The daily rhythms of life can sometimes lose their wonder if we are not intentional about seeking ways to find joy in these otherwise mundane moments. I am excited to share five creative ways to find pleasure in your daily life and a book recommendation that helped me jumpstart my rut once again!

 

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I’ve heard many people say they feel like they are on the treadmill of life.  That every day begins to feel the same over time, and there is a lack of joy for them. I have to admit, I can get into a rut where I can relate to this feeling too.

 

 

But as a former Marriage and Family Therapist and a Christ-follower, I know when I am sinking into these holes and have learned that it is not beneficial or healthy to see our moments and days as something that is just blah. I’ve learned some creative ways to get out of them too. 

 

 

You see, each day is a gift!  “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Do you agree with this mindset?

 

 

Once you do agree, these 5 creative ways to find pleasure in your daily life will just make sense. Before I share these 5 ways with you, don’t miss the book recommendation that I am sharing too.

 

 

My friend, Melissa Michaels, wrote a book titled “A Lovely Life” that was a recent inspiration to me.  It’s a must-read and sits on my desk now…more to come below. Don’t miss the chance to enter a giveaway too!

 

I wanted to make it easy for you to remember these 5 creative ways to find pleasure in your daily life so they are simply based on our five senses: smell, touch, taste, sound, and sight.

 

These ideas are best applied when you understand that your thoughts impact your behaviors which impact how you feel. It’s a cyclical formula.  Carry this with you as you read these ways below and begin applying it to your day-to-day routines and how this would work for you.

 

5 Creative Ways to Find Pleasure in Your Daily Life

Smell

Smells can be nostalgic, and remind of you the people and places you love.  Isn’t this a wonderful way, then, to add happiness to your daily life?

I currently am sitting at my desk, writing this post with one of my favorite candles burning.  Writing is more enjoyable with the smell of something that reminds me of my family.

I’ve also found that folding laundry feels happier with smells that are amazing. When I am standing at my bed sorting through the laundry, just smelling this lovely scent brings joy to this chore.

 

 

Sight

I’ve learned that finding pleasure in what we see day to day also has as much to do with, what we choose not to see.

Pleasurable sights around the home are fresh/faux bouquets of flowers, pretty books, scripture on wood wall signs, and family gathered around the table.  On the other hand, seeing sinks full of dirty dishes, clothes on the floor, and cluttered surfaces will drain us.

As much as I love decorating our home, it’s important to note that sometimes less is more. Surround yourself with pretty little things to look at in your everyday moments. Place a mason jar of flowers by your sink when you are getting ready in the morning or a lovely, new hand towel in your kitchen when washing dishes.

Hang a wood sign (use code: SHEGAVEITAGO for a discount) in your entryway that greets you at the door with a message to reframe your thoughts after a long day. You can also place interactive prayer and scripture cards around your home (like these!) to remind you of God’s truths and love for you!

 

Taste

Warm beverages such as coffee can be delightful plain or add in your own barista touches.  I recently discovered sugar-free syrups on Amazon and they’ve made my morning coffee even better!

Daily water consumption can be a struggle for me specifically, so I recently got a fun water bottle that has a straw. My daily water goal is easier with a functional container and it’s cute too.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prep and cooking…I am finding joy again with these by following along with some of my favorite social media accounts/bloggers to change it up! I think variety is key to finding pleasure in what can feel like a mundane task with cooking.

I also recently bought this cookbook that I can’t recommend enough!

Touch

This may be one of my favorites!

Add seasonal blankets and pillows to several areas of your home.  When I am working, I often have a nice pillow behind my back or a blanket too. Comfortable items when working, paying bills at home, and doing homework, can make a difference and relax your mindset.

In the mornings, give your family members a hug to jumpstart their morning routine and bring happiness to making lunches or eating breakfast.

 

Sound

I have been leaving my doors open in Spring! The sound of birds chirping makes folding laundry much happier.

You can also place portable speakers around your home to play worship or upbeat music when cleaning, organizing, cooking, or working.  What we pour into our minds affects our overall feelings!

Looking for hope-filled music? Check out my FREE, downloadable playlists in this post!

So fill it with sounds that bring joy to these daily tasks and offer encouragement.

 

I mentioned above how I can get caught up in forgetting these things, and it takes something to jumpstart a healthy mindset again.

A Lovely Life Book Recommendation

Enter my friend Melissa Michael’s new book, A Lovely Life. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, it’s that good!

 

A Lovely Life is filled with inspiration and practical ideas to savor the simple joys around you and in your home. It offers gentle encouragement throughout to focus on being intentional with your days, ideas, tasks, and mindsets as you seek, create and savor the beauty found in every season.

 

 

A Lovely Life will show you ways you can:

• Practice simple homemaking and soul tending rhythms and rituals
• Cultivate more peace, contentment, and joy in your surroundings throughout the year
• Embrace simplicity in your life and home in every season
• Nurture your well-being through the beauty you create or discover around you
• Seek renewal in spring, refreshment in summer, reconnection in autumn, and rest in winter

Freebie? Yes, please!

Want a free downloadable seasonal planner and a botanical print. The link to the pre-order gifts is here. It goes along perfectly with the book.

 

Don’t miss my blogger friends’ posts that share on this topic too:

Tuesday, April 26th

The Inspired Room
She Gave it a Go
Shiplap and Shells
Robyn’s French Nest

Thursday, April 28th

The Inspired Room
Grace in My Space
Rooms for Rent
Southern Hospitality

 

 

Stay in touch by joining The She Gave It A Go Mailing List! Get weekly tips, encouragement, special deals, and more on all things faith, family, and farmhouse decor.

Looking for more ways to create joyful moments with your children in your day-to-day living? Check out my friend Heather from My Life Well Loved post on Easy Ways To Give Back As A Family and learn about some amazing organizations to join alongside. Giving back prompts joy!

If you enjoyed this post, I recommend checking out this one too:

Joy As A Spiritual Discipline