5 Ways to Find Joy and Peace Again

1.      Call an Old Friend.  There is nothing quite as restorative to the soul as talking with a friend who has seen you at your best and your worst.  As we age, our friendships become more valuable.  They represent a shared history of who we were, who we are and the support we need for who we will become.

2.      Meditate.  In a world with constant distractions from the never-ending news cycle to the never-ending social media scroll, making space for quiet reflection is more important than ever.  Slowing things down allows the brain to leave “fight or flight” mode and expands the neuro processes.  This improves decision-making, creativity and mood.  Finding 10 minutes or more to quiet the brain is one of the healthiest things you can do.

3.      Get outside.  Nature is medicine.  Medical studies show that walking outside reduces medical conditions like diabetes to depression.  But sometimes life does is so busy and so chaotic that taking a 30-minute walk outside is just not possible.  If you simply stepped outside each day and took in 10 deep breaths, you will still reap some health benefits.  So whether you have an hour or 5 minutes, just simply step outside and let nature heal you.

4.      Find time for Play.  Life was easier when we were kids, partly because we had regular playtime.  Adulting is serious business and everyone needs a break from the seriousness.  Make time to play fetch with your dog, go to the playground with your kids or grandkids, buy a Lego set and build something, have some fun adult playtime with your spouse or significant other.  Make time for play and you will be reintroducing joy into your life.

5.      Turn up the music and get lost.  Whether you find yourself in your living room with the volume up dancing to your favorite song or you hop in the car, roll down the windows, turn up the music and just drive.  Just let go and get lost in the joy of the music and the movement.  It is soul healing.