Add Joy To Your Life

1. Count Your Blessings

Try this simple gratitude exercise and practice it daily. Think about things in your life that are going well. For example, it could be as simple as your child going to sleep without a fight one night. Congratulate yourself on being a good parent, following through and having patience.

Why This Works: Taking the time to recognize and honor the good in your life and noting your part in it, is crucial for your emotional wellbeing. So many people become depressed, largely due to the fact, that they feel they don’t have control over their lives. By observing the blessings in your life you show a sense of accomplishment.

2. Commit Acts of kindness

Let a person go ahead of you in line at the grocery store; go shopping for an elderly neighbor.

Why This Works: Acts of generosity helps to foster a positive view of your world, raising awareness of your own blessings. Being kind tends to make us feel more confident and more in control of our lives. Not surprisingly behaving kindly to others seems to win more friends, and friends are great resources in time of need.

3. Cultivate Your Relationships

When you are frustrated with a loved one, make it a practice to focus on what you appreciate about the person.

Why This Works: If you only focus on the negative traits, you will soon become discouraged and find yourself feeling estranged from those you love. Honing in on the positive aspects of a person creates stronger bonds and a happier relationship.

4. Look To Your Future

Envision yourself two years from now. What is the best possible future you can see? Keep a journal; write what you see for your future.

Why This Works: It makes you think about what you want in life and how to get there. Plus thinking about the future you want makes you feel happier. Once you better understand your goals, you might find yourself taking steps towards them.

5. Finding The Silver Lining

Inevitably frustrations do arise. You might find yourself getting laid off from your job. Ask yourself, what’s right about this situation?

Why It Works: Once you ask the question, you open yourself up to thinking more creatively about the situation. For example “This is an opportunity to apply for my dream job, or go back to school”.

Find joy in your life by trying these steps. You just might be surprised by the outcome.

 

To Your Health & Happiness,
Elle

 

Article written by Elle Farrell.  All Rights Reserved Copyright 2012