8 Keys to Greater Joy and Vitality

If you’ve been feeling stressed and low-energy lately, you’re not alone. For the past two years, our lives have been turned upside down by the Covid pandemic, political conflict, economic uncertainty, lost jobs, lost relationships, and now the heartbreaking war in Ukraine.

Yet research shows that during troubled times, responding with moments of joy amid the suffering can bring us greater meaning and resilience.

1. Connecting with Nature

Research reveals how connecting with nature can improve our health, raising our mood, creativity, and overall vitality

2. Exercising

Research shows that exercise can help relieve depression. We need movement in our lives. Sedentary behavior, sitting for hours at computers, in cars, or on couches, can actually be hazardous to our health

3. Connecting with Others

The World Health Organization (2021) reports how loneliness and depression have dramatically increased during the Covid pandemic and research shows that loneliness can undermine our health. To flourish, we need a circle of support that includes not only family and friends but what psychologist Barbara Fredrickson (2013) calls “micro-moments of connectivity.” A smile, eye contact, perhaps a kind word with anyone we encounter each day, from our neighbors to the grocery store clerk, benefits both people, relieving stress and promoting greater physical and emotional well-being.

4. Meditating

Research shows how meditation can improve our emotional, mental, and physical well-being, enabling us to live more creatively (Kabat-Zinn, 2003; McCraty & Childre, 2004; Shapiro, 2009). There are many forms of meditation, from mindfulness to visualization, walking meditation, and more. If you haven’t developed your own meditative practice, you can begin by setting aside a few moments at the beginning or end of the day.

5. Appreciating Beauty

Appreciation of beauty and excellence is one of the 24 character strengths common to humankind. You can experience this for yourself by listening to your favorite music, visiting an art gallery, or attending a concert, dance, or theater performance.

6. Creating Beauty

Whether it’s painting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, a creative practice can reawaken the spirit of play we enjoyed as children. It can put us in a flow state where we become one with the process, expanding our awareness and capabilities

7. Setting a Meaningful Goal

Goals bring our lives purpose, direction, and meaning. When psychologist Dave Feldman and I led research participants through a 90-minute exercise to write down their goals and visualize steps to achieve them, they experienced significant goal progress and greater hope

8. Practicing Gratitude

Psychologist Robert Emmons (2007) found that a simple gratitude practice can make a positive difference in our mental health and well-being. To try this powerful practice for yourself, at the end of each day, think of three things you’re grateful for and write them down. Notice how you feel as you reflect on the gifts that each day brings.

Source; https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/202203/8-keys-greater-joy-and-vitality

Reflection;

This article mentions ways in which we could build up our resilience and hope when faced with the many adversities of life. Simple moments like smiling at someone or taking a walk in nature can help us de-stress.

What are some of the ways you de-stress?

#Stress #Joy #Resilience #MentalHealth