We’ve all had our share of hardships and challenges over the last few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The darkness of uncertainty and worry can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that we all still have a choice in how we approach our day to day lives. Even though times can be difficult, we can find joy in simple pleasures and small moments. Here are some ways to look for happiness in the dark times:
Take Time to Appreciate the Simple Things: No matter what the circumstance is, you can find pleasure in small moments. Appreciating the little things in life can provide a sense of happiness. Take a walk and soak in the sights of nature, listen to your favorite songs, have a delicious meal with family, watch the sun set. All these can bring you some peace and contentment.
Connect With Friends & Family: Socializing may look different now, but that doesn’t mean that it has to stop completely. Make time to stay in touch with the people you care about, whether that’s a call, Facetime, or even playing online games together. Connecting with those close to you will provide you with support and comfort, and even make you smile.
Give Back: One of the best ways to boost your own happiness is to help others. Find a local organization or volunteer your time to do something good for someone else. It doesn’t have to be something grand, like volunteering at a soup kitchen, but it could be as simple as making a donation or checking in on your neighbor. Doing something nice for another person can bring a sense of satisfaction and pride.
Find Ways to Laugh & Have Fun: Humor can help to ease difficult times. Share a funny joke with a friend, watch a silly show on Netflix, or simply laugh out loud. Making an effort to bring humor into your life can bring you joy. And, don’t forget to take breaks for fun and relaxation too. Do activities that make you happy, like playing a game or crafting.
These are some ideas of how to find joy in the midst of challenging times. Despite the darkness of uncertainty, don’t forget to look for the little bits of happiness in life. When we’re intentional in finding and celebrating the good, it can bring us a sense of calm and positivity.
