Hanging onto joy can be difficult when we’re caught up in the daily grind. We wake up, get ourselves ready, get our little ones ready, and tend to the house and our job; then we eat, go to bed, and rinse and repeat. This leads to overwhelm, and we overlook the small, joyful moments that surround us daily. As busy women juggling work, family, and many other responsibilities, we often find ourselves rushing from one task to the next, leaving little room for savoring life’s tiny treasures. Yet, as Christians, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the gifts God places in our lives, no matter how small. Not only does it cultivate a sense of gratitude, it relaxes our nervous systems and retrains our brain synapses toward joy. This means it can actually rewire our brains to be more positive! Here are five ways to slow down and find happiness in everyday moments.
Embrace the Power of Gratitude
A simple, yet difficult, practice to adopt is gratitude. It’s easy to see the negative. After all, as caretakers of the home, it’s natural to focus on what’s missing and fix it. And it takes intentionality to not let this lead us into a state of discontentment. Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It could be something as simple as the warm sunlight streaming through your window, a soothing cup of coffee, snuggles with your pup (or cat), or a child’s laughter. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you document these moments, shifting your focus from what’s lacking to the abundance you didn’t know already existed in your life. As 1 Thessalonians tells us, we are to give thanks in all circumstances, so let’s cultivate an attitude of gratitude and keep the positivity flowing.
Practice Mindfulness in the Mundane
Mindfulness requires us to be fully present in the moment. This can be hard when we’re busy or distracted, but it’s an important way to slow down and enjoy life more thoroughly. Whether you’re cooking dinner, folding laundry, or dropping the kids off at school, try to fully engage with the experience. Notice the smells, sights, and sounds around you and take it all in. Being mindful can transform ordinary tasks into moments of joy and connection with God and with the world around you. You can even incorporate short prayers of gratitude or supplication to make these experiences even richer.
Connect with Nature
Nature has a remarkable way of uplifting our spirits. It’s hard to be angry when we’re outdoors, immersed in the sights and smells of nature. Take a short walk during the day if you’re able, or simply sit outside somewhere comfortable. Breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the beauty of creation. Observe the details – a flower in bloom, birds chirping, or leaves rustling in the wind. These small interactions with nature can rejuvenate our souls and help us feel more grounded.
Connect with Others
In all the hustle and bustle, it’s important not to forsake our relationships. Reach out to a friend for a quick chat or plan a coffee date with someone you haven’t seen in a while. Go on a date with your spouse, or have a game night with your family. It can be something quick, or something that takes the whole day; the point is to nurture your relationships with people through shared experience and conversation. These connections – even the small ones – can be a source of joy and support, and they remind us that we are not alone on this journey. Find someone and embrace the little joys together.
Create Joyful Routines
You can create joy by incorporating a little pleasure into your daily routine. Whether it’s a morning devotional, an afternoon cup of tea, or a nightly walk around the neighborhood with your family, these additions can create space for more joy in your life. They allow you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the moments that truly matter. Even small, intentional moments of joy can lift your spirits and provide a sense of grounding. By savoring these simple pleasures, you can nurture a deeper sense of contentment and gratitude each day.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that we can intentionally cultivate by focusing on what uplifts us and seeking ways to infuse more of it into our daily routines. Embracing the little joys God has placed throughout our days and choosing gratitude can transform our outlook on life. By implementing some of the tips mentioned above, we can discover happiness in everyday moments and learn to navigate our busy lives while appreciating the beauty around us. Remember, true happiness often lies in the little things, waiting to be recognized and celebrated.
