I've decided to nix most TV news and skim through the barrage of pandemic reports in the press and online.
I sense it's better for my mental health to focus on things that help me remain calm, carry on, and inspire joy in me.
You probably need an encouraging word or two yourself. That's why I offer ...
Budget Friendly
Activities to Inspire Joy
Activities to Inspire Joy
Refresh with plants, greenery, and flowers 🌴
Plants improve air quality, by exchanging stale air in our homes and offices with fresh oxygen. Plants are natural humidifiers, preventing or easing irritation to eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. According to a NASA study some plants even filter out toxic materials.
No matter how down we feel, research reported on the NIH website indicates spending time in green spaces including parks, backyards, a plant nursery, or walking in a field of wildflowers elevates mood and even adds years to lives.
If we can't go outdoors, a simple way to commune with nature is to recall a
moment from the past when we were hiking, rock climbing, biking, running, or strolling in the great
outdoors.
Using our imagination helps us recall fun times and associate sounds of a bubbling brook, children laughing, or the pleasing aroma of a pine forest with joy.
We can take our fantasy further and visualize birds or butterflies flying about, conjure up animals strolling in their natural habitats, imagine people gathered at a picnic or tennis match, or see ourselves with our friends and relations, frolicking in an ocean or lake.
Put pen to paper and journal about small
personal or career victories. We need not discount any effort. The tiniest step forward
can be designated as the success of
the day.
Journal to make a list of all the kind, caring expressions we would use to comfort a friend.
Doing this helps us prepare for a time when we forget we can use gentle words to comfort ourselves. For another self-compassionate idea, read this from Dr. Kristin Neff.
An additional journal activity to promote joy is to write this phrase in a journal... "I am enough just as I am." For extra coaching on this read 9 Practices to Help You See You are Enough.
In the evening, devote a few minutes to recount all the good things that have occurred during the day in a journal.
Grasping a pen or colored pencils in our hand rather than an using an electronic device, is a tactile way to calm down before bedtime, and ground us.
Ending each day with a grateful heart, helps us sleep better and encourages pleasant dreams.
No time or desire to think up journal topics or journal write in a blank book?
Make it easy on yourself and pick up a copy of the interactive, guided journal, Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.
I wrote it and published it at Align Publishing LLC just for women. Colors of Joy is affordable, attractive, and fun to use.
It supports the journal owner as she does journal activities that were designed to increase joy.
Learn why a joyful reader said Colors of Joy was right for her.
This book has given me the opportunity to apply color, instead of words, to this blissful state of mind...a very different approach. It’s an invitation to considering another place for myself, that’s not in the extremes of either black or white thinking. Living within the many colors of the rainbow is where JOY resides for me, and I thank you for this practical and integrative guide tohelp me along with my process!
We can take our fantasy further and visualize birds or butterflies flying about, conjure up animals strolling in their natural habitats, imagine people gathered at a picnic or tennis match, or see ourselves with our friends and relations, frolicking in an ocean or lake.
Tilling the soil and planting seeds or potting plant cuttings we get from a friend, are low cost activities that bring joy. Studies show that spending quality time outdoors can reduce stress, is good exercise, and refreshes mind and spirit.
Focus on Heart-opening Journal Writing 📃
Journal to make a list of all the kind, caring expressions we would use to comfort a friend.
Doing this helps us prepare for a time when we forget we can use gentle words to comfort ourselves. For another self-compassionate idea, read this from Dr. Kristin Neff.
An additional journal activity to promote joy is to write this phrase in a journal... "I am enough just as I am." For extra coaching on this read 9 Practices to Help You See You are Enough.
In the evening, devote a few minutes to recount all the good things that have occurred during the day in a journal.
Grasping a pen or colored pencils in our hand rather than an using an electronic device, is a tactile way to calm down before bedtime, and ground us.
Ending each day with a grateful heart, helps us sleep better and encourages pleasant dreams.
No time or desire to think up journal topics or journal write in a blank book?
Make it easy on yourself and pick up a copy of the interactive, guided journal, Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.
I wrote it and published it at Align Publishing LLC just for women. Colors of Joy is affordable, attractive, and fun to use.
It supports the journal owner as she does journal activities that were designed to increase joy.
Learn why a joyful reader said Colors of Joy was right for her.
"I recently received this
book as a gift from a wonderful friend. She knew that things were changing for
me...and that I had a willingness to start experiencing life once again. What
she did not know is that this word ‘JOY’ has always had a special meaning for
me, especially at this specific time.
This book has given me the opportunity to apply color, instead of words, to this blissful state of mind...a very different approach. It’s an invitation to considering another place for myself, that’s not in the extremes of either black or white thinking. Living within the many colors of the rainbow is where JOY resides for me, and I thank you for this practical and integrative guide to
Accept Responsibility for Joy Now 😄
Some may blame other people for their current unhappiness, or think happiness is dependent on things like losing weight or falling in love.
Others base their happiness on praise and recognition from the people in their lives. They find it difficult to take pleasure from their own accomplishments or be thankful for those things that are working in their lives...
Others base their happiness on praise and recognition from the people in their lives. They find it difficult to take pleasure from their own accomplishments or be thankful for those things that are working in their lives...
This is a mistake.
Accepting responsibility for our own joy means seeking healthful ways to tap into joy, and going after them.
Happiness depends much more on our own sense of personal value, than it does on other peoples' opinion of us.
When we make an effort to discover which things we love to do and do them, we are well on the way to a joyful life!
If we already know what inspires joy in us, we need to practice them more often.
Happiness depends much more on our own sense of personal value, than it does on other peoples' opinion of us.
When we make an effort to discover which things we love to do and do them, we are well on the way to a joyful life!
If we already know what inspires joy in us, we need to practice them more often.
"We can never overdo joy. " Nancy Andres😎
True joy is not dependent on whether we are on our own or live with a partner or family.
The art to true happiness lies in finding enjoyment in simple things like savoring that first cup of coffee or tea in the morning or laughing, because we're wearing our favorite pair of sneakers.
If we are mindful to give thanks for food, shelter, and clothing, our joy can multiply. When we set aside time to relax, act silly, and find pleasure in just being, we increase well-being.
Joy is also a by-product of self-discovery. When we learn from our mistakes, our experiences become opportunities to grow.
Joy can spring from risking to try a new thing, or doing the same old same old. It depends on our mindset.
The pandemic has been an eye-opener for many of us. COVID-19 has given us a chance to notice our frame of mind, when we're left mostly to our own devices.
The art to true happiness lies in finding enjoyment in simple things like savoring that first cup of coffee or tea in the morning or laughing, because we're wearing our favorite pair of sneakers.
If we are mindful to give thanks for food, shelter, and clothing, our joy can multiply. When we set aside time to relax, act silly, and find pleasure in just being, we increase well-being.
Joy is also a by-product of self-discovery. When we learn from our mistakes, our experiences become opportunities to grow.
Joy can spring from risking to try a new thing, or doing the same old same old. It depends on our mindset.
The pandemic has been an eye-opener for many of us. COVID-19 has given us a chance to notice our frame of mind, when we're left mostly to our own devices.
It may be health savvy to continue to do solo activities that make us feel happy yet protected, even though some places are reopening to the public.
Personal
happiness improves when we feel self-confident. Being comfortable in our own
skin helps us recognize our gifts, talents, areas were we still need work, and love ourselves wholeheartedly.
For peace of mind, I make a decision to let go of fear and surrender to how outside circumstances unfold.
For peace of mind, I make a decision to let go of fear and surrender to how outside circumstances unfold.
I
believe that if we trust ourselves and our judgement, and appreciate the people and circumstances in
our lives, we’re better able to sense the Universe is
taking care of us all.
This is what makes me feel happy.
This is what makes me feel happy.
I wish you'd use the simple, budget friendly activities and positive attitude tips I've provided to inspire joy. I care about you and found in my own life they work to ease stress and improve thinking well beyond the current situation.
Living simply and joyfully makes our lives sparkle and feel heart centered.
Living simply and joyfully makes our lives sparkle and feel heart centered.
Consistent self-care activities help us build
emotional flexibility and creates joy, even on challenging days.
If life seems too hard or lonely, we don't have to tough it out alone. It's healthy and self-caring to share our pain with a friend, support group, spiritual counselor, or therapist. No one needs to feel isolated. Read What to do when you don't think you can afford therapy. 😓
Please comment below (no links in your comment please, as I won't be able to publish it that way).
I read every comment and appreciate your visit. 💗
Do you think you're generally a happy person? Please explain.
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