3 Ways To Invite More Joy Into Your Life

Ok, we all had high expectations for the start of this new decade and 2020 hasn’t exactly gone as most of us had planned. There have been many unexpected and unfortunate events that have taken place thus far. The images below, can highlight a few:

Needless to say this has been an emotionally challenging year. It is important to acknowledge and address our emotions surrounding this year so far and adopt attitudes to help us cope and to grow from our experiences.

The talented and inspirational Miss Maya Angelou once said:

This quote speaks volumes and reminds us of our responsibility to implement a positive way of thinking, to combat the negative circumstances that we have been exposed to this year.

Here are 3 ways that you can invite more joy into your life:

1. Do what makes you happy

This may seem like an obvious concept but it is often the hardest advice for people to adhere to. Unfortunately we have become so accustomed to doing things that enable us to survive rather than doing things that allow us to truly live and fully enjoy our life experience. I challenge you to do something today that makes you happy, it could be drawing, singing to your favourite music or even giving your mum a hug. Just do your best to intentionally do more and more things that make you happy.

2. Learn how to filter

No, I’m not talking about editing selfies, I’m talking about being mindful of what we allow to take residence in our minds. Our brains house our thoughts, ideas, visions, memories etc. we are exposed to so many events both physically and virtually each day. This includes both positive and negative input from the outside world; this is particularly heightened in our social media generation. Remember guys, not everything that you are exposed to, deserves a place in your mind, so decide what you will allow to stay and what you will filter out. It may help to do some journaling to tangibly see create a clear action plan on how you can achieve this.

3. Increase your gratitude

Last, but by no means least…. GRATITUDE! Studies show that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Life is not perfect, in the wise words of J.Cole:

So embrace all of your blessings and give thanks for all that you have. Research tells us that practicing gratitude daily can improve your physical health and wellbeing. What are you waiting for? Try it now by completing this sentence.

“I am grateful for……………”

I wish you well on your journey towards more joy.

Words by Nicola Pratt

Inside Out Well-being Team