Getting through our day-to-day life can sometimes feel like going through the motions. And when we start going through the motions, and not really LIVING, the joy in our daily lives can be hard to find.
So what’s the trick to finding joy in everyday life? What’s the secret to finding joy in everyday life? Keep reading to learn 9 ways I’ve found that have helped me get my happiness back on track! I know these hacks can transform your life too!
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Table of Contents
Why is it Hard to Find Joy in Everyday Life?
Before we get to the tips, let’s think for a minute. Why is it hard to find joy in everyday life? There are several reasons why we all might struggle to find joy at times.
We Struggle to Find Joy Because Life is Hard
In my opinion, life can just plain suck sometimes. Y’all, it’s hard out there!!! Work and stress and bills and emotions and all of it add up! Sometimes, the struggles are just plain real!!!
Even when life isn’t hard, we can get into boring routines, doing the same thing over and over again. Before we know it, our lives are in a rut. And let me tell you, there’s not a lot of joy when living your life in a rut. I’ve been there!
The Busyness of Life Can Steal Our Joy
Or, our lives are just soooo busy, that there’s no time to actually enjoy living! We run from one activity to the next, never stopping to pause and catch our breath. I’m exhausted just writing about it.
Depression and Anxiety Can Make it Hard to Find Joy and Peace
Depression and anxiety are more serious reasons that steal our joy. These reasons need to be addressed and treated by a counselor or medical professional. I have battled with both depression and anxiety at times myself. Please reach out to someone you trust if you’re dealing with anything this serious. God loves you, and your life is important!
Why Is it Important to Find Joy in Your Daily Life?
So, why is finding joy in everyday life so important? Shouldn’t we just wait for the big moments to be happy? People, I don’t think so! Finding joy in the day-to-day moments is so important for our overall well-being!
Finding Joy in Life Gives You Energy
For starters, finding joy in everyday life gives you more energy. It’s no secret that living a boring life can zap your energy, and anything that steals your joy also steals your energy too. Studies show that happy people have more energy. So find something fun to do, and you’ll probably find yourself with a little more energy left in the tank at the end of the day!
Finding Joy in Life Gives Us a Reason to Keep Going
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again; life is hard! Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that putting one foot in front of the other doesn’t even seem worth it. Believe me, it get it.
That’s why finding joy in everyday life is so important! When we can find joy in even the small, simple things in our life, it can inspire us to find joy in the bigger moments. And this, my friend, should do the trick.
9 Life Hacks for Finding Joy in Everyday Life
And now that we’ve hashed out why it’s hard, but oh so important, to find joy, let’s get to the life hacks. Here are my top 9 life hacks for finding joy in everyday life!
Be Present to Find Your Joy
One of the first pieces of advice I hear the most about finding joy in everyday life is to be present. That might sound a bit cliche, but it’s actually really really great advice!
Let’s think about it for a second. If you’re anything like me, we’ve all put our lives on autopilot at some time or another. With the recent pandemic, staying at home and doing the same thing over and over and over again, we all probably got into a rut. Regular life is no different!
So, one thing I try to do more is be present with my family and friends. Enjoy the moment you’re in with them. Even if it’s making dinner or repairing the lawnmower. Just don’t throw any tools at each other while you’re at it!
Find Joy in the Little Things
What are some of the little things that bring your life joy? For me, it’s a good cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset, or blasting an awesome song with the top off of my jeep! When I’m having a bad day, 99% of the time, these simple pleasures can instantly brighten my day.
So, think about a few simple pleasures that bring you joy, and find ways that you can sprinkle them into your days. Knowing that you have some simple pleasures you look forward to from time to time can help bring more joy to your everyday life!
Find Joy in Life Through Nature
Whenever I need to gain a little perspective, I need to get outside and breathe a little fresh air. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as spending time in nature can give us a renewed perspective? Spending time in nature is another great way to find joy in everyday life.
So make sure you spend some time outside whenever you can! If the weather’s nice, get some exercise by going for a walk. Plant a garden, or some flowers, in the spring. Or you could just sit and spend some time appreciating all God has created.
Find Your People To Boost Your Joy
With the age of social media and instant connectivity, you’d think people would feel more connected than they did before. But in reality, in 2020 a study showed that fifty-eight percent of Americans felt that no one knew them very well.
So one step to finding your joy may be that you just need to find your people! Think about your hobbies. Do you like certain sports or activities? Maybe you like movies or certain types of foods. Whatever it is, I’m sure you can find a group of people that will enjoy the same interests and activities as you do.
Aside from my family, I’ve found my people in two places: in my church family and in my martial arts club. In my church family, I’ve been able to be a part of small group ministries and the music ministry.
With my martial arts club, my entire family has earned their black belts in Central Shaolin Kung Fu. I have also met several great friends through martial arts who have become like family to me.
Put Others First to Find More Joy
When I find myself getting a little down in the dumps, it’s usually because I’m getting a little too self-absorbed. One of the best ways I know for finding more joy in everyday life is putting others over myself.
Do you need some ideas for putting others first? If you’re plugged into a local church family, that should be an easy thing. Most churches have tons of ministry opportunities available, and not enough volunteers to fill the slots.
You could also look for opportunities to serve in your local community. I’m sure there’s a food pantry, clothing closet, or other outreach programs just waiting for you to volunteer to help! You just have to be willing to get out there and do the work.
Try Something New to Be More Joyful
It can be hard to feel happy when you are in a rut. Doing the same thing over and over again can keep anyone from being joyful. So another great tip I have for finding joy in everyday life is trying something new.
Trying something new doesn’t have to be a huge thing. If you need to, start small.
Maybe try a new outfit or a new hairstyle for starters. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you could try a class on atopic that interests you, or even take up a new hobby. Some people even go big and jump into a whole new career!
Either way, trying something new, no matter how big or small, may be just what you need to find your joy.
Find Your Joy Through Gratitude
Gratitude, or being thankful, is another small step you can take for finding joy.
I know what you might be thinking. When life is going downhill, how can you be grateful? But trust me, there’s always something we can be thankful for in life!
In my journal, I have a page dedicated to the blessings in my life. Whenever I think of one, I jot it down, no matter how big or small it is. Then on those bad days, when I can’t find a reason to be thankful, I can simply turn the page to get a quick reminder of all the ways I am blessed!
Practice Self-Care to Find More Joy
If you’re feeling run-down and totally exhausted, it’s probably kind of hard to feel joyful. Everyone is preaching self-care all the time right now, but it is really important for you to take care of yourself.
You don’t have to go big and book a day at the spa! Little bits of self-care here and there will help.
Find a quiet space and take 5 slow, deep breaths, schedule coffee with a friend, or take a 10-minute walk. Do whatever it takes to make yourself feel a little better!
Finding True Joy in Christ
For my last tip, I have to be honest with you. God never promised us a perfect life. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded that this is a fallen world. In John 16:33, Jesus reminds us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
There have been sooooo many times in this life I’ve wanted to give up. But friend, I can honestly tell you today that in these times, the only true joy I could find in my life was in the hope and faith I had in Christ. His promises are true, and He promises that “joy comes in the morning…” (Psalms 30:5 NIV) If you want more info on joy in Christ, you can find it here.
Blessings,