When you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities
One of the best ways to bring more joy to our daily lives is to look to the places where there's an absence of it.
There are two common places to look. First, every day we have to do some things that are not the most fun or enjoyable things in the world: chores, errands, habits, and other tasks. We also adapt so easily to the conditions of our lives, and what was once exciting becomes normal and average. How can we turn those obligations into opportunities — for joy, connection, and fun?
Try This
Here are three science-backed strategies to make your life more fun.
· Imagine it was the last time you ever did this activity. How would you approach it? You’d probably be much more deliberate and pay more attention to it, savoring each step. Studies have found that being present actually ends up making tasks more enjoyable!
· Combine it with something you love to do. In the research, this is called ‘temptation bundling’ — like reserving your favorite television show to watch only while you’re at the gym. Combine something you love (dancing, singing, laughing, talking to someone) with something you don't (laundry, the drive to school, a workout.)
· Make it a challenge. Things get boring when the difficulty is gone. Challenges that you choose are, paradoxically, a great source of fun. They stimulate your brain, invite you to think more creatively, and tap into your innate gifts and problem-solving abilities. How many compliments can you give today? What new hobby can you try to master in the next 30 days? How can you walk at least 100 more steps today than you did yesterday?
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