Finding small ways to add moments of joy to my everyday life has made such a difference for me. Instead of dreaming of taking one vacation a year or living for the weekend, I’ve found that daily habits, rituals, little luxuries, and taking time to enjoy them can be just as special and meaningful as big events.
Below are nine small ways I add big amounts of joy to my everyday life. Please share how you add joy to your life in the comments!
Yesterday, I was thinking about how happy I am to have more free time because I dropped one of my classes this semester.
I will be the first to admit that sometimes I don’t take the best care of myself. Mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
When I first started this blog, I was swimming competitively. I truly enjoyed swimming (and still do), but I didn’t enjoy the demanding schedule that came along with swimming for a team. Now that I look back, I realize that I wasn’t taking care of myself at that time because I was forcing myself to do something that I didn’t want to do.
This semester, I couldn’t keep up with my schedule. I took a course that was too hard for my abilities. I thought I would be able to stick it out, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t taking care of myself because I was stressed beyond belief and not spending time with friends or family.
I enjoy swimming on my own terms. I enjoy school when I can handle my course load.
I have realized that it’s so important to take care of myself.
Personally, taking care of myself means…
Asking for help when I need it
Being okay with saying no
Making time for friends and family
Making time to be alone
Writing in my journal
Spending time with God every day
Goofing off and laughing until I cry
Spending time doing nothing
Getting enough sleep and eating well
Being nice to myself when I make mistakes
Being open with others
Enjoying the little things in life
Accepting myself as a work in progress
Not stressing too much about taking care of myself
How do you take care of yourself?
Living My Full Life 