Life can often feel like a whirlwind, leaving us caught up in its fast-paced rhythm, racing from one task to the next. Amidst this chaos, we may overlook the simple moments of joy that pepper our daily existence. However, precisely, these moments can put a smile on your face and infuse your lives with renewed vitality.
Moreover, we should not dismiss the little moments in life that help us reconnect with the joys of everyday life since observing them may just be what you need to find a moment of pleasure. A small activity can brighten up your moment, put a smile on your face, and transform your life – and that is something we shouldn’t brush aside.
Now, let’s delve into ten activities that can help us rediscover the joy in everyday life.
As mamas, we often find joy in the larger moments in life—our baby’s first steps, graduating from Kindergarten, and the moment our children eat all their vegetables without throwing them at us.Â
However, when do we stop noticing the small things that can put a smile on our faces? The sweet moments of our everyday lives where our mouth turns upward in a big grin. Little things get easily overlooked for one simple reason: they’re little. With a long list of things to do, pressures, and trying to keep everyone happy, we can overlook this one simple thing that is so powerful in bringing us joy.Â
Moreover, the best part about soaking in those precious, easily accessible, joyful moments is that it doesn’t cost much money. It doesn’t stop us from achieving our tasks; it makes them more enjoyable. As a busy mom and wife, it’s probably been a moment since you soaked in your everyday moments of joy. So, I’ve listed 10 of them below to get you started.
Okay, so you’re up before the sun. You’re exhausted from not sleeping again. You’re thinking of all your to-dos and praying you can get out the door on time.Â
I know you’re saying, “I don’t have time to do anything but rush around and make sure I know where my keys and phone are—oh, wait, where’s my purse?”
But hear me out. There is this moment in the morning when you open the window and watch the darkness fade, and the light starts to take over.
At that moment, you have an opportunity to take a deep breath, slowly exhale, and say to yourself, “Today is the beginning of a new day, and I am thankful I can embrace it.”
Furthermore, it is a beautiful reminder that light overtakes the darkness, and we can be thankful for that truth.
Every morning presents an opportunity for renewal, a chance to witness the birth of a new day.
Despite the rush and bustle of our daily routines, taking a moment to gaze at the sunrise can serve as a gentle reminder of life’s beauty and resilience. As the darkness gives way to light, we can put a smile on our faces and greet the day with gratitude and optimism.
Moreover, as the realities of our day take hold and make us feel overwhelmed, burned out, and unequipped, it is nice to hold on to our moment of light from the morning and remind ourselves of it taking over the darkness.
We can remind ourselves that light will shine again – the birds will sing, and we will have that glorious exhale.
Moving on to the next activity…
Let’s be honest; there are moments when we are so busy that we don’t take the time to stop and fully focus on those loved ones around us.
In our hectic lives, it’s too easy to get swept away by the day’s demands, leaving little room for meaningful connection.
Nevertheless, by practicing active listening, we can deepen our relationships and savor the richness of human interaction.
Whether engaging in a heartfelt conversation with a loved one or simply lending a listening ear, being fully present allows us to put a smile on our faces and appreciate the beauty of genuine connection.
Furthermore, it is so easy to get caught up in our rushing and the task in front of us that we can lose precious moments of connection with our family. It doesn’t mean we don’t love them, but we can easily take it for granted.
Moreover, we think we will focus on a moment when we are done with whatever is occupying our minds at the moment.
Additionally, this is about shame; it is about being honest. It’s about looking in the mirror, accepting the truth, and choosing to say, “Yeah, that’s me. I didn’t realize that.”
I have been there, and truthfully, I am a fully focused person who can easily fall into this trap.
Nonetheless, realizing that this is me and also deciding that I don’t want to always let these moments slip by, I am now aware of who I am and what I can do differently.
Thus, when I catch myself not fully engaged in who is around me or what they are saying, I decide to do something different.
I tell myself, “Focus, I will never get this moment back, and they are way more important than this task.”
Next up, we have…
Similar to point two, really hug. A hug conveys a connection; think about when your child was small and they gave you those big, joyful, full-on hugs. Didn’t it just make your heart leap?
Moreover, a warm embrace has the power to convey love, comfort, and reassurance like few other gestures can. Whether wrapping our arms around a child or holding a loved one close, a heartfelt hug can put a smile on our faces and remind us of the profound joy in human connection.
Reflecting on past experiences, I remember when my kids would get upset when they were little. I would put them in my lap, wrap my arms around them, and breathe slowly and deeply. Even if they were squirming and trying to throw a tantrum, I would hold them. Soon, their tears would stop, and their breath would slow and begin to match mine.
Hence, hugs convey love and care, so be present in the moment. Be fully aware of their breath and the strength of your arms around them, and embrace the moment.
It doesn’t have to take much time, but a few seconds will provide you with a moment to think about all day that warms your heart.
Now, let’s explore another activity…
I am obsessed with my planner and my daily to-do list. In fact, everyone should have one.
Moreover, it helps me stay productive, achieve my goals, and create healthy habits, which is massively beneficial for creating a life I love.Â
Additionally, writing down your top 3 priorities of the day and then a list of “would be nice” items is a sure way to boost your endorphins.
Whether the list of things you write down includes small items or big items, the moment you mark them off your list as done, your mood will improve.
Furthermore, it is immensely satisfying to see progress in accomplishing what you’ve set out to do.
Here’s a secret: I will mark things down on my list (things that weren’t on the list but I happened to do) so I can check them off.Â
Little joy is what this is about, and the satisfaction of getting things done brings joy.
However, I will warn you that as mamas, we often have a habit of overloading ourselves and adding way too much to our plates.Â
Moving on to the next activity…
Hold up! What? Yeah, I know. Red lights can be frustrating. We have things to do and places to go, and we’re already running behind.
However, that is the point. The red light can be another frustration or a moment to collect ourselves and have 60 seconds of full-on self-care.
Amid our busy lives, red lights can often feel inconvenient, disrupting our hurried pace. Nevertheless, by reframing these moments as opportunities for reflection and renewal, we can put a smile on our faces and cultivate a sense of inner peace amidst the chaos of daily life.
While stressing, running, and counting down the hours of everything left to do in our day, we must stop (at the red light) and recenter ourselves. We can’t change the fact that we’re at a forced stop, so why not use it to gather our strength, calm our minds, and calm our bodies with a good old-fashioned deep breath?Â
Deep breathing will calm you, focus your mind, and make you more productive, but only if you let it.
For this to work and bring you joy, you must be thankful, intentional, and follow through.
Just try it the next time you are at the light. Turn the music down, and be intentional. Breathe in for a count of four, focus on that breath, filling your lungs, and then slowly let it out for a count of four.
In fact, this is an excellent practice to incorporate throughout our day if you want to be more collected and productive.
Now, let’s explore another simple joy…
Speaking of good for our bodies, a quick stretch is magical. Moreover, the breathing accompanying the stretch helps transform our day, our minds, and our moods.
Incorporating a quick stretch into our daily routine can do wonders for our physical and mental well-being. By stretching our bodies and focusing on our breath, we can put a smile on our faces and cultivate a sense of mindfulness and relaxation.
When we allow ourselves a quick stretch, tension and overwhelm are released. Although a long stretching session would be nice, a quick one is better than none.
Moving our bodies, getting the blood flowing, and focusing on our breath literally transforms our brains. It brings us awareness and intentionality and releases endorphins that can reduce pain and boost our mood. Additionally, it helps keep us moving, which in turn helps keep us young and active—now that is joyful.
Moving on to the next activity…
Do you recall the fun you had as a child on the swings at the park (yes, that is what I meant – IÂ told you I wasn’t talking about anything inappropriate)? Furthermore, when did we start thinking we couldn’t soar through the air and be free from gravity?
There’s something inherently joyful about swinging on a swing set, feeling the wind in our hair and the adrenaline rush as we soar through the air.
Whether it’s rediscovering the childlike joy of swinging in the park or sharing a playful moment with loved ones, embracing our sense of playfulness can put a smile on our faces and remind us of life’s simple pleasures.
What a glorious opportunity to enjoy the park with your kids, make memories, and feel free again (even briefly).Â
Okay, your kids may think you’re out of control, but I promise they will secretly love it deep in their hearts. Furthermore, they will love the laughter you will undoubtedly be doing.Â
This is also a great date idea. For instance, a picnic in the park with your husband, or share a treat after dinner with a little walk in the park. I bet he would be shocked to see you jump on the swing and let your legs kick back and forth as you propel yourself higher and higher.
Let the joy begin. Let’s explore another avenue for pleasure…
While dinnertime may often feel like just another item on our never-ending to-do list, it also presents an opportunity for connection and reflection.
By slowing down and savoring the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones, we can put a smile on our faces and foster deeper bonds with those around us.
Too often, our dinners can be rushed, and we feel they are just an obligation we must partake in for us not to die. Additionally, we can rush through them, be preoccupied with what we didn’t accomplish, what else we need to do, or feel like now is a good time to look at our phones.
Dinner should be an opportunity to check in not only with our loved ones but also with ourselves. It should be an opportunity to connect, strengthen our relationships, and share with those who love us what is going on in our world.
Most of our day is spent apart (including from ourselves). Moreover, dinner is an opportunity to be intentional. Pausing, looking around at those with us, and taking a moment to connect.
Life is busy, and yes, we have places to go, and not every day will allow for a slower, more meaningful moment. Nevertheless, we must eat. Whether it is a quick bite in the car on the way to the next thing or a Sunday lunch, appreciating the moment can bring us joy.
Stop to focus on those who are with you. How are they doing, and what are they thinking about? Also, share how you are doing.
Know we are abundantly blessed to have those few moments.
Dinner is an everyday task, but it is also a memory; dinner was often a peaceful moment to connect as a family or a rushed, easily forgotten, and never-connected one.Â
Now, let’s turn our attention to another source of joy…
This can take practice, which means thought and exercise.
The world can jade us, and a life of stress, unending demands on our time, and a million other reasons can make it hard to be grateful.Â
Finding one thing you can be grateful for daily will transform how you view life, yourself, and your future. The key is to notice and write it down (in your planner or on a note on your phone).Â
Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to put a smile on your face and shift your perspective towards abundance and positivity.Â
By taking a moment each day to reflect on the blessings in our lives, we can cultivate a sense of appreciation and contentment that transcends life’s challenges.
A list of things you are grateful for or a story about a grateful moment can help you when you’re having a bad day.Â
Often, our minds can get stuck on what is going wrong and need to remember what has gone right. But when we allow our minds to relive that moment, it can transform our mood.Â
There is power in transforming our minds, thoughts, and feelings about the blessings in our lives.
Finally, let’s explore one last activity…
You probably talk to yourself throughout the day if you are anything like me.
For example, my husband often laughs because as I move from one task to another, he can hear me say, “Already then.”Â
In truth, it is my way of indicating to my brain that my work was complete. (I like marking off items on my to-do list).
But here is the sad truth: many of us talk negatively to ourselves. We may not even realize we are doing it, as it has become second nature.Â
This means the damage it causes is also not widely known, at least not how deeply it can ruin our lives.
The words we speak to ourselves have the power to shape our reality and influence our sense of self-worth. By practicing positive self-talk and cultivating a mindset of self-compassion, we can put a smile on our faces and nurture a more profound understanding of inner peace and acceptance.
Because of this, how we talk to ourselves can be deeply rooted in our subconscious. Once we have convinced ourselves of the truth (easily saying it without thought), we become unaware that we are proving ourselves correct by living into what we deem the truth.
Therefore, we must start by transforming our minds to transform our lives. People can’t find joy when telling themselves they are ignorant.
I know you are thinking, “I don’t call myself foolish.”
But have you ever done something incorrectly? And have you ever said, “Oh, I am so ridiculous? I meant to…”
Obviously, it seems like a small thing, but our minds are constantly learning. They take in every bit of data and formulate it into a belief.Â
This means we need to reprogram our minds. When we do that, we will believe in ourselves more, boost our confidence, and find joy in our lives instead of frustration and self-doubt.Â
Often, our words are connected to false beliefs we have about ourselves. Those beliefs could keep us from not only having a smile on our faces but also achieving the life we desire.
In conclusion, life is brimming with opportunities for joy if only we take the time to notice them. By embracing these simple activities and cultivating a mindset of mindfulness and gratitude, we can put a smile on our faces and infuse our lives with renewed vitality and purpose.
So, let’s embark on this journey of rediscovery together, savoring the richness of life’s everyday moments and finding joy in the seemingly mundane.
Take this a step further and discover 7 things you may not know about yourself but will add a smile to your face
I’m the girl who went from receptionist, to Director of Operations, and now Founder of her own company. I love road trips, music, coffee, and creating a plan (for anything!). My mission? To help other women embrace their awesome, achieve their dreams, and live a life they 💜!
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Am a wife, a mom of two, and an entrepreneur. I spend most of my days behind my computer sharing my secrets with the world and helping get goals met. I’m so glad you’re here!
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