By Jennifer Landis | Posted: December 19, 2019
Everyone knows a person whose smile lights up the darkest room. When you're feeling down, they bring a ray of sunshine to your day. Are these people artificially designed superhumans without a single worry or care? Perhaps they have a more comfortable life, or maybe they simply choose to focus on the positive.
A funny thing happens when you embrace joy — it tends to spread. Discover how to harness the energy of goodness in your life.
1. Put on the music and dance
When was the last time you danced like no one was watching? If you can't remember, it's time to put on your boogie shoes. You don't have to dress up and go to the club. You don't even need to pull on your leggings and hit a Zumba class. Simply connect your cellphone and crank up the tunes. Not only will it feel great, but you'll improve your physical coordination and boost your mental outlook, too.
2. Get artistic
As a child, did you love to draw or paint? What's stopping you from continuing now that you're an adult? After all, you have an income and can afford supplies. Find a creative endeavor you love, such as writing poetry. Invest in the prettiest journal you can find to jot down your thoughts. You gain bonus points for expressing why you feel grateful in words.
If you have a bigger budget, sign up for a painting or pottery class. You and your significant other can recreate the iconic pottery scene from "Ghost”!
3. Release your inner child
If you have children, you already have an advantage, but anyone can learn to free their inner child. The next time you see a tree that invites climbing, kick off your flats and climb a branch. If you're wearing older clothes and spot a mud puddle, jump in it.
Across the nation, schools are eliminating recess, and families have less time to spend together, too. However, little bodies need play to develop physically and mentally, just like you need a brain break occasionally. In fact, 81% of teachers say student behavior improves after recess. Take your kids to the playground and swing on the monkey bars. You'll both feel happier.
4. Move your body
Exercise benefits people of any age, and it raises your positive vibes, too. This uplift occurs because workouts release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to combat pain or stress. They act like natural opioids, alleviating aches, and making you feel better.
5. Smile and compliment a stranger
Think back to the last time somebody complimented you on your hair or outfit. You felt great afterwards! Spread that sunshine to others by complimenting a stranger. Perhaps a person in line at the grocery store or a cashier at the gas station. Workers especially deal with not-so-nice customers each day. Spread some joy with a few minutes of pleasant conversation.
6. Dig in the earth
Gardening nurtures your connection with nature and the planet. The best part? You don't need a large plot of land to indulge in this hobby. For a great holiday gift, make a gardening craft with seeds you save from your organic produce.
Tomatoes, peppers and beans are ideal choices: as the flowers are self-pollinating, the seeds require no special treatment. Collect empty soup cans, clean them out, and line them with discarded deli bags. Fill them with potting soil and plant your seeds. When they sprout, decorate the can with an adorable ribbon.
7. Call an old friend
When was the last time you caught up with your old pals? If it's been a while, give them a call and invite them for coffee. You'll have a blast talking about old times and sharing new developments in your lives. Cultivating friendships gives you a support system when things go awry.
8. Cuddle with a loved one
Maybe you have a significant other you cuddle up with at the end of the day. Perhaps you have a pet you adore. Snuggling up with your sweetheart releases oxytocin, a natural hormone that promotes relaxation and contentment. It also lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in your blood.
9. Perform random acts of kindness
Do you have extra cash burning a hole in your wallet? If so, stop by your local dollar store and pick up some socks and gloves. Make up gift bags for the homeless containing personal hygiene items and snacks. If you hesitate to give cash, you can still shower them with a loving gesture.
When you're in line at the coffee shop, pay for the person behind you. If you see a colleague struggling with a tricky Excel formula, stop and show them what to do. Small acts of kindness go a long way in making the world a better place.
10. Practice yoga and meditation
One of the most powerful ways to stave of feelings of anxiety and depression and invite joy into your life is to practice yoga and meditation. Not only will yoga’s invigorating yet gentle movements release endorphins, but it’s actually been proven to improve your mood, too. Meditation is also a scientifically-backed method to lift your mood and make you a happier person in the long run.
Find joy in the little things
When you find more joy in your life, you can spread the sunshine to others. Here's to increased positivity and enormous smiles!
Disclaimer: This content on the Art of Living Blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Any links to third-party websites are provided as a convenience only and the Art of Living Blog is not responsible for their content.
Jennifer Landis is a writer and blogger at Mindfulness Mama. She enjoys yoga, red wine, and drinking all the tea she can find. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.
