6 Simple Ways to Feel More Joyful Today
What if I told you that feeling more joyful doesn’t require a big life overhaul?
Often, when people hear that I’m a joyful coach, they assume my work involves huge, sweeping changes; career shifts, big moves, radical routines. But in truth? The most powerful transformations I’ve seen come from the smallest, most consistent actions. The kind that bring us back to ourselves. The kind you can start today.
If you’re looking for more joy in your everyday life, here are six simple (and completely free!) ways to get started:
1. Practise Gratitude, Properly
You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again because it really works. Gratitude is one of the most robustly backed practices for boosting joy. It’s scientifically proven to help shift your mood and foster positive emotions.
Try this: make a short list of three to five things you're grateful for, and add a little because at the end. For example:
“I’m grateful for my home because it makes me feel safe.”
“I’m grateful for my morning coffee because it brings me comfort.”
Adding that why helps you really feel the gratitude. Read your list back and say a heartfelt “thank you”, whether it’s to the universe, yourself, or something bigger.
2. Get Present
Joy lives in the present moment, not in the regrets of yesterday or the worries of tomorrow. A quick way to anchor yourself in the now? Engage your five senses.
Take a moment and notice:
What can you see?
What can you hear?
What can you feel?
What can you smell?
What can you taste?
Whether you’re walking the dog, sipping tea, or watching the clouds drift by, let your senses root you in the moment. It’s a lovely way to slow down and savour.
3. Choose Experiences Over Things
Research shows that we gain more long-term happiness from experiences than from material purchases.
Why?
Because we tend to adapt quickly to new stuff, but memories stick and often get better with time.
Instead of saving up for the next gadget or buying more for the sake of it, try investing in experiences. They don’t have to be extravagant; a picnic in the park, a gallery visit, a local gig.
Joy often lives in the little moments we make time for.
4. Get Outside
Step out the door. Even just two minutes on your doorstep can shift your perspective.
Nature has a beautiful way of reminding us that life is bigger than our to-do lists. Try going for an “awe walk”, a gentle stroll where you intentionally notice the beauty around you. Maybe it’s the way the light filters through the trees or the daffodils pushing through the soil. Let yourself feel moved by what’s right in front of you.
5. Connect with Someone
Human connection is one of the biggest predictors of happiness. You don’t need a deep heart-to-heart every day (though those are lovely too!), even small moments of connection count.
Send a quick message to a friend. Say hello to your neighbour. Chat to the barista when you pick up your coffee. These little pockets of connection remind us that we’re part of something bigger and that always brings a little more joy.
6. Do Something Just Because
Not because it’s productive. Not because it’ll tick something off your list. Just because it brings you joy.
Read a book for fun. Dance in your kitchen. Watch an old film you love. Let yourself do something simply for the pleasure of it, not the outcome. That, right there, is joy in its purest form.
You Don’t Need to Wait for Joy
You don’t have to change everything to feel better. You don’t need to wait for the perfect time. Joy isn’t something you earn — it’s something you can invite into your life, starting now.
Pick one thing from this list and give it a go today. Let me know how it feels.
And if you know someone who could use a little boost, why not share this with them? Let’s spread the joy a little further.