Like it or not, the holiday season is upon us. Whether you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Native American Heritage Day, National Day of Listening, Poultry Appreciation Day, or are planning to skip observing anything this November, you may want to consider one aspect of the holiday season that everyone can get behind: JOY.
Ten Steps to Joy
Joy is more than a good feeling or a smile emoji. It’s truly enjoying your life, and wanting to make the very best of it. And here’s great news: you don’t have to be born a “joyful” person to have a joyful life. That means that if you’re unhappy, or if you’re going through tough times, you can still learn habits that you can use to become happier.
Wondering how to cultivate a little (or a lot of) joy in your life? No matter what your life circumstances are, here are ten simple steps that can make big changes in your day!
1. You Deserve It
Sometimes the ups and downs of life can make it tough to see the big picture, which is that everyone – especially you – deserves joy in life. So cut yourself some slack, be gentle with yourself on bad days and celebrate the good days. Joy is here for you, and you deserve it!
2. Move It
Did you know that people who exercise regularly are more likely to feel joy in their lives? It doesn’t have to be a lot – take a walk after school, try a free yoga app, go for a hike with a friend. If it’s good for your body it’s good for your mind – which is key to feeling joyful.
3. Make Your Morning Count
The way you start your morning has a huge impact on the rest of your day. So try doing something that you really like to get a jump start on joy. Listen to music, eat a favorite breakfast, stretch your body. Even if you’re not a morning person, this may just be the reset that your day needs to make it awesome.
4. Do Something Kind
You know that feeling you get when you do something nice for someone else? It’s always available to you! Whether it’s paying a compliment to a friend or saying hi to a new student or helping a stranger put their grocery cart away, kindness makes everyone feel good – including you.
5. Talk About It
Got something on your mind? A great first step to getting out from under that burden is to find someone to talk to. Grab an Edge teacher or counselor, call a friend, talk to a trusted classmate. Share what’s going on – we’re here for you!
6. Live in the Moment
It can be easy to dwell on past resentments or worry about challenges that may come up in the future. Try to focus your thoughts on the present moment, and what’s going right in your world. It can stabilize your mood and help you effectively manage negative thoughts.
7. Be Yourself
Are you perfect? Guess what? No one is. While it’s easy to want to be like other people, challenge yourself to be your own person and find your own identity. You have an inner compass that tells you what’s right and wrong – build the confidence to trust that direction and you’ll be happy where it leads.
8. Speak Up
If something doesn’t feel right, or if your boundaries have been violated, use assertive language to let others know what’s on your mind. Need some extra support? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Edge teachers and counselors are here for you and have tons of resources to help you overcome anything life throws at you.
9. Dream Your Future
Sometimes the day-to-day grind can make it hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. By making plans for your future, you can create that light and have something to look forward to. Your dreams can be big or small – from attending UAZ to simply looking forward to a favorite snack after a long week of school – but they can be a great first step in securing a joyful future.
10. Pay It Forward
Whether you are a naturally joyful person or someone who works at cultivating it, you can help others feel better by simply listening. Joy is contagious – being around joyful people inspires others to feel the same way. Be the light for others and that light will reflect back at you too.
No matter what challenges or obstacles life is throwing at you, joy is within your reach. Learn more about how Edge can help you find happiness, and the resources you need for a bright future.
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.