Make Joy a Habit

Let's face it, who doesn't want to be happy? The good news is, joy is ours when we choose to make it a priority. Dedication to embracing it is the key. Here are some simple techniques to help you start today to make joy a habit. Try them all or just some of them, and choose the ones that work best for you. Then, practice them for 21 days (which is typically how long it takes to form a habit) or as often as you can. The more you practice them, the more joyful you will feel each day.

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography via photopin cc

1.   Start each day by reading an inspiring expression and recite it to yourself throughout the day.

2.   Think of all the reasons you have to smile each day and notice your expression.

3.   Give thanks throughout each day for all of your blessings—large and small.

4.   Look for something good in each person you come in contact with each day and focus only on that.

5.   Take five deep breaths each time you’re feeling stressed.

6.   Silence your subconscious voice and listen to your heart.

7.   Resist the urge to listen to or spread gossip. 

8.   Take time to be still and quiet, if only for a few moments here and there, throughout each day.

9.   Be content being yourself.

10. At the end of each day, stop and reflect on how you feel and how you felt throughout the day with this exercise in mind.