fbpx

Add Joy to Your Daily Routine in 3 Easy Steps

It’s true that most of us are busy. We’re so focused on juggling tasks and responsibilities and sometimes forget to take the time for the things that bring us happiness. Unfortunately, a lack of joy in your daily life can lead to unhappiness, and it can even have long term negative consequences on your health. What is joy? Dictionary.com defines it as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. Thankfully, no matter how busy your life may be, there are steps you can take to add joy to your daily routine which boosts your mood and health.


Several well-known studies show that positive emotions, such as joy, have a profound effect on your health. One such study entitled "Positive Emotion and Health: Going Beyond the Negative," was published in the July 2005 issue of Health Psychology. According to this study: 

  • Joy and optimism provided a 51% reduction in the rates of heart disease among men who were followed for 10 years during the study. 
  •  Positive emotions such as joy and hope not only reduce the incidence of heart disease, but they also have a protective effect against high blood pressure, diabetes, and upper respiratory infections.

guys jumping for joy

Photo by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash

Try one of these easy ways to add some joy back into your life each day:


1. Take time to appreciate and revel in activities that delight you. Whenever you feel your energy beginning to dwindle during the day, take a break and focus on something that brings you pleasure.

  • Giving yourself permission to have little "joy breaks" throughout your day will instantly lift your mood, as well as help you reduce stress and recharge your energy. 
  •  Simple things like savoring a cup of your favorite coffee or reconnecting with an old friend can bring you joy. 
  •  The important thing to remember is to take time each day to focus on those simple activities that make you feel happier. 


 2. Count your blessings. If you’re having a difficult or hectic day, you might find it tempting to focus on the negative aspects of the day. Instead, try focusing on the things that are going in a positive direction and be thankful.

  • Feeling and expressing gratitude are powerful. Reflecting on better times in the past, as well as the things that are currently going well, can instantly lift your mood and give you the strength to keep working towards your goals. 
  •  Consider keeping a "blessings journal" so that you have a physical record of the good things in your life. This will help lift you up and encourage you during the difficult times.

Self-Love water bottle
Self-Love Water Bottle
Our self-love water bottle is a unique way to share a reminder of your self-love, positive energy, and powerful mindset. 17 ounce stainless steel water bottle features twist off lid, and words of love to enhance your day.
happiness habit bundle
Happiness Habit
Discover why happiness is essential to your life and learn seven habits that, once adopted, will create happiness in your life.
Feelings water bottle
Feelings Affirmation Water Bottle
Carry a daily affirmation along with you! This 17-ounce, double-walled stainless steel water bottle is perfect for your daily outings.
child playing with bubbles

Photo by Ben Griffiths on Unsplash

3. Shake things up and do something new. The old adage, "familiarity breeds contempt," is certainly true when it comes to our daily lives. Why not try something completely different to rediscover your joy?

  • Your imagination is the only limit. To get started, why not explore a new route to and from your workplace? You could also try out a new recipe that features a novel ingredient. Consider learning a new skill or hobby. When looking for something to try, pay attention to the dreams you've had as a child and adult. For example, did you ever dream of traveling to a faraway country in the past? 
  • Consider taking classes to learn that country's language and then plan a trip. 

 Remember to make time for laughter and fun throughout your day. Not only will you rediscover your joy, strengthen your health, and increase your own happiness, but your positive energy and outlook will also affect others around you and increase their level of joy, too!


Share/Comment & Subscribe

I hope you enjoyed this article. Please leave a comment or share it to help someone else through their journey with change. Is it time for you to pivot? Change can be difficult, but you don't have to walk that path alone. Subscribe to my newsletter to get inspired and take action towards becoming a better you.

Author

  • Angel Lewis

    Hello there! I'm Angel, an entrepreneur and writer who grew up in rural North Carolina and now resides in Virginia. My love for writing began during my time at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Over the past couple of years, I've authored two nonfiction books in the personal development genre. Along with writing for adults, I also created 'Ready. Set. Fly!', a children's book that inspires self-confidence and resilience. When I'm not writing, I enjoy gardening, reading, playing games, and spending time with those closest to me.

Please follow and like us:

5 thoughts on “Add Joy to Your Daily Routine in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Loved reading this and surely need to implement this on the very day! I really love the idea of joy breaks and also found myself relishing more in the small things and marvelling at just looking around while on my way to work. Thank you for sharing x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.