It seems that ever since the Pandemic, a day doesn’t go by without someone mentioning how our mental health has been affected. Many of us feel that our stress levels are elevated. The Mayo Clinic reports that 27% of adults in the U.S. are so stressed most days that they are unable to function. And more than 75% experienced at least one stress-related symptom in the last month, such as headache, fatigue, nervousness, or feeling depressed.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, there are things you can do to improve your day. We know that joy is a powerful emotion. If we can grab onto joy, we may find a remedy for stress-related burnout! Contentment and joy can positively improve physical and mental health, and overall well-being.
It’s easy to confuse the emotions of joy and happiness because they often are experienced at the same time. However, there are some nuances that distinguish the difference. Happiness is the emotional reaction to what happens around you. Joy isn’t a reaction. It is driven by internal motivations such as working toward a goal or finding a purpose in life.
Dr. Rebekkah Frunzac, general surgeon and Chief Wellness Officer at the Mayo Clinic Health System states that, “Happiness is an emotion, whereas joy is more a state of being.” She also adds, “When you are joyful, it doesn’t mean you are always giddy or happy. But it means you can appreciate moments of happiness within the bigger context of life.”
Joy looks different to each person and can be found in everyday situations. Some people find joy in caring for others, in spiritual connections, in spending time in nature, or in continually learning. Others discover joy in different activities, relationships, or personal empowerment. Having activities or a purpose replenishes physical and emotional energy and helps us to be resilient when times become tough.
Here are a few suggestions for building, cultivating and sustaining joy in your life:
- Focus on what you can control – Focus your time and attention on things you can control. Write down the details of a stressful situation and outline which aspects are within and outside your control. Then, make an intentional decision to shift your attention to things you can change, including your attitude.
- Express gratitude – Show appreciation for things and people around you. Send positive thoughts to someone special, write a text message to a friend, or list three things you are grateful for each day. Practicing this daily helps you focus on appreciation and blessings instead of problems and challenges.
- Assume good intent – Have a positive attitude and approach every problem as though you are sitting on the same side of the table, working together. This is better than working against each other, and you will find common ground and fulfillment.
- Concentrate on building relationships – All people need social connections with others. For many, helping to lift others’ spirits creates a sense of purpose and joy. If building healthy relationships is at the core of your efforts, you can find happiness and joy in your life.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes