Your moment of joy: 10 easy ways to feel joyful

In our series “Your moment of…” we will be taking one of the points from The Art of Soulful Living compass and sharing practical bite-size ways to bring more of it into your life. This month, we’re focusing on joy. 

 

We all have those people in our lives, those who exude a joyful, positive attitude. The thing is, embracing joy doesn’t always come naturally. Humans are programmed to see the negatives in the world – a ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality, being on high alert for dangers helped our ancestors survive. In today’s world negative things still happen, of course, but a joyful attitude will add a rose-coloured tinge to even the cloudiest day. Here we reveal 10 small things you can try to feel and embrace the joy in life.   

 

1. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... SMILE

Yes, it’s that simple. According to behavioral psychologist Sarah Stevenson, “each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain.” Biologically speaking, smiling causes you to release hormones like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin into your system. Start smiling as soon as you wake up, and you’re giving yourself a natural mood-enhancer that could last the entire day.

 

2. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... TRY MEDITATING

Meditating doesn’t have to be difficult, nor time-consuming, and it has the power to focus you and keep you positive. Try our meditation for joyful gratitude here. 

 

 

 

3. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE 

Speaking of gratitude, Harvard Medical School notes that “gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” Try writing down 3 things you are thankful for before going to sleep at night—you’ll notice that you feel lighter when you focus on the things you do have, rather than the things you don’t. 

 

4. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... DRINK A GLASS OF WATER 

Drinking a glass of lukewarm water 20 minutes before you have breakfast gets your digestive system running and flushes out toxins, perfect for that positive energy flow. 

5. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... TAKE A COLD SHOWER 

Brrrr...yeah, we feel you. But hear us out: turning your shower from hot to cold for the last 20 seconds increases your oxygen intake, which in turn causes your heart to beat faster. This releases a rush of blood through your entire body which provides a natural energy boost. A small price to pay for being super energised and ready to take on the day, right?

 

Read all about our cold shower challenge here.  

 

6. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... SET INTENTIONS

Some days are more overwhelming than others. Rather than stressing out about everything you need to get done during a difficult one, write down the top 3 things you want to complete before the end of the day—this will help alleviate stress and fatigue.

 

7. YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... WEAR PERFUME

It has been scientifically proven that scent has a tremendous effect on our emotions. To start your day on a positive, energetic note, spray a bit of joyfulness into the air. Spritz your favourite room spray to boost your mood.

 

8.YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... GET MOVING 

Exercise, like smiling, releases endorphins into your bloodstream enhancing your mood. Love yoga? This flow was specially designed by our expert Laura to get you grinning in the morning. Want something a little more high energy? Try our fun energy-boosting workout, it’s under 10 minutes and will leave you feeling great. 

 

9.YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST 

While many of us skip this essential step in favour of a few extra minutes of sleep, we’re doing ourselves a real disservice. Namely, eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and stabilises your blood sugar: both things that are scientifically proven to make you feel happier and more energetic. Need some inspiration? Check out these delicious overnight oats with rose and pistachio.  

10.YOUR MOMENT OF JOY... SAVOR THE SMALL MOMENTS  

The surprising power of ordinary things in life can cultivate true long-lasting joy.  Take the time to create mindful moments of awareness each day. Open a window to listen to the birds sing; light a scented candle; enjoy the simple pleasure of your morning coffee. Being more mindful of the small moments is an easy way to start focusing on joy.