JOY

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare, 

on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.

Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee,

watching the sun hit your favourite tree, just right.

And you usher joy away,

because you are not ready for it. 

Your house is not as it must be,

for such a distinguished guest.

But joy cares nothing for your messy home, 

or your bank-balance,

or your waistline, you see.

Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life,

that’s how joy works.

You cannot invite her, you can only be ready when she appears.

And hug her with meaning,

because in this very moment, 

joy chose you.

Donna Ashworth 

This poem by Donna Ashworth captured my imagination.  In a world where we're constantly bombarded, finding ways to elevate your mood are more important than ever. Fortunately, there are many simple yet effective strategies you can use to boost your joy levels and feel better every day. From years of practice combined with yogic philosophy I have plenty of tips to share to give you a boost of joy - it's why I started Eluroom. From incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine to cultivating positive relationships and engaging in activities that bring you joy, Eluroom's top tips can help you achieve a happier, more fulfilling life. So if you're ready to start feeling more joy and abundance in your daily life, keep reading for Eluroom's advice on how to make it happen. Dose of Joy is a great way to give you the boost of joy you need.

Joy is more than just a feeling - it's a state of mind that can have a powerful impact on your health and well-being. Research has shown that people who choose joy and to look at the good tend to have better physical health, lower stress levels, and stronger social connections. So what exactly causes joy? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, scientists have identified several factors that can contribute to feelings of joy and contentment.

One of the main factors that contribute to happiness is positive relationships. Spending time with loved ones, whether it's family or friends, can provide a sense of social support and connection that can be incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies or creative pursuits, can also boost boost your mood.

Another important factor is gratitude and positive thinking. Focusing on the good things in your life, rather than dwelling on the negative, can help shift your perspective and increase feelings of joy and contentment. Finally, physical activity and exercise have been shown to release endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can boost mood and reduce stress.

If you're looking to boost your joy levels, there are several daily habits you can incorporate into your routine. One of the most effective is practicing gratitude. Taking time each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for can help shift your focus from negativity to positivity.

Another important habit is engaging in physical activity. Whether it's going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym, exercise has been shown to release endorphins and improve mood. Additionally, setting goals and working towards them can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment that can boost happiness levels.

In the workplace, happier employees tend to be more productive and engaged, leading to better job performance and higher job satisfaction. Additionally, happier individuals are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.

Finally, make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it's reading, painting, or spending time with loved ones. By prioritizing activities that make you happy, you'll be more likely to feel fulfilled and content on a daily basis.

As mentioned earlier, practicing gratitude and positive thinking can have a powerful impact on happiness levels. By focusing on the good things in your life, you can shift your perspective and increase feelings of joy and contentment.

One effective way to practice gratitude is to keep a gratitude jar.   This can be a great thing to do with the family.  Each day, write down something you're thankful for and place it is a jar.  This can be in a jar by your bed.  It’s a wonderful way to start or end the day. This can be anything from a supportive friend to a delicious meal. By taking time to reflect on the positives in your life, you'll be more likely to notice and appreciate them.  You can try this meditation.

Positive thinking can also be a powerful tool for boosting happiness levels. Our conscious mind trains our subconscious mind.  Rather than dwelling on negative thoughts or situations, try to reframe them in a positive light. For example, if you're stuck in traffic, instead of getting frustrated, try to appreciate the extra time to listen to your favorite podcast The Guilty Feminist is fun or music an 80’s singalong.

As mentioned earlier, positive relationships are a key factor in happiness. However, with busy schedules and competing demands, it can be difficult to make time for loved ones. Fortunately, there are several ways to stay connected, even when time is limited.

Make a habit of it and schedule regular check-ins with friends and family. Whether it's a weekly phone call or a monthly dinner date, having a regular time to connect can help maintain relationships and provide a sense of social support.

Live abundantly and say yess to more.  Often we tell ourselves we are tired or too busy.  Try a new thing aa art class, a getaway, or a new exercise finding activities that you can enjoy with all of the beautiful souls in your world helps strengthen bonds and create new memories. 

Finally, make an effort to show appreciation and gratitude towards the people in your life. Whether it's a simple thank-you note or an unexpected compliment, expressing gratitude can help deepen relationships and foster feelings of connection and support.

Physical activity and exercise have been shown to release endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can boost mood and reduce stress. Additionally, regular exercise can have a host of other health benefits, including weight management, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of chronic disease.

If you're new to exercise, start small and build gradually. Even a short walk around the block can provide a mood boost and help you feel more energized. You can start with getting off a stop earlier then your regular one or park the car further.  Perhaps take a walk in your lunch break.  If you have a park nearby go and explore.  Connecting with nature has so many benefit for a boost of joy.  As you become more comfortable, try incorporating different types of exercise, such as yoga, weightlifting, or cardio workouts.  I have recently learnt to teach pilates.  It's a dynamic class and such a buzz to do.  The best thing is to try and find the one the works for you and know you can always change it. Work out what woks for you, making exercise a regular part of your routine. That’s half the fun of it.  

Why not try a 5 minute yoga to connect in to your body.

Mindfulness and meditation practices can be incredibly effective tools for boosting mood.   By focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of awareness, mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety and increase feelings of joy and contentment.

Did you know the first 20 minutes of the day set the tone for the rest of it.

One effective mindfulness practice is to simply take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body. This can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of tension or stress.

Try this when you wake up

Another effective practice is to cultivate a sense of gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for, whether it's a supportive friend, a warm cup of tea, or a beautiful sunset. By focusing on the positives in your life, you'll be more likely to feel happy and content.

For more why not try a Dose of Joy a mini course to help you boost your mood and reduce stress & anxiety.   

Let me remind you there is only one you.  What are you doing to fill your cup? It's not being selfish it's nourishing your body mind and soul to be the best version of you better equipped to handle the stresses and challenges of daily life.

One effective self-care practice is to prioritize sleep. Make sure to get enough sleep each night, and consider establishing a regular sleep routine to help ensure that you get the rest you need.

Another important self-care practice is to nourish your body with healthy food and hydration. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help boost energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue or lethargy.

Finally, make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's taking long bath, reading a book, or enjoying your favourite drink. By prioritizing your own needs and taking time for self-care, you'll be more likely to feel happy and fulfilled on a daily basis.

In conclusion, there are many simple yet effective strategies you can use to boost your happiness levels and feel better every day. From incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine to cultivating positive relationships and engaging in activities that bring you joy, Eluroom's top tips can help you achieve a happier, more fulfilling life.

Top 5 tips for a BOOST OF JOY

1 Practicing gratitude and positive thinking

2 Engaging in physical activity and exercise 

3 Prioritizing relationships and staying connected with loved ones 

4  Incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into your routine

5 There is only one you take care of yourself, do things that bring you joy

By implementing these tips into your daily routine, you'll be more likely to experience increased happiness, improved well-being, and a greater sense of fulfillment in your daily life. So why wait? Start incorporating these tips into your routine today and start to give yourself A Boost of Joy

For more why not try a Dose of Joy