Lachlan Brown
When life throws us into dark moments, finding joy can feel like an impossible task.
The things that once brought you happiness might seem distant or out of reach, and the habits that kept you grounded might feel too difficult to revive.
It’s okay to feel this way. Healing isn’t linear, and it takes time to reconnect with the life you once felt so vibrant and connected to.
But here’s the truth: joy isn’t gone forever. It’s still there, waiting for you to rediscover it. Sometimes, it’s the smallest habits that can spark a shift and help you move back toward happiness.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 simple habits that can help you gently ease back into a place of joy and well-being, one step at a time.
1) Practice gratitude daily
How often do you pause to appreciate what you have in life?
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to appreciate the little things. But there is always something to be grateful for.
Practicing gratitude is a small habit that can inject a huge dose of joy into your life. And it’s simple too. All you need to do is set aside a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
When you focus on what’s good in your life, rather than what’s lacking, your perspective shifts and joy seeps in.
And here’s the science bit: research shows that gratitude can improve your well-being, health, relationships, and resilience in the face of challenges.
So this isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about building the skills that will help you weather life’s storms.
2) Embrace mindfulness
Mindfulness, in essence, is the act of being fully present in the moment. It’s about immersing yourself in the now, without letting your mind wander to the past or worry about the future.
I’ve personally found that embracing mindfulness has led to an increased sense of joy in my life.
I remember a time when I was going through a tough patch. I was so consumed on what was happening then I started practicing mindfulness.
I began taking walks without my phone, just immersing myself in nature and truly observing what was around me. I paid attention to my senses, the sound of birds chirping, the smell of fresh air, the feel of sunlight on my skin.
It was like seeing the world through a new lens.
Suddenly, life became more vibrant and full. Even mundane tasks like doing the dishes or sweeping the floor turned into moments of joy.
Mindfulness is a way to rebalance ourselves. Instead of ‘doing’, we spend time ‘being’.
3) Learn to let go of your ego
The ego is a tricky thing. It’s the part of us that insists on being right, on protecting our image, and on comparing ourselves to others.
However, it’s also the part that can rob us of true joy.
Letting go of your ego means learning to be humble, accepting your flaws, and not letting pride get in the way of your happiness.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of ego and how it can hinder us from experiencing genuine joy.
When we learn to let go of our ego, we open up to a world of compassion, understanding, and joy. We stop seeing life as a competition and start seeing it as a journey to be enjoyed.
4) Prioritize physical activity
Exercise isn’t just about building muscles or losing weight. It’s also a powerful tool for enhancing your mental well-being and boosting your mood.
When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can lead to feelings of happiness and euphoria, making exercise a natural antidote to stress and anxiety.
Moreover, regular exercise can improve your sleep, boost your self-confidence, and increase your brain’s sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters that relieve feelings of depression.
You don’t have to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Even a short walk around the block, a quick yoga session, or a fun dance-off in your living room can do wonders for your mental health.
According to psychologist Dr. John Ratey, “Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning.” So get moving, and let the endorphins flow!
5) Embrace discomfort
This may sound counter-intuitive, but one of the keys to feeling truly joyful is learning to embrace discomfort.
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It throws curveballs at us, presents us with challenges, and pushes us out of our comfort zones.
However, it’s through facing these discomforts that we grow, learn, and ultimately find joy.
If we run away from discomfort, we miss out on the opportunity to develop resilience, strength and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Instead of shying away from uncomfortable situations or feelings, face them head-on. Ask yourself what they’re teaching you.
You’ll find that, over time, these challenging moments are often the ones that lead to the most significant personal growth and happiness.
6) Cultivate positive relationships
Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connection, understanding, and mutual support. Therefore, nurturing positive relationships in your life is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your joy.
Whether it’s spending quality time with family, catching up with old friends, or connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passions – these relationships add value to our lives and boost our emotional well-being.
However, remember that it’s not just about the quantity of relationships but the quality. Nurture relationships that bring positivity, growth, and joy into your life.
7) Practice self-compassion
Self-compassion is about treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer a friend.
We all have days when we’re not at our best, when we make mistakes, when we’re less than perfect.
During those times, instead of beating myself up, I’ve found it helpful to practice self-compassion. Rather than being harsh and critical, I try to be understanding and gentle with myself.
Self-compassion means acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s about accepting yourself as you are—flaws and all—and realizing that you are worthy of love and kindness.
Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, says it beautifully:
“Instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with personal failings.”
8) Dedicate time for self-reflection
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are and what we truly want. That’s where self-reflection comes in.
Dedicating time each day to self-reflection allows you to align your actions with your values, understand your emotions, and gain insights into your personal growth.
It can be as simple as:
- Journaling your thoughts
- Meditating
- Taking a quiet walk alone
Through self-reflection, you can identify what truly brings you joy, understand what doesn’t, and make conscious decisions to align your life with your true self.
It’s a powerful habit that can lead to a more authentic and joyful life.
Final thoughts: Joy is in your hands
Reclaiming joy after hardship isn’t about forcing happiness—it’s about allowing yourself to heal and gently reconnect with the things that bring you peace and fulfillment.
By adopting these 8 simple habits, you can begin to rebuild the foundation for a life that feels lighter, brighter, and more joyful.
In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of ego, mindfulness, and other principles that can lead to a truly joyful life.
With each step you take, you’re moving closer to a life that feels full again. Trust that, with time, the happiness you’re seeking will find its way back to you.
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