Micro-joys for Mind Health
In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress and negativity of daily tasks and struggles. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when everything feels like it’s going wrong. But even in the darkest of times, small moments of joy can bring us happiness and help us appreciate the little things in life.
These moments are what we call micro-joys, and recognising them can be incredibly helpful for our mind health and overall well-being.
Micro-joys are simple pleasures that can be found in everyday life. The small moments of happiness make us smile, even when everything else seems wrong. Recognising and appreciating these moments can help us shift our focus from the negative aspects of our lives to the positive.
Here are ten examples of my favourite micro-joys that you can look out for in your own life:
• The first sip of coffee in the morning
• A warm hug from a loved one
• Finding a lost item you’ve been searching for
• Seeing a beautiful sunset or sunrise, yes we even get them in Manchester
• Listening to your favourite song on the radio unexpectedly – or Radio Heaven, as I like to call it
• A stranger holding the door open for you
• Getting a compliment from someone you admire
• Discovering a new book or movie that you love – I just finished reading my tenth fiction book this year, aka lots of micro-joys
• Taking a long, hot shower
• Seeing a cute animal video online – the absolute best
These moments may seem small but insignificant, but they can significantly impact our mood and overall outlook. When we take the time to notice and appreciate them, we can feel more grateful and positive. Focusing on micro-joys can also help us be more present and less caught up in our worries and anxieties.
Recognising micro-joys can also be a helpful tool in coping with difficult times.
When we’re going through a challenging period, finding things to be happy about can be tricky. However, if we look for moments of joy, we can shift our focus away from the negative and towards the positive. Helping us to feel more hopeful and optimistic about the future.
Recognising micro-joys is a simple but powerful way to bring more happiness and positivity into our lives. By taking the time to appreciate the small moments of joy we experience each day, we can improve our mind health and overall well-being.
So, the next time you’re feeling down, try to look for a micro-joy – you might be surprised at how much it can brighten your day.