Finding joy is a personal journey, and what brings joy to one person may differ from another. Experiment with these suggestions and discover what truly brings you joy and fulfillment in your life.
Here are some ways to find joy in life:
- Cultivate gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, no matter how small they may seem.
- Practice mindfulness: Be fully present in the moment, paying attention to the details and savoring the experiences.
- Engage in activities you love: Dedicate time to do things that bring you joy, whether it’s a hobby, sport, art, or any other activity that you genuinely enjoy.
- Connect with loved ones: Spend quality time with family (only the good ones!) and friends (only the good ones!), nurturing and deepening your relationships.
- Explore nature: Spend time outdoors, connect with the natural world, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
- Help others: Engage in acts of kindness and service. Helping others can bring a sense of fulfillment and joy.
- Find meaning and purpose: Identify and pursue activities or causes that align with your values and give you a sense of purpose.
- Practice self-care: Prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being by engaging in activities that promote self-care and self-nurturing.
- Laugh and embrace humor: Seek out moments of laughter and find humor in everyday situations. Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or spend time with people who make you laugh.
- Learn something new: Engage in continuous learning by exploring new topics, taking up a new hobby, or enrolling in a course that interests you.
- Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness, both towards others and yourself. Forgiveness frees you from carrying unnecessary emotional burdens. (There are some things that can’t be forgiven and that’s okay. I just put them on my agnostic Jesus-shelf and say: Not my problem anymore! / F* this.)
- Cultivate a positive mindset: Focus on positive thoughts, affirmations, and self-talk. Train your mind to see the good in situations and people. (Don’t see too much good in the people who exploit you. Just block them.)
- Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Take pride in your progress and give yourself credit for your efforts.
- Engage in physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals. Find physical activities that you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
- Express creativity: Engage in creative pursuits such as painting, writing, cooking, or playing an instrument. Expressing your creativity can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.
- Practice acts of self-love: Treat yourself with love, kindness, and compassion. Engage in self-care rituals that make you feel good about yourself.
- Healthy sexuality and identity. Make peace with your sexual orientation and express it in a way that is healthy and safe for yourself and others. If you’re a woman, try clit vibrators! If you’re a man, explore your prostate. Kiss internalized homophobia on the butt. GET THE T-SHIRT.
- Embrace moments of stillness: Take time to be still, practice meditation, or engage in activities that promote relaxation and inner peace.
- Explore new places: Travel to new destinations, even if it’s within your local area. Exploring new places can bring a sense of adventure and discovery. Your brain also needs new input sometimes. You could adopt a dog and start walking to new places every day.
- Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it’s uplifting books, inspirational podcasts, or supportive friends who uplift and encourage you. (If a person is not safe and supportive in my life, they get blocked very quickly. I have wasted too much time on the wrong people and that kind of stress is simply not compatible with Hashimoto. My goal is always getting better – not worse.)
- Try Wim Hof breathing or some kind of breath work and/or cool/cold showers. It does make a huge difference. (I haven’t done ice baths, but I did jump in the Oslo fjord in March, that’s enough.)
- Embrace the little joys: Find joy in the small, everyday moments—a beautiful sunset, a cup of coffee or matcha (or something without caffeine), a warm hug, or the sound of laughter/a purring cat. Train yourself to appreciate the little joys that life offers. That’s what it’s all about.