outside, your mood improves, as does your health.
Of course, what lies outside your front door is not something you can completely control. You may live in the country, the concrete jungle, or somewhere in between.
If you have a few days to spare, rent an RV and take a thrilling road trip to U.S. National Parks and glorious outdoor campsites. You’ll enjoy time outdoors while taking a break from your typical routine.
2. Appreciate the Small Things
It’s entirely too easy to get so caught up in life you neglect to notice small, yet meaningful, moments.
We all have things to be grateful for, be it a roof over our heads, friends, families, solid careers, fun hobbies, and other similar experiences.
Stop for a brief minute or two each day, look around you, and give thanks to the people, places, and things that bring you joy.
This simple practice brings more joy to your life instantly by reminding you exactly what does bring you joy. And remembering to appreciate them enhances the joy they bring in the first place.
3. Appreciate Yourself
We just talked about showing appreciation for other people and things that bring you joy. But have you shown yourself enough appreciation lately?
Think about the times when you feel the opposite of joy. Odds are, it has to do with an internal conflict rather than something external, right?
You mentally beat yourself up for things occasionally, like putting work before family and friends or forgetting to pay a bill. Accidents like these happen to every adult.
But dwelling on these less than stellar aspects of life is what blocks joy. To bring more joy into your life, make a habit out of forgiving yourself. There is no need to mentally berate yourself when you forget something. When you give in to that kind of thinking, you do not allow yourself to feel joy.
Instead, take a breather, decide you’ll do better next time, and move on.
4. Master a New Hobby
Joy enters our lives when we try new things. It keeps us young, helps us evolve, and gives us a sense of pride.
So why not try a new hobby today and set up goals to master it?
A few ideas on popular hobbies these days include:
- Making your own sourdough bread starter
- Joining a virtual book club
- Growing cannabis and storing it properly so it stays fresh
- Learning about your backyard fowl by birdwatching
These are just a few ideas of hobbies that can make your life more enriching and joyful.
5. Be You
Getting wrapped up in inauthentic experiences, like what we see on social media, can be soul draining.
You already know that the people who seemingly have perfect lives that they document ceaselessly on platforms like Instagram are likely being less than truthful. And that’s okay, that’s their choice.
Even if you aren’t a social media influencer who makes tons of money, staying at five-star resorts in tropical destinations should not detract from your joy.
Remember: you are you, and there’s only one of you!
Can you say that for the thousands of influencers on social media who are derivatives of one another? Nope.
There is no need to feel superior to people like that, but it is a reminder to be as authentic as you can. Being so ensures a more fulfilling and three-dimensional existence that no price tag can cover.
Conclusion
Bringing more joy to your life is a wonderful goal to have.
And as you see, it isn’t too difficult to achieve. It’s all about enjoying the small moments, appreciating yourself, and challenging yourself to grow and evolve.
