Exercising Your Joy Muscle
Imagine a world where people fought for spots in Joy Bootcamp, Joy Theory, HIJT (High-Intensity Joyful Training)? Where worked on our feelings the same way we worked on our bodies?
Have you ever considered that igniting the feeling of joy is akin to toning a muscle? That it needs to be fired and tended to the same way you need to crunch your abs or do squats for your quads? That the more you work it, the stronger it becomes?
How good are you at accessing your joy? Or even noticing it?
For most of us accessing our negative emotions are easier (ie a muscle we use more often) than our positive emotions. Throw in our natural negativity bias (more on that here) and you have a natural workout regime for anger, overwhelm and melancholy.
Here are some tips for accessing those joyful feelings and helping you get to next level euphoria.
(Or at least a weekly ritual for promoting possibilities of humor, heart-centered living and happiness.)
Do a “Joy Audit”. What makes you feel connected to the best version of yourself? Is it eating farm-fresh strawberries, wearing your special occasion only wedges, swimming in salt water, talking to your funniest friend? Do not dismiss these as frivolous, this is your special recipe for fulfillment and joy.
Journal. What are three victories you had this week? Write them down. Smile at them. Acknowledge your role in these wins.
Reconnect. Think about a time in this past week where there was an opportunity for joy but you brushed it off in favor of a distraction, a deadline, or social media. Maybe it was in the form of a hug from a loved one, a simple thank you, or a well-received project at work.
Take the time to close your eyes and bring yourself back to that moment and reconnect to that moment in your body. Replay the scenario with new engagement and use that feeling to draw more joy into your upcoming week.
Joy increases tolerance for the tedious and fuels your energy for the hard stuff. Work your joy muscle every day and watch the natural shift in your energy and those around you.
Still having trouble accessing your joy? Need a mindset re-boot? Book a complimentary consult to to learn about my 6 session coaching program that will take you from UN (uninspired, unclear, unfulfilled) to IN (intentional, in alignment, and in action).
In the spirit of feeling joyful there are still a couple of spots left in my November Morning Cup of Clarity weekly virtual community and goal setting group. Join me alongside Cuppa Culture founder Sophie Davies every Monday at 9:30 PST to set your intention for the week and walk away with an action plan and accountability.
Until then!
xo Ali
Currently Reading: You Are A Badass at Making Money, Jen Sincero
Current Mantra: “Let it be easy.”
Currently Eating: Caprese Salad. Soaking up the last of the juicy fall tomatoes!