by Amanda Green
The pandemic was tough for everyone, and many are still feeling its effects. With the global death toll reaching beyond 4 million, you may be among many who are struggling to find joy after the pandemic.
If you do find yourself down in the dumps, don’t worry, you are in good company. Sometimes pulling yourself out of whatever funk you’ve ended up in can feel daunting. But, there is a way to be happy and find joy each day.
Learn Something New
Maybe during the pandemic, you were among the millions of people who picked up a new hobby. No matter. If you were or weren’t learning something new is a great way to find joy daily. Sometimes the best way to feel good about yourself is to accept a new challenge and crush it.
A perfect example is learning basic carpentry skills. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of sliding barn doors for a while. There is no better time than the present, especially when it comes to finding joy.
If you aren’t handy with power tools, or tools in general, try something else. Cooking, languages, painting, or drawing are a few popular choices.
Meditate
Meditation is an ancient practice that has survived the test of time for good reason. The effects of practicing meditation, which is not always spiritual, can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. To practice meditation, there are several options from which to choose.
For example, there is guided meditation. It usually has a recording or person instructing you on what to do next. Next, and personal favorite among millions, is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is the practice of remaining rooted in the present moment.
If you intend on practicing meditation, remember to be patient with yourself. Do not compare one session of meditation to another. Not every session will be the same experience, and that’s a good thing.
Prioritize Health
After the past year, you may be reluctant to make the trip to the doctor’s office. But, if the past year has taught us anything, everyone should prioritize their health. In other words, do not take for granted the moments where you feel great.
Take a few moments and exercise, get the wart on your back looked at, or make a trip to the dentist’s office. By ensuring that you are healthy and strong, it can help you keep focused on the future. In other words, hope for the future can make the present moment, even if miserable, more enjoyable.
Prioritizing your health is not only going to see a professional, it is an everyday choice. Try establishing a new habit that adds to your quality of life. For example, make a point to include more veggies in your dinner rotations. You could also try replacing junk food with fresh fruit.
Don’t Sabotage Yourself
The past year has been difficult, no doubt, but that is made perfectly clear by a recent New York Times article. Sometimes the answer is as simple as telling yourself that it’s okay to feel joy right now.
It may sound silly, but some people need to know it’s okay to have survived the past year. Looking back, most people are discovering joy by rekindling old relationships. The extreme loneliness that came with social distancing had created a mental health bubble that’s still waiting to pop.
Don’t be a part of the problem, and know that it’s okay to enjoy yourself. Be happy, and know that the sadness you may feel is only temporary, no need to stay in it.
Master the Routine
Sometimes, joy and happiness can seem scarce because your brain is so focused on everything else. If you feel like there is not enough time during the day to breathe and stretch, maybe a routine can help.
Learning to master a routine is not just a good way to be productive, but it can make everyday problems easier to manage. In other words, try putting most of your life on cruise control with detailed lists, so your brain can spend more time doing the things it finds enjoyable.
It doesn’t matter if you enjoy reading or lawn bowling, find time for those things. Sometimes, finding that time is the hardest part, but in the end, it’s well worth the effort
