9 Ways to Feel More Joy

When we practice present-moment awareness, we can savor each moment, make time feel like it’s passing slower, and get in touch with the fundamental wonder of being alive.

1. Let go of the Past
Your past is not your future unless you live there – and living there prevents you from learning how to find joy in the present.
2. Practice Gratitude
One way to move on from the past and feel joy in your life is to practice gratitude. By choosing to be optimistic and focus on the good things in your life, you can actually train your brain to feel joy more often. When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears. That’s how gratitude creates a cycle of positive emotions: The more you practice gratitude, the more positive emotions you will feel.
3. Use The Law of Attraction
The more positivity you feel, the more you will attract positivity in your life – that’s the law of attraction. It isn’t complicated: What you focus on, you attract. Focus on creating joy in your own life and sharing it with others, and you’ll naturally attract even more joy.
4. Surround yourself with Positive People
Surrounding yourself with good people goes hand in hand with the law of attraction and is vital to every area of your life. When you’re surrounded by positive people, it will be nearly impossible to feel pessimistic.
5. Change Your Physiology
We’ve all heard the expression “fake it ‘til you make it.” If you’re still having trouble shifting your focus to feel joy instead of negativity, put on a smile. You’ll tell your brain you’re happy – even if you’re not. Change your posture by standing up tall, throwing your shoulders back or even adopting a power pose. Confident physiology can change your entire demeanor.
6. Create Positive Daily Rituals
Learning how to have more joy in your life starts with your mindset, and your daily routine has a powerful effect on your state of mind. Exercise is proven to reduce depression. Even a 15-minute run or an hour-long walk per day can boost your mood, so find exercise you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Eating right is just as important, and adding mindfulness practices like priming, meditation or journaling will help you feel joy on a daily basis.
7. Be Fully Present
Unplug. Focus on the present. Notice what’s around you and savor it. That’s true joy.
8. Find Your Purpose
When you’ve set yourself up for success through gratitude, empowering daily rituals and mindfulness, you’re ready to find your purpose. Your purpose goes beyond your career or short-term goals. It’s what gives your life meaning. It’s the thing that you most want to accomplish in life.
9. Give Back
The secret to living is giving. Making a difference in the lives of others brings meaning to our own lives and reminds us of all that we have. You don’t need money to find fulfillment through giving. All you need is a desire to do good in the world and the drive to donate your time, skills or expertise to a cause.
From: How to Feel More Joy in your Life, by Tony Robbins