In the busyness of daily responsibilities, it's easy to overlook the importance of joy. Between work, family obligations, and countless to-do lists, moments of happiness can feel fleeting—not because they don't exist, but because we don't always pay attention to them. This oversight is significant because, as Amir Levine explains in Psychology Today, "joy is essential for cultivating resilience, a sense of groundedness, and mental well-being" (Levine, "Why Joy Matters More Than Happiness, for Both Kids and Adults: Realistic Steps for Helping Your Kids Cultivate a Joyful State of Being," Psychology Today, February 25, 2025).
Prioritizing joy isn't about ignoring responsibilities—it's about making a conscious effort to create and embrace happiness in our lives. Choosing joy enriches our well-being, strengthens our relationships, and helps us navigate life's inevitable challenges with resilience.
Rather than waiting for joy to appear, we can cultivate it by incorporating meaningful practices into our daily routines. Here's how you can be intentional about embracing joy—and what to avoid so it doesn't slip away.
Ways to Prioritize Joy
1. Savor Simple Pleasures. Joy doesn’t have to come from grand experiences or major life events. Often, the simplest things can bring the most happiness—if we take the time to notice and appreciate them.
Think about those little moments that make you feel at ease and content: the warmth of sunlight streaming through a window, the first sip of coffee in the morning, or the comfort of a cozy blanket. These small pleasures may seem insignificant, but they have the power to elevate your mood and set a positive tone for the day.
📌 How to Incorporate This into Your Life:
- Instead of rushing through your morning, pause to enjoy your coffee or tea.
- Step outside for a few minutes and soak in the fresh air.
- Keep a journal where you write down simple moments that made you smile.
By training yourself to notice and savor these everyday joys, you’ll start to see them more frequently, leading to a greater sense of happiness.
2. Engage in Mindful Activities. Many of us go through our days on autopilot, constantly checking off tasks without truly being present. One way to prioritize joy is to engage in activities that allow you to be fully immersed in the moment.
Mindful activities, such as reading, gardening, crafting, or listening to music, create space for joy by allowing you to slow down and be present. These activities bring a sense of calm, focus, and fulfillment, helping you feel more connected to yourself.
📌 How to Incorporate This into Your Life:
- Schedule time each day—even if it’s just 10 minutes—to do something that brings you joy.
- Put your phone away and focus on being present in what you’re doing.
- Try new activities that spark curiosity and excitement.
Whether it’s losing yourself in a great book or tending to your garden, setting aside time for mindful activities can help shift your focus from stress to joy.
3. Connect with People Who Bring You Joy. The people we surround ourselves with play a huge role in shaping our happiness. Some relationships lift us up, while others drain our energy. Making time for those who inspire, support, and bring joy into our lives is a crucial part of prioritizing happiness.
Spending quality time with loved ones can strengthen connections and remind us that joy is often found in shared moments. Whether it’s laughing over dinner with a friend, calling a family member, or making plans for a fun outing, surrounding yourself with uplifting people will positively impact your well-being.
📌 How to Incorporate This into Your Life:
- Make an effort to reach out to a friend or loved one regularly.
- Plan activities that allow you to truly enjoy each other’s company.
- If certain relationships feel draining, limit your time with those individuals.
By investing in relationships that bring positivity and warmth, you create more space for joy in your life.
4. Practice Gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting our mindset. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we train our brains to seek out the positive, even in difficult moments.
Taking time to reflect on what you appreciate—whether it’s a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or simply having a roof over your head—can enhance feelings of joy and contentment. Gratitude reminds us that joy isn’t just about what we lack or what we wish we had—it’s about recognizing and appreciating what’s already in front of us.
📌 How to Incorporate This into Your Life:
- Start or end your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for.
- Express gratitude to others by sending a gratitude card or simply telling them you appreciate them.
- When facing challenges, try to find something positive to take away from the experience.
By practicing gratitude regularly, you can shift your mindset to see joy even in the midst of life’s ups and downs.
4 Things That Take Away Joy (and How to Avoid Them)
Just as we can cultivate joy, certain things can also drain it from our lives. Here are four things to be mindful of—and how to avoid them.
1. Toxic People. Not everyone we interact with contributes positively to our lives. Some people drain our energy, create unnecessary drama, or make us feel unworthy. While we can’t always avoid difficult people, especially if they are family members, we can set boundaries to protect our joy.
📌 How to Avoid This:
- Be mindful of how you feel after interacting with certain individuals.
- Limit time spent with people who bring negativity into your life.
- Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you.
2. Constant Comparison. In a world filled with social media, it’s easy to compare our lives to others. Seeing highlight reels of others’ achievements, vacations, or personal milestones can sometimes make us feel like we’re not doing enough.
📌 How to Avoid This:
- Remind yourself that social media is a curated version of reality.
- Focus on your own journey and celebrate your progress.
- Take breaks from social media if you find yourself feeling discouraged.
3. Overcommitment and Burnout. Saying yes to everything can leave you feeling exhausted and stretched too thin. While being productive and helping others is important, constantly overcommitting yourself can take away your ability to enjoy life.
📌 How to Avoid This:
- Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.
- Schedule time for rest and relaxation.
- Recognize that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
4. Negative Self-Talk. The way we speak to ourselves matters. If we constantly criticize ourselves or dwell on mistakes, we rob ourselves of joy.
📌 How to Avoid This:
- Practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness.
- Challenge negative thoughts by asking yourself if they are really true.
- Speak to yourself the way you would encourage a friend.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Joy Every Day
Prioritizing joy doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties—it means intentionally creating space for happiness, even amidst life’s challenges. By savoring simple pleasures, engaging in meaningful activities, connecting with uplifting people, and practicing gratitude, we can cultivate a more joyful life.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize what drains our joy and take steps to protect our peace. Setting boundaries with toxic people, avoiding constant comparison, managing commitments wisely, and practicing positive self-talk can help ensure that joy remains at the center of our lives.
Joy isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we choose. What will you do today to prioritize joy?
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Stacey Montgomery
Founder, Stacey M Design Inc.
With my Sunshine and Self-CareTM Greeting Card Subscription Program, I seek to remind us that even as we enjoy supporting others, to also tend to our own needs and goals. Each month it includes a Note to Self card which is a reminder of ways that we can practice self-care, self-love, and self-advocacy. Click here to learn more about Sunshine and Self-CareTM Greeting Card Subscription Program.
©Stacey Montgomery, 2025. All rights reserved.
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