Simple Tactics that Can Bring You Joy

by Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN

The study of positive psychology, which focuses on what makes life worth living, identifies positive emotions as one of the key components to a worthwhile life. While it has been said, “Happiness is like a butterfly that lands on your shoulder when you least expect it,” you actually can improve on this area of your life and feel positive emotions more often.

Focus on those things that bring you joy. Make a list or collage of pictures of things that bring you joy and put it where you can see it.

Get your daily dose of “vitamin G” – gratitude: name two or three people or things for which you are grateful every morning to lift your mood and decrease your stress. Take time to dwell on the positive feelings that gratitude brings.

Reflect also on what is going well in your life and how you contributed to it.

Spend quality time with loved ones virtually or in person.

Adults need to play, too, so take time to play with your children, pets or friends.

Exercise boosts happiness, as does participation in activities and hobbies you enjoy.

The key component to all of these is consciously making time for them. Take time today to invest in your own happiness for stress relief and better health and well-being.

For more positive psychology, see "Ways to improve our EQs"