Hey guys! As promised, here is my “Joy List”. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, I mentioned in one of my previous Lifestyle posts titled “Taking Care of Yourself in Times of Loneliness” that it can really help to have a list of things that truly bring you joy. This way, you can have it on hand for days you feel a bit down or out of good spirits.
Snigdha’s Joy List – things that spark joy in my life:
- Taking a warm shower with candles, gentle music, and lavender soap
- Lavender is known for its relaxing and soothing properties.
- Showers really help to both literally and figuratively wash the day’s difficult-to-handle emotions away
- Cuddling with my dog, Theo, and playing fetch with him
- Spending some time with my high energy pup helps me invigorate my spirits
- Drinking a hot cup of tea or coffee
- I like to do this outdoors because of the fresh air or indoors but still near the windows, where I can just bird-watch or enjoy the sunset
- Listening to uplifting music
- I have a playlist that I listen to when I am not feeling my best. I always return to this exact playlist because it really helps me! Maybe you can try to make a quick playlist that really brings you back to a good mood!
- Reading a fiction novel
- Alright so, self-help books and non-fiction novels are great, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes, they can be a bit much on these emotion-heavy kinds of days. I prefer to kind of disappear into a different, magical realm (yes, I’m referring to my Harry Potter books haha). And you may think this means escaping your problems, but this actually isn’t the case. In fact, reading a fiction novel might just be a great pivot for you, providing a fresh perspective of positivity and hope.
- Cooking (with music)
- Haha I don’t believe I have to elaborate much on this one (Check out my Food & Drink post on “My Love for Cooking”)
- Cleaning and Organizing
- I find that keeping a clean, organized space goes hand in hand with clearing out my mind. Clear space = clear mind!
- Letting things go
- If I find that anything is bothering me, I try to be mindful of that and understand why it’s bothering me. And then I just try to let it go. As hard as it may be, I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.
- Calling or video-chatting my best friend
- I just like to drop everything and talk to my best friend. We’ll talk about how my day is going or he’ll tell me about something he found to be interesting, etc. Just a nice way to relax and unwind!
- Looking at (and appreciating) my picture board
- I have this board up in my room that has pictures of all my closest family and friends, as well as just pictures that bring my joy. I like to take time on days that I feel a bit lonely to think of how many people love and care about me.
And here are a couple more that are on my list…
- Coloring and Painting
- Going on drives just for fun
- Watching hallmark movies
- Making someone laugh
- Helping someone and making their day easier
- Fresh flowers
- Candle-lit dinners
- Stationery
- Going to bed after a long, but really good, day
- Talking to my parents
- Looking out my window
- Being around animals
- Early morning starts
- Perfume and the memories attached to them
- Dancing and singing in my room
I personally have made it a habit to incorporate about 3 or 4 of these every single day, without fail and no matter how busy I am. This has definitely filled my day with more joy and purpose! You can certainly start out with 1 or 2 a day and see how that fits into your schedule.
So whether you are a busy mom-on-the-go, a busy college student, or anything in between, remember self-care is not selfish! Take care of yourself and enjoy those moments while you’re at it 🙂
I have created and provided for you a printable that you can download right here to write your very own Joy List! Check it out below!
Hey Snigdha, i love the idea of a Joy List, we definitely live in a fast paced life and self care in any form should be welcomed. Its a good way to relax. I am definitely going to try and incorporate a few into my daily routine.
Such a good point! So glad to hear 🙂
Whoa..!!!! Cool idea..
I’m definitely gonna try making this!!
Thank you Akka !
No problem Abhi! Hope you enjoy making your list! 🙂
Lovely idea! You motivated me to create my own joy list.
Yay!! 🙂