Covid has been a roller coaster for the past few years.  Every time it seems like life is going back to normal, there is another outbreak around us keeping us at home or preventing us from partaking in a social activity.  

How can joy be found when our lives are now so isolated?

Finding joy and happiness starts with a conscious effort to have habits and practices that lead to joy and positivity.  

Here are 9 tips to get your life on a steady pace for joy, happiness and fulfillment:

1. Think about the future and don't dwell in the past:
Your past has lead you to where you are today.  We have learned from our past experiences and we can not move forward.  Moving forward allows us to find joy in the present and look forward to the future.  You may have made mistakes in the past and have even had tragedy.  Thinking about how you have learned, survived and moved forward will help you grow and move forward.  You probably are a stronger person because of your past.  Now, let go and move forward.  You deserve to feel love, happiness and joy.  

2. Add gratitude to your daily life:
Breathe in, close your eyes and think about what you are grateful for.  There are good things in life.  Focusing on the positive aspects of your life actually elevates your body's energy and trains your brain to release hormones that keep you happy more often.  Gratitude is the best way to keep your mind and body functioning at their highest level and keep you feeling joyous.  

3. Utilize the "Law of Attraction": 
The more positivity you feel and put out into the world, the more you get back. It is quantum physics. This principle is used by all cultures and has been utilized for thousands of years.  What you focus on you attract and it is what you will receive. The more you feel in the dumps, the more negativity you will get.  Your body runs on energy and low energy means sickness, depression and negative attraction.  So does positivity.  Think it and it will happen.  

4. Seek out other positive people and recognize toxic ones:
Being surrounded by positive people will help you stay on track and if you fall backward, you will be supported and lifted back up.  This is also what you will do for them as well so the circle keeps going around.  Let go of people who do not bring you joy.  

5. Remember your power of manifestation:
We all have heard "fake it til you make it."  Even if you are feeling down, look in the mirror and smile.  Push your shoulders back and lift your sternum.  This automatically sends signals to your brain to release happy hormones.  If you are looking for more confidence or power, stand in a powerful pose.  Just like Superman and Wonder Woman.  This will automatically change your body's physiology.  

6. Adapt positive daily routines:
Breathing and feeling gratitude in the morning can make your whole day brighter and reduce depression.  Exercise everyday.  This doesn't mean a full hour of working out.  It can be a 15-20 minute walk with the dogs, riding a bike, doing a quick online workout routine.  It all adds up and being mindful of what your body and mind needs keeps you safe and healthy.  That doesn't mean that you should feel guilty if you are feeling bad one day.  Remember to go to tip 1 and live in the present. Yesterday or even the last minute may have been unpleasant but staying present gives you an opportunity to change what has happened, learn from it and move forward.  

7. Stay present:
What is going on right now around you.  Do you hear birds chirping?  Is there sunshine that you can feel on your skin?  Remember that everyday that you wake up is an opportunity to shine.  

8. Seek out what your purpose and gifts are:
Everyone has a gift. Something that comes easy to them or something that they do very well.  This is your purpose.  Maybe you are a good talker and can lift people up or draw a beautiful picture. Realize that this is a gift that only YOU have.  Not everyone is going to paint the same picture or speak the same way.  What do you want to be remembered for?  

9. Give:
Giving is not only helpful to the person you are giving to but it makes you feel good for being able to help.  It does not have to be monetary.  You can compliment someone, smile at them, sit and have a conversation.  You may donate your time and share your gift.  You may play an instrument, cut hair, dance, make people laugh.  All you need to do is give a little of your time.  There are 24 hours in a day.  

We sleep 7-8 hours, work another 8, this means there are 8 more hours to a day.  What will you do with yours?

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!

Resources:

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/mind-meaning/how-to-find-joy/