Find Your Joy with a Fresh Approach to Life and Health
Joy can be like a bubbling underground spring that wells up within us,
but you also can be an attitude, a choice. Like a muscle, joy needs to
be exercised to remain vibrant and healthy.
“Life can be stressful for many of us,” says
Victoria Leiphart, MD, a gynecologist with Washington Township Medical Foundation who frequently
gives lectures on inspirational topics. “Our lives aren’t
necessarily the idyllic images we see in a Norman Rockwell painting or
a Hallmark movie. It’s not unusual for people to feel ‘let
down’ due to big changes in their lives such as the loss of a loved
one, a job change or divorce.”
In addition to the complicated emotions arising from major life changes,
Dr. Leiphart notes that financial stress, political turmoil or poor health
can sometimes take the joy out of your everyday life.
So what steps can you take to find and exercise your sense of joy? Sometimes,
finding joy can be as simple as wearing clothes that make you feel happy
and comfortable.
“No one else should be judging what you’re wearing, whether
it’s the style or fit or color,” she insists. “Women,
in particular, get
messages as to what is acceptable for us to wear, including our shoes.
It’s hard to be joyful when you’re walking around in uncomfortable
clothing or shoes!”
Dr. Leiphart also encourages people to focus on spending time with friends
and family who bring out the best in you. “Of course, there are
occasions when you may have to spend time with people whom you may find
difficult,” she admits. “In those cases, try to find areas
of agreement or seek out distractions that will bring harmony such as
participating in an outdoor event, going through family photos or discussing
recent noncontroversial books you have read.”
To minimize financial stress, Dr. Leiphart suggest being mindful about
your spending habits and focusing on things in life that bring you inner
joy, rather than on material objects.
“Pick and choose the things in life that truly are important to you,
such as family and friends. Recognize that having more ‘stuff’
does not really give you true happiness,” Dr. Leiphart says. “Practice
gratitude for what you already have—another sweater or bottle of
perfume is not the key to your joy. Try to manage your finances wisely
by avoiding the temptation to go shopping at the mall for the latest sale.
Instead of spending more money than you should, create new memorable experiences
with friends and family by going on a hike, playing a game or attending
a free concert. The Bay Area offers a multitude of beautiful locations
and free entertainment choices for people of all ages and recreational
tastes.”
If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by stress from financial concerns,
issues at work or family pressures, Dr. Leiphart suggests taking time
out for yourself.
“Take a walk in the woods, put together that jigsaw puzzle you got
as a holiday gift, or curl up with a good book—anything that gives
you joy,” she says. “You also should be sure to get enough
sleep. Otherwise you can end up physically exhausted, as well as financially
and psychologically stressed.”
Struggles with food or alcohol also can interfere with maintaining your
health and a joyful mood. “Be picky about where you get your calories,”
Dr. Leiphart advises. “Alcoholic beverages are loaded with empty
calories from sugar, and alcoholic is known to be a mood depressant. Also,
don’t eat mindlessly. Healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables,
are generally lower in calories and saturated fats than heavy meals consisting
of red meat, potatoes and gravy. That doesn’t mean you can’t
have an occasional food ‘treat,’ but the key word here is
occasional. Savor those treats while you get only once in a while, eating
them slowly and enjoying each bite. If you are at a social gathering and
other people urge you to eat or drink more than you want, just say, ‘No,
thank you. I’ve had enough. If I want more, I’ll get more
later.’ No one should make you feel guilty for not consuming more
than you want to eat or drink.”
Throughout the year (even in winter months) Dr. Leiphart recommends getting
plenty of exercise to maintain your physical and mental health. “Just
because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean you should slack
off on exercise,” she emphasizes. Going outside and taking a walk
through the trees will improve your mood as well as your health. If the
weather is really too awful to be outdoors, you may find that exercising
at a local inexpensive recreation center with friends or neighbors can
contribute to your health and inner joy.
“It all boils down to the basic notion of picking and choosing the
lifestyle and activities that are important to you, that give you a sense
of joy,” she adds. “Find what makes you joyful, and make those
things part of a fresh start in life as you step joyfully into the coming year.