Does the hustle and bustle of everyday life have you in a funk? Here are 5 simple things you can do to bring more joy to your life.
1. Eat healthily, but still enjoy your food!
Eating healthily and enjoying your food do not have to be mutually exclusive! You don’t have to give up everything you like. By being strategic about what foods you say yes to and what foods you say sometimes to you can strike a healthy balance.
2. Embrace adventures
Generally, humans default to the same ‘ol same ‘ol. Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and discover new places and things. Research shows that people who embrace adventures are happier than people who don’t.
3. Laugh heartily
Laughter is good for your health in more ways than one. It helps to relax the body, boosts the immune system, releases feel good chemicals (endorphins), and increases blood flow. In a Norwegian study, women with a good sense of humor were found to have increased longevity even when facing illness, when compared to those who did not laugh as much.
4. Treat Yo’ Self
While it is important to have the things you need, it is also vitally important to not always deprive yourself of the things you just want. Take yourself out for a nice meal and splurge on the bottle of wine, buy the assortment of bath bombs you’ve had your eye on and take a long soak, get that new book. You deserve it!
5. Connect with others
Social media may make you feel connected to others, but are you really? Don’t underestimate the power of physical social connections. Spend time with people who uplift you and really reap the benefits of increased joy.