Habits for Joy

I recently read an article about habits to help you live a more joyful life (link here for full article), and “it’s the little habitual things” was a key aspect of that article. To counter some of the negative triggers I was dealing with the past couple of weeks, this article really helped me notice my life’s little joys.

Many of these habits for joy are aspects of putting positive psychology into practice and/or living life a little more slowly. So, it was not anything extremely new. I like reminders that help me sustain habits (yes, keep going!), show me ways I can boost current habits, or remind me of habits that might have slipped.  Isn’t it fascinating how easy it is to lose good habits and how hard it is to lose bad habits?

Here’s a brief recap of those habits for joy, as well as my thoughts on how I am living them, or not.

1. Deliberately reminisce on the good times. There are so many ways to do this. From a habit of at the end of every day noting three things that were moments of joy, to creating a “Best of the Year” photo or scrap book each and every year. My own monthly “I Did It List” has become a habit that helps me look at the month and celebrate what I accomplished, even the routine or small things.
2. Chat more – Micro-connections are brief chats with acquaintances or even strangers – from the cashier at the grocery to the barista at the coffee place to neighbors or even a class instructor at the end of class. Connection with others is such an important element of a healthy life that we often overlook. This one is a good reminder to me to slow down and allow time in my day to make those micro-connections.
3. Be Kind. Not planned kindness, but spontaneous kindness – hold the door, let someone merge in, smile at other shoppers. And notice those moments.  Another good reminder.
4. Savor.  Another habit that requires one to slow down!  Take the time to eat more slowly, sip the tea (or wine), look at the clouds, notice the rainbow in the sky, or listen to the birds.  It’s about fully experiencing the moments with all the senses.
5. Awe walks.  This idea has popped onto my possibilities list many times and unfortunately is not a habit I have been able to sustain, yet.  It’s similar to savor, but out in nature – walking, hiking, or biking – and noticing the trees, the birds, the breeze, the clouds.  I have friends who post their cloud pictures on FB from their bike rides; they definitely have this “awe bike” habit. I saw recently there is a Cloud Appreciation Society where, with membership, you get a “cloud of the day” picture and are encouraged to send your own in (from your Awe Walk!) and possibly be selected for it.  Imagine how joyful that would be!
6. Move for Fun.  While exercise (strength training, flexibility, and movement) is important for maintaining functional fitness, a fitness habit that is fun is much more sustainable and yes, joyful. My regular Cardio Drumming is definitely a movement habit that is a treat and not a chore.
7. Find your Flow. Where you find your flow is different for everyone, and I realized that I’ve let slide some of the habits that did provide me with moments of flow. What fully absorbs your attention when you do it – where you just lose track of time? And do you have it as a habit/regular activity?
8. Be Curious. Seeking out the new – from the big, out of the comfort zone challenges, to the small, everyday new experiences. I used to track my new experiences, not to hit any number, but to encourage myself to seek out the new and then providing the opportunity to review the list and reminisce about the good times.  But so much of what I do now is on repeat! Kick starting this new experience habit is something I will be doing (although in reality, this is probably after our move-in).
9. Habitual Activities Linked to Values.  Are you actually doing things that matter? That connect to your core values?  I reviewed this very idea in a recent blog post (link here)!  I noted with my own assessment that I needed to boost my creativity habits, which might mean trying something new and will definitely be something that is flow.
10. Plan something.  Looking forward to something or positive anticipation brings joy. Interestingly, I’ve been the designated planner in my circles (and with hubby) for a long time and have struggled recently with it being a positive experience. From trying to “herd cats,” to being overwhelmed with the details, to feeling responsible for the execution of the plan and feeling guilty when things go wrong (as they often do). Having this on the joyful habits list means I need to stop ruminating over the uncertainties and stop having too high expectations for the plan.  Turning planning back into joyful habit is going to be challenging!

As you read through the habits for joy, are you doing things habitually that bring joy to your life? Did the list encourage you to work on creating a new habit? Is there a habit for joy that is missing from the list?

Picture Credit: Pixabay (no new house pciture this week)

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