Benefit From Bliss - 8 Ways to Radiate Joy and Happiness

Humans have many things in common, and moving toward joy and happiness is at the top of the list. We all desire to be and feel positive. And, the best part is that your joy creates more joy! Science has proven that just being in the presence of someone who feels positively about their life or experience can impact your mood. For example, you may recall a dear friend who comforted you after a big setback or a brief moment with a stranger’s uplifting energy that shifted your outlook for the rest of the day. This is joy in action.

So now to the critical question… Just how do you go about being more joyful in your life? It all comes down to creating a glass-is-half-full mindset that allows you to be a glowing being for yourself and others. Though neuroscientists haven’t found a happiness light switch behind your ear (yet!), there are quite a few proven ways for cultivating (and sharing) more joy in your life. Below are 8 of our favorite practices for being and radiating joy. And, if you'd like to get started by strengthening your ability to tap into the present moment, take a peek at these simple, quick activities.

1. Smile from the Inside Out

Start your smile from your soul and be authentic, heartfelt, and purposeful. When you have a smile that flows from your heart, it helps you to feel joyful all over. What?! Sounds amazing… and when you’re just on the “edge of happy,” this might make sense. But when you’re feeling the grind of life and that glass is definitely half empty, this might be a difficult practice to begin, so let’s break it down.

Just start... JUST SMILE. It’s ok to “fake it until you make it” when it comes to smiling. Research has proven that adjusting your face into a smile position can boost your joy factor. And more importantly, this practice helps your mind and body recover from stress more quickly. If you’re feeling low energy, take note that it takes more muscles to frown than smile.

Finally, even if your fake smile doesn’t deliver a powerful shot of joy to you, it’s likely to impact the people around you positively. You might notice that seeing someone else’s response to your hard-earned smile invites a full-on toothy grin. Heads up, though! Getting started with this practice can feel awkward, so be patient. Take your Mona-Lisa-look for a few rides before deciding if this practice is for you.

Net, net this is one of our favorite, most straightforward, subtle, go-to practices for increasing joy.

2. Call or Message Someone You Miss 

Randomly reaching out to someone you haven’t touched base with in a while is a great way to light up your day and someone else’s. It seems we’re always “in touch” and perhaps, at least for some of us, maybe over-connected. That’s why this particular practice is so special. It’s about being intentional with whom you’re taking a moment to connect. Even if you can’t chat immediately, you’ll know that you’ve made a dear one feel special. And, that alone my friend, is a heart warmer.

3. Pay it Forward

Sharing your joy or kindness with someone you think may appreciate it is a brilliant way to raise your mood and potentially make someone’s day. The Pay-It-Forward practice focuses on the tiny yet mighty, unexpected actions. Maybe it’s offering to take someone’s shopping cart back for them. Or perhaps it’s buying the person behind you a coffee.

To make this practice happen, set an intention to be on high alert for ways to be an unexpected burst of kindness or consideration – especially if it’s tiny. These little things matter and are a fantastic way to brighten your day and someone else’s.

4. Search for the Silver Lining

Did you know that even people who appear to be constantly happy, joyful, and smiling have also had their handful of lemons, tomatoes, and stones thrown in their direction? Maybe they learned to make lemonade better than everyone else? Perhaps. But there’s a simple practice that doesn’t require any sugar.

Actively brainstorm all possible ways this not-so-great thing/situation could be a good thing. To be clear, depending on what has just occurred or what is, you may need to take a moment (or longer) to find your center before starting this practice, but it’s excellent for reframing and reconnecting you to your joy.

Scientists have shown that when someone sees weakness as a positive asset, they will be more committed to developing and improving that aspect. Likewise, people with a positive mindset find the lesson or the upside to whatever happens in life. Focusing on the positive helps them recover from adversity faster.

5. Broadcast Your Gratitude

Are you looking for one of the fastest ways to elevate your joy factor? This is it: Express gratitude. You might consider a daily morning practice of listing out five things that positively support your life. Another way to stay connected to this deeply nourishing practice is to share it with someone else. It could be a quick evening topic you share over dinner with family or text with a friend.

As if the warm fuzzies of the practice weren’t enough, according to studies, expressing your gratitude can have a measurable impact on your physical and mental health.

An easy way to start this practice is by simply thanking someone today. Perhaps this turns into a daily routine of making a point to let someone know you appreciate them - a work buddy, neighbor, friend, or partner. Remember, tiny, positive actions add up over time.

6. Be Kind to Mother Earth

Getting and giving back to nature is a beautiful way to lift your spirit and radiate joy. The best part is that there are so many small and big joy-producing ways you can offer our planet some love. Everything from starting a garden to drinking from a reusable water bottle supports Mother Earth’s wellbeing and yours. As a go-to practice, you might consider taking a moment to tend to a public space that seems neglected. Perhaps throwing away that one coffee cup that missed the trash can will turn into a fresh and clean corner of your neighborhood park.

It’s funny how something so simple and seemingly un-fun leaves you full of goodness. As a bonus, you’ll be the recipient of gratitude from people who may catch you in the act and everyone else who gets to enjoy the space after you’ve headed home.

7. Practice Heartfelt “I AM” Affirmations

Intentionality is key, and pausing to reaffirm and reconnect to the Brighter Being that you are is a profound tool for connecting with your joy. You can choose to write your statements down in a journal or simply say them to yourself while you’re washing your face in the morning. You can make up any statement that feels true and uplifting for you or pick one from our suggested library.

Choose a message or statement each week or month that you can connect with in a way that feels like the next good possibility for you and supports a focus area in your life. Then each day, find a time to recall and reconnect to it. For instance, let’s say you’re working on radiating joy and finding more happiness in your life; you might choose an affirmation to help you connect with one of these practices. For example - “I am grateful for the abundance in my life” … or "I am grateful for this breath."

8. Give Random Gifts

Sharing tiny meaningful gifts is a lovely way to increase positive energy for yourself and your dear one. This could simply be a small handwritten note saying, “You are Wonderful! Grateful to have you as a dear friend.” Drop it in the mail. Done! These random gifts are not about being fancy. They’re quick, impromptu ways to show your love. You might find a flower or cool rock in your garden to share with a coworker. It’s been said a gazillion times, but it's true -- it is the thought that counts. So this practice of random gifts is about opening yourself and following through on inspired thoughts. Giving small gifts reminds others they are special or potentially makes a huge difference in their day.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Radiate Joy and Happiness

Incorporate as many of these practices in the list above into your life. You might enjoy trying one at a time. You may find some of the practices easier than others you may already be doing. The key is to stay on your path. With each small practice, you’ll begin to notice your joy and happiness grow and your light shining even brighter!

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