5 Things To Do To Increase Your Level of Joy this summer…

Have you heard of pandemic fatigue. I haven’t until my work released a newsletter advising all workers to not let there guard down. Yes we are all tired of the Pandemic. It has really taken a toll on quality of life. For those who have been working from home , add the other stressors of being confined or loosing social interaction. I don’t blame if you if you entered this summer unmotivated, uninspired or just plain ole depressed. The last year has been tough but here are a few ways you can work on increasing your joy this month.

Reconnect with an old friend. Friendships are an important component of a joys long life. If you have been busy and let your friendships fall by the wayside the last year or so, now is the time to put some effort into reconnecting with those your family and friends . Check out the post I wrote on planning a friend date. It may be just the thing you need.

Start something. Everyone needs a hobby. Something that you are into that brings you joy. Men are notorious for having hobbies. You see them motorcycles on the weekend, tinkering in backyard shops, boating, fishing, or watching sports. Women are usually so overwhelmed with being there for everyone else that we don’t have time to engage in something just for the fun of it. Today I’m giving you permission to cancel something on your schedule that you don’t need and find a hobby. Cooking, vlogging, blogging, sewing, dancing, jump roping, skating. music. Bring something into your life that makes you and only you smile. For me its my record player. I spend hours listening to the sounds of my favorite artist on vinyl. There is no other way to hear it.

Learn something new. The longer days of summer make it the perfect time to dedicate some energy into learning a new skill, language, or technique. While others are being lazy in the sun taking a course in your free time allows you to take advantage of the smaller class size, cheaper tuition, and shorter duration of the semester. As a professional you can build new skills or capacities that will make you a stronger employer or employee. As a life long learner you can explore topics such as emerging technologies, culture, and language.

Try something new. Now this would be my favorite. New recipes or new methods of cooking. Restaurants, atmospheres, hairstyles and fashions the list goes on and on and on….its really up to you what you decide you want to try. However incorporating newness into your everyday keeps you motivated and keeps you brain and body sharp. New experiences are also ways to make new memories.

Play, Run, Loaf. You may not think so but play is essential to your well-being. Adults need play just as much as children need it. Play can be therapy; a way to deal with everyday stressors. Playing as an adult looks totally different that play as a child; although if you want to continue to play freeze tag that totally works. Play for an adult could be such things as playing cards, board games, video games, coloring, drawing, participating in adult sport teams, dance. Anything you can do to make to take your mind off the day, relax, unwind and get a laugh in will transform your day.

Disconnect. Burn out is real. It takes your energy, joy and peace. Burn out happens when we over extend ourselves and taking the proper time to rest and recharge. There is a reason for a Sabbath. Rest is essential to our well-being. Disconnecting from social media, work responsibilities and even family commitments for a period of time allows the body and mind to renew. Its like taking a mini vacation.

Share with the family how you are fighting back against pandemic fatigue, burnout and even depression. I know you have some great ideas.