Reading time: 3 minutes
Studies show that joy is the cure for everything. It helps reduce stress and promotes good mental health.
We easily associate joy with younger generations exploring the world, trying new things, and celebrating their accomplishments, but the importance of happiness in people of all ages should not be underestimated.
It is up to us to create our own joy and happiness. It is therefore essential to search within ourselves (with a smile) for what motivates us and makes us fulfilled.
The path to happiness is different for everyone. Below are five ways to inspire and encourage you to find yours.
1. Express your personality
Reflecting on one's personality and revealing it through artistic expression is a beautiful approach, both externally and internally.
It helps manage stress, anxiety and/or depression and promotes memory, while connecting you to yourself and possibly others.
You can develop your artistic expression through the following activities:
- play a musical instrument;
- to paint ;
- to write ;
- read/write poetry;
- draw ;
- make pottery;
- sing ;
- to sew; and
- to dance.
2. Explore and travel
The ever-changing worldview you gain through travel is invaluable. Discovering history, new cultures and cuisines, and the world's natural wonders are all ways to pursue happiness.
Whether it's a month-long stay in another country, a day trip to visit a local landmark, or a TV show that takes you on a tour of a beautiful city, travel offers the opportunity to broaden your perspective on yourself and the world around you.
3. Take care of others
Reaching out to those in need or making someone smile is often just as rewarding for you as it is for the recipient. These gestures can even help reduce stress and symptoms of depression.
The time, energy, and resources needed to care for others differ for everyone, but here are some ideas to consider:
- volunteer;
- take care of an animal in a shelter;
- invite a neighbor for tea;
- make an extra serving of homemade soup for a stressed friend;
- donate to a cause or organization; and
- call or write to a distant relative.
You can add to this list anything that comes from the heart to truly care for others.
4. Learn something new
Trying a new sport or learning to play an instrument can be intimidating. However, the health benefits often outweigh the fears associated with learning a new activity.
When you take on a new challenge, your brain rewards you with clearer thinking and better memory. For example, you can:
-
learn :
- to speak a language;
- to practice a sport;
- to use a cooking technique;
- to play a musical instrument;
-
to study :
- history;
- sciences;
- geography; and
- religion.
You can also:
- make a model or a puzzle;
- join a book club;
- gardening;
- camp; and
- observe birds.
5. Observe the evolution of people and things
We are amazed when we witness growth and evolution, such as that of a young child or a garden, and this wonder is a source of joy.
Observe the growth and/or evolution of nature by:
- watching the sunrise or sunset;
- gardening;
- eating seasonal foods;
- being present with your children;
- admiring a waterfall; and in
- gazing at the stars.
Because the way we experience joy is different for each of us, be sure to etch into your memory the moments you appreciate. Reliving these mental images later can bring you as much joy as the moment itself.
Allow yourself to experience joy. It's essential, including for your health. Identify what brings you happiness and adapt your life to enjoy it. Your life doesn't need to be perfect, just happy.