There is a lot of darkness going on in the world right now, and it’s important to find those moments of light. COVID-19, fires, distance from loved ones, election drama and feelings of sadness and overwhelm impact us every day. When you’re feeling different feelings, it can be helpful and healing to feel them fully, and also to explore the other side of that feeling.

Finding little moments of joy each day can boost your mood and mental health. These are different things that currently bring me joy each day in this wild world we live in, and maybe you can find joy in them too.

Joy Triggers

1. Nostalgia. Living in the current climate, it can feel scary and unpredictable. What brings me joy is nesting and engaging in nostalgic moments that bring me warmth. I find my comfort in rewatching old shows from my childhood like Full House or Boy Meets World.
2. A daily cup of coffee. You may drink tea, or something else, but for me my first cup of coffee each day is sacred. I often wait until a few hours after I wake up to really enjoy it, and try to drink it as mindfully as possible.
3. Talking to a dear one. Whether it be through text messages or a quick phone call, talking to dear ones daily brings a smile to my face.
4. Cuddling with my cat. I mean, I don’t think there is much more I need to say about this, the innocence and unconditional love of my cat can lift me out of the worst of moods.
5. Saying “no” as a way to implement boundaries. Not 100% into the physically distanced plan you have or feeling like you can’t take any more on? Say no. 
6. Daily walks. I’ve been falling in and out of love with walks over the past few weeks as my work schedule becomes busier. Recently, after an 11-hour workday and 9 hours of video meetings I was really needing a walk, but it was raining. With Blair’s encouragement, I took that walk and it felt amazing.
7. Podcasts. When my eyes need a break, but my ears want to learn, I throw on podcasts, which most of the time bring me joy. We recently shared newer podcasts we are listening to here.

What brings you joy each day? Comment below!

Written by Alana Kaplan, Project Manager for the I Am Resilient Project.