Cultivating Joy: 6 Ways to Cultivate Joy in Your Life

Cultivating joy is intentionally bringing joy into one’s own life. Joy is an uplifting, positive feeling that comes from within. Taking the time to appreciate simple things in your day-to-day life can make you feel joy. You might also feel joy when participating in activities you love, visiting with loved ones, and practicing self-care. Cultivating true joy is a healthy practice that can boost mental health and help you build self-esteem.

You can start cultivating moments of joy in your own life in several simple ways. Consider the following methods:

1. 1. Build a self-care routine. Joy comes from within, so incorporate self-care practices into your routine to boost your mood. Taking long walks, talking to family members, and reciting positive affirmations are acts of self-care.
2. 2. Do things for other people. Being of service can boost your self-esteem and make you feel joy, so do small things for others, such as compliment someone, volunteer at a service organization, or offer to help a neighbor.
3. 3. Have fun. Activities you enjoy will spark joy, so make time for them in your daily routine. The easiest way to do this is to schedule time for your hobbies and interests.
4. 4. Practice mindfulness. A key component to cultivating joy is being more mindful. Mindfulness allows you to slow down, take in your surroundings, and appreciate the little things in life.
5. 5. Spend time with friends and family. Spend time with supportive, inspirational people. When you surround yourself with positive people, you can feel more optimistic, which will help you cultivate joy.
6. 6. Start a gratitude practice. Take time each day to write down things you’re grateful for in a journal, from your morning cup of coffee to loved ones. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you gain perspective and identify the people, places, and things that bring you joy.

Cultivating joy is an act of self-care with the following benefits:

1. 1. Meaningful relationships: Feeling joy improves your mood and can help you form deeper connections with other people in your life.
2. 2. More mindfulness: Taking the time to appreciate the wonders around you, no matter how small, can help you find joy. By prioritizing this feeling, you can become more mindful and live in the present moment.
3. 3. Positive thoughts: When you make time for joy daily, your brain fills with positive thoughts more often, making you less likely to dwell on negativity.
4. 4. Self-compassion: When you feel present and grateful, you are less likely to compare yourself to others and can build self-compassion.

Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a MasterClass Annual Membership and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.