Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Anxiety, depression, stress, difficult relationships, work pressure, and unexpected challenges can make it difficult to experience happiness or even enjoy the things we once loved. While joy cannot magically eliminate life's problems, intentionally creating small moments of joy can support emotional well-being and help us build greater resilience. Research has found that positive activities such as gratitude, kindness, optimism, social connection, and noticing positive experiences can improve well-being and may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. What Does It Mean to Add More Joy to Your Life? Adding joy does not mean pretending that everything is perfect or ignoring difficult emotions. Instead, it means making space for positive experiences while acknowledging what you are going through. Joy can be found in simple moments—a meaningful conversation, listening to music, spending time outdoors, laughing with someone you care abo...
With the rise of new COVID variants, it can seem like the pandemic is going to go on forever You may have different health beliefs than your family which can cause strain on the relationship and add to an already stressful season Here are some useful ways to help manage these interactions and reduce stress for these holidays With the rise of new COVID variants, it can seem like the pandemic is going to go on forever. As public health recommendations are continually updated it can be confusing to keep straight and make family gatherings and social interactions challenging. You may have different health beliefs than your family which can cause strain on the relationship and add to an already stressful season. Here are some useful ways to help manage these interactions and reduce stress for these holidays. HOW DOES THEIR BEHAVIOR AFFECT YOU? Consider where your loved one’s behavior falls on the spectrum of your relative safety. If someone is not taking COVID seriously, how is tha...