7 Ways to Find Joy in Difficult Times

Throughout history, joy has entered difficult times. While imprisoned in a concentration camp, Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl developed in his landmark book, Finding Meaning in Life, insights into joy and survival, moving forward as well as beauty, art, and love. must coexist in a context of devastation*. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, musicals really took off, providing joyful interludes and respite* in these trying times.

Human beings can reconcile feelings of joy and sadness in a healthy balance, where positive and negative emotions are not mutually exclusive*, according to Psychology Today. People can be optimistic without ignoring or denying the harsh reality of life in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

You may need to shift your mindset to find joy in different ways during difficult times. However, it is possible to create moments of joy by thinking about the relationships and experiences that matter and have meaning in your life. Identify your sources of happiness and proactively tap into them, rather than waiting for them to show up.




Here are some tips for finding joy in everyday life:

  1. Sing or listen to your favorite tunes
    Singing helps seniors feel joyful by triggering the release of oxytocin, the brain chemical associated with social connections, and dopamine, the substance linked to pleasure*, according to a study by McGill University.

  2. Give a helping hand
    “Our greatest joy lies in our willingness to do good for others,” says Archbishop Desmond Tutu*. Doing good during the pandemic can be as simple as picking up groceries for a neighbor, watching a comedy with a friend, or reaching out to a family member who is feeling lonely or sad.

  3. Stimulate your five senses
    Everything you taste, smell, touch, hear and see can influence and potentially lift your mood. Savor the taste and aroma of your favorite dishes, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. Bring nature into your environment by growing indoor plants that bloom in winter.

  4. Immerse yourself in a project
    Dedicate yourself to an activity, whether it's painting a picture, building a piece of furniture, or learning a new dance, that will test your skills, but without overwhelming or stressing you out. According to the University of Chicago, you can reach a state of wholeness when you are fully absorbed in the pleasure of performing a task, which releases endorphins, the hormones of well-being*.

  5. Move more and sit less
    Physically active people are happier than those who are less active*, according to the Journal of Happiness Studies. Whether you take a brisk walk or an online tai chi class, exercise is good for your physical and emotional health.

  6. Read for Pleasure
    Reading a good book provides pleasure by immersing you in another world while helping to reduce pandemic anxiety and foster empathy*, suggests the University of Lethbridge.

  7. Practice mindfulness with acceptance Mindfulness meditation
    has been shown to enhance positive emotions. Observing and accepting your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and cravings in the present moment leads to stronger feelings of happiness than observing alone*, reports a study from the Journal of Personal and Social Psychology.
Location: India

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