Contributed by Laura E. Rios.

Joy. It may seem to be in short supply these days, and that is exactly why we need to “grow” it. We need to make the effort to identify things in life that bring us joy, and cultivate them, with the goal of becoming happier as individuals. 

According to a recent article in Greater Good Magazine, there are several ways happiness is good for your health. First, there are cardiovascular benefits. Joy and happiness can lower your blood pressure, plus, studies show that happier people are less likely to develop coronary heart disease.

Finding more joy in your life also strengthens your immune system and makes you more resistant to things like the flu and the common cold. Making a point to increase your level of happiness helps you combat stress and results in a lower level of cortisol, the stress hormone. 

Happy people also have fewer aches and pains, and they even live longer lives. 

It seems clear that there are many advantages to finding more daily joy. The only obvious question is: how can I be a happier and more joyful person, especially when the world around me isn’t making it an easy thing to do? 

• We can start by focusing on gratitude, positive interactions, self-care and mindfulness. 
• We can deliberately find opportunities to engage in activities we enjoy and make a special effort to share those activities with positive people we care about. Taking walks, finding ways to be creative, participating in a yoga or art class, taking long scented baths, browsing flea markets and bazaars, and a host of other activities can help lift your spirits and take your mind off some of life’s unpleasantness. Whatever your particular “happy place” is, give yourself permission to go there more often.
• Give yourself permission to create more opportunities to experience moments of pleasure, view a sunset, pay for someone else’s coffee or snack. 
• Connect with loved ones and actively seek out positive people.  
• Read a good book, create a new recipe, view a sunrise or a sunset.  
• Set some measurable and attainable goals for yourself and then reward yourself when you achieve them. 
• Create opportunities to laugh more by watching a funny movie, playing a silly game with good friends, or seeing one of your favorite comedians. 
• Get out in nature whenever you can. Tend a garden; listen to bird songs. Breathe, deeply and slowly.    
• Volunteer your time when you can for a cause you truly believe in. 
• Listen to your favorite upbeat music and dance while you do household chores. 
• Create a happy living space; surround yourself with your favorite things, colors and people. 

Making a conscious effort to do some of these things can help you literally grow more joy and happiness in your life, just as providing sunlight and water will help you grow beautiful flowers. It won’t be long before you find yourself becoming a more joyful, less stressed and healthier person.