How To Find Joy In The Smaller Moments
Learn simple steps to find joy in the little moments of life and reclaim your peace amidst the demands of adulthood. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: DisobeyArt via iStockPhoto.com
By: Jamila Gomez
The seriousness of adult life can wear us all down. We have so many demands placed on us that it can be difficult to have fun and not take life too seriously.
We all need a bit of a boost now and again, and sometimes we need to remember to take a step back and enjoy the smaller moments in life. If you’re curious to find out how you might start this journey, look at these simple steps to point you in the right direction.
How to find joy in the little moments in life:
Take Time Out For Yourself
Sometimes, it can feel as though we are constantly available, always trying to connect with people and hit our goals.
It's important to take time out for yourself and to be alone to process your thoughts properly. Take some time away from the office, or the laptop, or your busy diary full of commitments.
Go for a walk in nature. Sit in a coffee shop and order your favorite drink. Watch the world go by. Take pleasure in feeling the wind on your face or in your hair as you go for a walk.
Enjoy the cozy spot at that coffee shop you’ve meant to go to. Take a moment to look at the frost on a cold winter’s day. Take some time to embrace solitude. Look at all the little things in life you may never have stopped to consider before!
Be Bold And Ambitious
Be at one with nature by setting an alarm and watching the sunrise. Alternatively, watch the sunset. Take a beverage with you and some food and watch one of nature’s marvels unfold in front of you.
You will find a sense of peace while watching sunrises, sunsets, even waves crashing at the beach. Appreciate the sounds, sights, and beauty of something that is out of your control.
You can’t decide when these beautiful moments will happen - all you can do is sit and appreciate them. Be tranquil and enjoy the moment.
Try to be still, clear your mind, and enjoy every color in the sky, every sound the wind makes, and every feeling you can savor.
Be Curious
When you manage to take time out of your hectic schedule, indulge and be curious about the world around you.
Go for a walk in your city and go to that building or historical site you’ve always meant to visit.
Visit a museum or an exhibition that you normally wouldn't. It is the freedom we have in life to try new things, be bold, and challenge ourselves that brings us joy.
Volunteer
Observe the world around you and help make it a better place. Consider volunteering to support those who are in need. You will find joy in the simple task of giving back to your local community and knowing you are making a selfless difference.
Even the act of supporting and guiding others will give you a boost. Enjoy those tiny, worthwhile human interactions that make life vibrant and exciting.
Whether you’re watching a sunrise or a sunset, whether you're experiencing a new hobby for the first time or are simply enjoying the beauty nature has to offer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the smaller moments in life. Be bold and be adventurous!
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From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Life
Learn how to move from survival mode to a thriving mindset by recognizing the signs, understanding the causes, and taking proactive steps for a more balanced and fulfilling life. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: m-imagephotography via iStockPhoto.com
By: Jamila Gomez
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, leaving us stuck in a constant state of survival mode. This mindset, characterized by stress, anxiety, and the focus on getting through each day, can make it difficult to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Shifting from survival mode to a state of thriving involves recognizing the signs, understanding the underlying causes, and taking proactive steps toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Here's how you can begin this transformative journey.
Recognizing the Signs of Survival Mode
Survival mode is a state where our focus narrows to immediate needs and challenges, often at the expense of long-term goals and well-being. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward change:
Constant Stress and Anxiety: Feeling perpetually on edge and unable to relax is a key indicator of survival mode.
Fatigue and Exhaustion: A lack of energy and feeling constantly drained, both physically and mentally, can signal you’re stuck in this mode.
Narrow Focus on Immediate Tasks: Prioritizing short-term tasks over long-term planning or goals is common in survival mode.
Difficulty in Making Decisions: Feeling overwhelmed by even small choices or changes can be a result of survival stress.
Neglecting Self-Care: Ignoring your physical, emotional, and mental health needs because you’re too busy or stressed.
Understanding the Causes
Several factors can push individuals into survival mode:
Chronic Stress: Ongoing pressures from work, family, or finances can keep the body in a heightened state of alert.
Unresolved Trauma: Past traumatic experiences can trigger a prolonged survival response.
Lack of Support: Feeling isolated or lacking a support network can exacerbate feelings of being overwhelmed.
Health Issues: Physical or mental health challenges can contribute to a survival mindset.
Steps to Transition from Survival Mode
Moving from survival to thriving requires intentional actions and mindset shifts:
1. Acknowledge Your Situation: Acceptance is crucial. Recognize and validate your feelings and experiences without judgment. This self-awareness is the first step toward change.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This includes adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
3. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to demands that drain your energy or time. Protect your space and prioritize activities that align with your well-being.
4. Reconnect with Your Passions: Rediscover activities or hobbies that bring you joy and satisfaction. Engaging in these can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you stay present and reduce stress. These techniques can also improve your emotional resilience.
6. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Share your experiences with friends, family, or support groups to feel connected and understood.
7. Set Realistic Goals: Break down long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and build confidence.
8. Seek Professional Help: If feelings of stress and overwhelm persist, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and support in managing stress and developing coping strategies.
Creating a Thriving Mindset
Transitioning from survival to thriving involves adopting a mindset focused on growth, possibility, and resilience:
Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your focus from scarcity to abundance.
Embrace Change: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Adopting a growth mindset can help you adapt to and thrive in new situations.
Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on actions and choices within your control, rather than dwelling on external circumstances.
Breaking free from survival mode is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and commitment. By recognizing the signs, addressing the root causes, and implementing strategies to prioritize your well-being, you can shift toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Embracing a mindset of growth and possibility will empower you to not only survive but truly thrive.