My Top Tips for Bringing More Joy into Your Everyday Life
One of my favorite quotes from The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is, “Darkness cannot survive in the presence of light.” The more light you bring to yourself and the world, the less chance darkness has to thrive.
Did you know that collectively, we are the saddest we’ve ever been? Depression and anxiety rates are at an all-time high and continue to rise. I believe this is due to many factors: our diet, lack of exercise, social isolation, technology addiction, and the comfort crisis. It astonishes me how many people live with the mindset that Monday through Friday is dreadful, and only the weekends are worth living for. I used to feel this way too. But in today's flexible work environment, especially with many of us working from home, we have the power to curate our days to feel like every day is the weekend.
I call this the “endless summer feeling” because I strive to recreate the perfect summer day in my life every day. This approach has made me more productive and stopped me from just waiting for the weekends. Every day is special, laid out in a way that optimizes my work, wellness, mental health, and overall happiness and contentment.
These are some of my top tips to feel happier:
Spend Money on Long-Term Happiness & Experiences
Invest in things that bring you long-term joy and memorable experiences. Avoid spending on fleeting pleasures that quickly fade. Identify the non-negotiables in your life that truly fill your cup and invest there. For me, it's unlimited lattes, travel, dining out, and wellness gadgets like red light therapy, yoga gear, a sauna, and a quality water filter.
Live slowly, embrace challenges, and create a life where every day feels like the weekend.
Create a Productivity System That Works for You
I can’t stare at a computer screen for eight hours straight without breaks. Switching between work tasks, personal tasks, and mental health breaks throughout the day has transformed my life. We all have personal errands, so why save them all for the weekend? Integrate them into your daily routine. For example, after three focused hours of work, I take a break to walk my dog and clean my bathroom before returning to work. If you have the flexibility, try this. Also, change positions throughout the day—stand, sit, work outside, move around. It’s good for your body and boosts productivity.
Have Tools Ready for When You Feel Down
We all feel sad or anxious at times, but the key is how we handle it. Make a list of activities that bring you happiness and refer to it when you need a boost. It's easy to forget the good things in life when you're in a negative mindset. When I feel down, I go to the ocean, sit by the beach, go for a nature walk, or call a loved one.
CREATE MORNING RITUALS
Your morning sets the tone for the entire day, so make it special. Give yourself at least an hour before diving into work. Do things that make you feel peaceful, grateful, and joyful. For me, it's sunlight and a walk first thing in the morning, along with a homemade latte.
GET UNCOMFORTABLE
I recently read a book called The Comfort Crisis that completely changed my perspective. One of the key takeaways is that our society has become too comfortable, and it's contributing to our depression. We move from our air-conditioned homes to our cars to our desks, avoiding any real challenges. This comfort is embedded in our routines and is making us unhappy.
Challenge yourself by picking up a hobby or trying something that both scares and excites you. For me, that was surfing, which I started two years ago. I always thought it looked fun but I never thought I could actually do it - the barrier to entry seemed so much more difficult than other sports, but this was also part of its appeal. I am in no way an amazing surfer, but I can now freely enjoy the sport, travel to new beaches, surf in different waters, and I've met incredible people who have become lifelong friends. Surfing has enriched my life in ways I never imagined, and I can’t imagine my life without it now.
Make Your Space a Wellness Sanctuary
It amazes me how many people live in non-cozy spaces. Your living space should be a priority. Whether you live alone or with others, make your space magical. It should be cozy, a place where you feel completely relaxed and peaceful. For me, it’s all about the rugs, comfortable bedding, having photos and decor of things you love, red light bulbs for nighttime, and soothing colors.
Stay Close to Nature
Spend as much time outside as you can. Be around animals, remove your headphones, and listen to nature. The sound of birds, rustling trees, and feeling the grass under your feet is the best therapy. It helps you reconnect with what’s truly important and puts life into perspective, reminding you how small and silly our stresses can be.
Embrace Empowered and Conscious Action
In The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle advises that if you find yourself in an unsatisfactory situation, you have three options: change it, leave it, or accept it fully without resistance. These choices help avoid suffering and negativity by encouraging empowered and conscious action.
Live slowly, and just enjoy.
Xo,
Emma