Let Yourself Feel Joy

Hi all. It's Mel here. It's so human to just zip through our happy moments. We may notice moments of joy, but it takes practice to really feel our joy and happiness. It's an important skill to learn. Research shows embracing our positive feelings can make a huge impact on our mental health. So today, let's practice savoring what's bringing you joy. Make sure you're in a comfy position and gently close your eyes or simply lower your gaze. Start by breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Another one, in and out. Notice where the top of your breath is when you get to it. Then, let it all out. Try to slow and lengthen your breaths, pulling oxygen deep into your belly, registering when your lungs are full and then releasing that breath back into the world. I'll give you some time. (no audio) (no audio) Great work. Feel your whole body soften and relax, and take another long breath, in and out. Now, start to reflect on a happy or joyful event in your past. Maybe it's in the last week or month, or even the past year. Think of a time you felt really good about something. Maybe you felt excited, or accomplished, or just happy with the people around you. (no audio) Really sit in that moment and the feeling. What surrounded you, what did it smell like, sound like and what did the joy feel like? A warmth in your chest, or a sense of peace. Take some time to really sit in that moment and feeling. (no audio) (no audio) (no audio) Great job. Now, to keep the joy flowing, what's a moment of joy you're looking forward to? Maybe it's seeing someone you love, or a vacation coming up, or even just the safe and cozy feeling of getting into bed tonight. Let that feeling of joy start to fill you up. (no audio) (no audio) Great work today. As we rush through our days, it can be easy to let happiness slip by, but we deserve to savor and celebrate joy in all its forms. Repeat after me, either out loud or in your head. I savor my joy. I savor my joy. Open your eyes if they're closed and let the space around you come back into focus. Notice your joy today. Give yourself permission to savor it and show it and maybe even tell someone else about it. Share that feeling. You got this....