Five Simple Ways to Rediscover Joy in Everyday Life for Women

Feeling joy is an important part of living a good life and believe it or not, it is also an essential component in managing anxiety and in eating disorder recovery. We live busy lives, especially in Marin and the Bay Area. We're high achieving teens and women and it's easy to forget to experience joy. Between school or work responsibilities, family duties, and personal struggles, happiness may slip through the cracks. The good news is that finding joy again doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five straightforward ways to bring joy back into your life.

Embrace the Power of Nature

Spending time outdoors can significantly boost your mood. The beauty of nature can uplift your spirits in just a short time.

Examples to Consider:

• Go for a 30-minute walk in a local park to enjoy the fresh air.

• Spend an afternoon immersed in nature, where a study shows that being in nature can decrease feelings of stress by nearly 60%.

• Some women find joy simply by tending to their gardens, which not only connects them to nature but also encourages mindfulness.

  
  

Even brief moments spent outside can make a noticeable difference. By reconnecting with the natural world, you can boost your overall happiness.

Mt. Tam-always a good idea!

Cultivate a Gratitude Practice

Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to enhance joy in life. When you intentionally focus on what you appreciate, it can transform your mindset. And if you hear yourself saying "I should be grateful...", shift to "Today I am practicing gratitude for..."

Start a gratitude journal and include the small things! Research shows that maintaining a gratitude journal can increase well-being by up to 25%.

Tips for Gratitude Practice:

• Notice the small stuff like enjoying your morning cup of coffee, or taking a relaxing shower; it doesn't have to be a big thing to make a big difference.

• Reflect on relationships where you feel like you can be yourself, allowing you to recognize the important connections in your life.

  
  

Over time, you will likely notice a shift in your outlook, making joy more accessible.

Go ahead, write it down.

Connect with Loved Ones

Building connections with others is essential to our emotional well-being. Make it a priority to spend quality time with friends and family.

Ideas to Foster Connections:

• Call or FaceTime your friend or family member, even for just 5 minutes! We all get overwhelmed when it's been a while since we talked to our people, so we tend to avoid it because we don't have an hour to sit and chat. But it doesn't need be a marathon catch-up session; smaller, more frequent conversations work just as well.

• Plan a game night to spend time together.

• Start a monthly dinner tradition with family or friends to enjoy each other's company and share laughter.

  
  

The joy of human connection can reignite your sense of belonging and happiness.

Sharing food is a time-honored, cross-cultural tradition.

Explore a New Hobby

Trying a new hobby can be an exciting way to rediscover joy. This allows you to express yourself and learn something new. Or pick up an old hobby that you used to love.

Consider engaging in activities such as:

• Painting or drawing, which can unleash your creativity while enhancing focus.

• Learning to play a musical instrument, which studies show can improve cognitive function and boost confidence.

• And if all you have is 5 minutes, turn on your favorite song and dance in your kitchen! It actually works (I do it all the time).

By choosing something that excites you, you will not only have fun but also feel a sense of accomplishment as you develop new skills.

Let out your inner child!

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care

With our fast-paced lifestyles, it’s crucial to take time for yourself. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help you reconnect with yourself and find joy in the present moment.

Set aside just 10 minutes each day for activities like:

• Focusing on your breathing or practicing guided meditation (join my email list and I will send you my favorites)

• Engaging in gentle stretching or yoga to relieve tension.

  
  

Additionally, make time for self-care by doing things you love—whether that's taking a warm bath, reading a captivating book, or indulging in personal hobbies. These practices can recharge your spirit and enhance your overall happiness.

Palms up for receiving, palms down for grounding.

Finding Your Joy Again

Rediscovering joy is achievable through intentional actions that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. By embracing nature, practicing gratitude, connecting with loved ones, exploring new hobbies, and prioritizing self-care, women can reignite their happiness.

Remember, joy isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey worthwhile. By taking small steps daily, you can nurture your happiness. Even the simplest moments can be filled with joy if you allow them to be. So, take that first step and start your journey towards rediscovering the joy that is rightfully yours!