You never know how many days you have left, so it’s crucial to make sure you experience happiness during each one of them. Here are twenty ways to find joy at the beginning and end of your day. There’s no better time to feel happy!
1. Practice gratitude.
Do you ever feel upset about something stupid? For example, a snide comment someone said to you at work, or your social life isn’t what you see on social media? Start being thankful that you have a job, be thankful you have friends, and those nasty thoughts will be banished away.
2. Eat breakfast.
Don’t try to find happiness while your stomach is empty. Eat a healthy breakfast, and you’ll instantly be more joyful. Don’t forget the protein, to keep you full longer.
3. Get dressed.
The first step in finding joy is to put on some pants. Really. Get out of bed and get ready for the day.
4. Journal.
Find joy by taking a second to unwind. A great way to do this is by journaling. You can process your thoughts, and practice gratitude. Win-win!
5. Get creative.
Creativity is Joy’s fun little sister. So, find a way to make something you’ve been thinking about. Even if it’s just drawing on a scrap piece of paper, you’ll feel a spark.
6. Listen to music.
There’s nothing better than getting ready for the day while listening to an upbeat song. You will instantly be uplifted.
7. Read.
Diving into a good book can take your day from blah to bla-mazing. There’s nothing more joyful than letting your imagination run wild.
8. Help someone.
Even if it’s just holding the door open for a stranger, doing something nice for someone else is the epitome of happiness.
9. Make a nourishing nightcap.
Tea anyone? Whatever your drink of choice ending your day with something that is good for you will establish a routine that will be beneficial for you health and set you up for having a joy-filled day tomorrow.
10. Memorize a meaningful quote.
Want to find a mantra for your day? Find an inspirational quote to repeat to yourself in the morning and at night. All actions start off as thoughts, so if you can think about something that inspires you, you will act on it.
11. Make a to-feel list.
We all try to think about what we have to get done: the to-do list. But, instead make a to-feel list. Include “gratitude, joy, happiness” and you’ll have to find these feelings in your day.
12. Exercise.
There’s nothing that will make you feel better than getting your endorphins going. Go ahead: move!
13. Go outside.
There’s a reason almost every song about joy includes sunshine.
14. Talk to someone you love.
Hearing your loved one’s voice at the beginning or end of the day is a great way to remember what’s really important.
15. Treat yourself.
If you’re feeling really down, don’t be afraid to do something nice for yourself. Sometime buying that expensive cup of coffee is just what you need to get pumped about your day.
16. Put on comfy clothes.
Slipping into your stretchy pants will make you relax after your hard day at work.
17. Cook.
Finding a new recipe will make you feel creative, and cooking for yourself will help you stay healthy. Pull out your pots and pans and have some fun.
18. Work on something new.
Starting a new project will give you energy. Plus, a fresh start is the one of the best ways to feel like you’re accomplishing a new goal. The accomplishment you feel will instantly turn to joy.
19. Dream.
Finding time to dream about who you want to be or what you want to do is essential to making sure you live a joyful life.
20. Laugh.
Laughter can lighten the mood of the most intense situation. Find something to laugh about, and you’ll instantly feel happier.
Featured photo credit: Free Spirit/Mandolin via flickr.com
