Choose Joy Part 2

Cultivate a Joyful Environment

Have you ever noticed that it is harder to get up and get going on an overcast day, but life seems a little easier when the sun is shining? Your environment plays a large role in your emotions. My parents’ most recent trip to Florida included time at Universal Studios and a day at Disney’s shopping district. While there are those that might call my wonderful father grumpy, even he noticed that there is just something about Disney that makes you feel good. It’s just a very joyful environment.

It really is in the details. And while moving into the Magic Kingdom is probably an unattainable choice for most of us there are many little things you can do to create a joyful environment. Lets look at a few key elements that you can control (to some extent) in your home and work environments.

Color

What is your favorite color? Is it beige or gray? Or is it something with a little more life and personality? What colors are you most surrounded by in your life? Our world tends to be filled with gray buildings, dull beige or white walls, and an all black wardrobe. The fixtures we are surrounded by are the equivalent of a drizzly gray day.

Personally, I am unable to choose an absolute favorite, but color is something I absolutely need in my life. My tea is more energizing when I use my yellow mug in the morning, my confidence is higher with my red lipstick, my steps are easier in my brightly colored leggings, and my home became more calming and welcoming after we painted the white walls blue. What colors make you smile?

Texture and edges.

Unfortunately, most modern, sophisticated, or “grown-up” designs are filled with sharp corners and hard surfaces. It’s uninviting, isolating, and boring. But round shapes are naturally more joyful. Think about confetti or hidden Mickey’s (there is something about Disney after all). But it’s more than just soft edges that people seek out. We are a tactile species. Much to the dismay of museum docents everywhere, humans crave touch. Soft and unexpected textures and details bring a smile to my face, what about yours?

Infuse your life with joy

So what can you do to make your world a little more joyful without any extra emotional effort?

At Home:

• Bring inviting textures and colors into your home. Is your couch gray, like mine? Add a bright throw pillow and get a soft blanket to cuddle under while you binge Netflix.
• Paint your hallway or create and accent wall in your favorite interior color.
• Get photos of your favorite people and places off your phone and into frames on your walls.
• Put out fresh flowers when you can afford to, and not just on special occasions
• Buy the kitschy figurine or souvenir that makes you laugh or smile and display it in an unexpected place in your home.
• Use sheer curtains that let in the light without sacrificing privacy.
• If you have the time, energy, and money, decorate for the seasons so your home consistently has something “new” and unexpected. (Even if that “new” item comes out every year at that time).

At Work:

• Add some fun desk accessories in your favorite color.
• Get a planner with a cheerful print and or encouraging messages on the pages or add stickers to the pages of a plain planner
• Keep a quirky coffee mug at the office for break time.
• Get photos of your favorite people and places off your phone and into frames on your desk.
• Consider getting a potted plant for your office.
• Keep a some tissue paper confetti in a desk drawer and celebrate your accomplishments

On You

• Wear clothes that fit, if your clothes are an uncomfortable fit or material, you will feel miserable while wearing them.
• Add interesting accessories that makes you smile. Maybe its a colorful bold necklace, or maybe it’s a fun purse with Minnie Mouse on it (that’s one of my favorite pick-me ups)
• Add color! Even if you have an all black outfit colorful shoes or socks, or a fun scarf make a great addition. If you have more flexibility in your dress code consider adding polka dots or other fun prints into your wardrobe.
• Consider brightening up things that you carry with you. Get the pink phone. Add a Superman keychain to your keys. Put a cute sticker on your bank card that will make you smile when you pull it out of our wallet.

Cultivating a joyful environment is probably the easiest thing you can do to choose positivity in your life. For more information on the science behind joy and other ways to bring more joy into your life I highly recommend the book “Joyful:The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness” by Ingrid Fetell Lee. Or watch her TED Talk here!

Explore the Series

• Choose Joy Part 1: It’s All in Your Head
• Choose Joy Part 2: Cultivate a Joyful Environment
• Choose Joy Part 3: Do More of What Makes You Happy
• Choose Joy Part 4: Smile More Often
• Choose Joy Part 5: Be Authentic
• Choose Joy Part 6: Surround Yourself with Positivity