World Mental Health Day: Rediscovering Your Joy

Lately, I’ve been hearing recurring comments among clients, friends, and family members. They all seem to be focused on thoughts and feelings that their lives no longer have meaning or purpose. They feel stuck, unsure of the next direction they want to take.

Everyone appears to be so caught up in the every day chaos that has taken over the control panel of their thoughts, that they tend to almost be functioning on auto pilot. I think we’ve all been there at least a few times. We often become overwhelmed by responsibilities, and daily challenges. And while we are trying to navigate this intricate maze of life, we can become detached from our true selves and the joys that once fueled our days.

At Soberman’s Estate, Mens Residential Treatment Center, as part of our holistic approach to mental wellness, we encourage individuals to pause, reflect, and ask themselves: “What truly brings me happiness? What ignites joy in my heart? What do I really like/and or want to do?”

Surprisingly, many individuals draw a blank to these seemingly straightforward questions. All of the intertwined busyness seems to have made them overlook the simple pleasures that once sparked joy, or perhaps they’ve never truly identified what happiness feels like to them.

The transformative power of joy is undeniable. By channeling happiness into our lives, not only do we uplift our spirits, but this positive energy extends to our relationships and our surroundings. We foster an environment where mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being thrives.

Yet, how do we reclaim this lost joy? How do we reintegrate these moments of happiness into our daily lives? While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer or an overnight solution, here are a few simple exercises to help you begin your journey:

• Create a list of activities that bring you joy: Write down at least 25 activities or things that bring a smile to your face. From meditating, reading a book, savoring your favorite ice cream, to dancing in the rain, list them all. Make sure this list comprises diverse activities so that you can choose one irrespective of the time you have at hand.

• Create a few copies of this list. Store one in your wallet, one beside your bed, and maybe another somewhere else that is easily accessible.
• On trying days when the world feels overwhelming, pull out this list. Select one activity and indulge in it. Let it be your personal pick-me-up, a reminder that joy can be found in the simplest of things.
  
  
• Start a practice of gratitude: Create a new habit of writing down at least 3 things every day that you are grateful for. Look for the little things that we don’t often think of, like the sun shining down on your face, the clouds in the sky, the chocolate cake your friend made for you etc…

When we start bringing more happiness and joy into our lives, it changes everything around us. Our personal relationships grow stronger as our own moods shift and we begin spreading joy to others, creating an amazing ripple effect. We become physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually happier.

World Mental Health Day serves as a great reminder for us to prioritize our mental well-being. At Soberman’s Estate, we emphasize the importance of finding and holding onto your unique joy. It is in these moments of genuine happiness that we find clarity, purpose, and the strength to face life’s complexities.

If you or a loved one feels adrift in the vast ocean of life's challenges, remember: joy can be your compass, guiding you back to serenity. Connect with us at www.sobermansestate.com to explore how we can support you on this journey towards mental well-being.

Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.