When you think about moments in your life where you’ve been truly happy, you likely think big — your wedding, the birth of your children, an especially joyous vacation, etc. — and there’s nothing wrong with that! But it’s important to remember that true happiness can also be found in your daily life and is often sparked by unexpected things and situations. And because the joy reaped from big events will inevitably fade, finding joy in the little things is one of the best ways to keep your soul nourished. Scroll down to peruse some tricks and tips to help you savor life’s littlest pleasures.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
The small features and routines of our daily lives have a huge impact on our lives. If you focus on finding joy in the little things, you can develop a deep sense of well-being that supports you in both the good times and the bad. Appreciate little moments of happiness when you find them, and create these moments whenever possible.
This may sound lovely, but where can you start? If you want to cultivate more small joys in your life, these tips can help you get started:
Pay attention to small details.
If you fail to notice the little things in your life, how can you find joy in them? Make an effort to be mindful, and pay attention to things you might’ve otherwise overlooked: the satisfying click of the button on your coffee machine, the gorgeous shape of the clouds, the feeling of fresh sheets on your bed, the funny way your friend laughs . . . Before you know it, you’ll be seeing things that spark joy everywhere!
Practice gratitude.
Challenge yourself to practice gratitude on a daily basis. Not only will the practice itself make you happier, but also, because you don’t want to repeat the same list every day (your family, your friends, your health), you’ll be forced to identify smaller things in your life that are worthy of gratitude. Are you grateful for your favorite cologne? The cardinal sitting outside your window? Fresh strawberries in springtime? The music your hairdresser plays while fixing your hair? Write these things down in a notebook each night — nothing is too small to be worthy of a place in your gratitude journal!
Take care of your health.
When you’re in good health, it’s much easier to pay attention to your surroundings. And if you’re able to pay attention to your surroundings, you’ll undoubtedly find things worth marveling over. How can you take care of yourself? First, eat a nutritious diet, following any recommendations provided by your doctor. Second, move your body! Do a workout, go for a walk, or simply dance around your kitchen. Third, stay connected with your loved ones. Reach out to friends and family, and join activities and events scheduled at your assisted living community. Finally, make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. According to researchers at Cornell, high-quality sleep is linked with happiness.
Share your joy.
When you find something that makes you happy, whether big or small, share it with a friend. If you see a sign that makes you laugh while walking, take a photo and send it to your daughter. If you buy a bag of amazing chocolates, share them with your lunch buddies. If the sun’s warmth feels heavenly on your arms, say so. Not only does expressing joy give that joy a chance to spread, but also it creates a cheery atmosphere that encourages other people to share the things that make them happy.
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We hope that these tips help you find countless new things to appreciate in your life. With a little effort, you can find joy wherever you go!
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper today. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensures that residents feel secure and comfortable right away. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services or to schedule a tour, please give us a call at 913-361-5136 or contact us online.