We all aspire to live joyful and fully-realised lives. Lives filled with meaning, wellbeing and the sort of deep-seated happiness that tangibly brightens our sliver of the world.

But it’s also true that life can sometimes be a grind, wearing down our defences and sending joy packing to that metaphorical cupboard under the stairs.

We’ve all been there. Work stress. Money stress. The feeling you can’t quite put your finger on that all’s not right and you’re stumped for practical ideas on how to turn things around.

There are wonderful resources out there that can boost our mental health in times of trial. Sometimes, though, refocussing our attention on the joy to be found in small things is enough to fill our cup. Happily, these cheering mood-boosters can be found everywhere. Outdoors. In the company of loved ones. Quite literally in our own backyards.

Here at Joya®, we seek to lift each other up. So we’ve popped together our thoughts on how to find joy in the little things.

Let’s dive in!

Soak up wondrous nature

It’s no secret that spending time outside, close to nature, improves our mental wellbeing. The Japanese describe this practise, quite beautifully, as ‘forest bathing’. But you don’t need to seek out an actual forest to reap the benefits of the great outdoors.

Whether it’s soaking up nature’s bounty in a park or simply on that inviting patch of grass, there are incredible benefits from spending time in nature. Visual exposure to green space has been shown to trigger an immediate, emotional response in the brain, improving mood and attention span while reducing stress, depression, anxiety and aggression.

Even sitting on a park bench for twenty minutes could be a boon to your mental health. Just don’t forget to take a Joya® apple along – it’ll keep you energised while you enjoy the view.

Spend time with family and friends

It seems so simple, doesn’t it? Connecting with the people who lift us up lifts us up. But life gets busy. Text messages go unanswered. Plans get rescheduled. Our well-worn couches beg us to settle in for the night in front of the TV rather than reaching out to humans who exist in the real world.

The good news? You can start small when it comes to reconnecting with loved ones. Next time you’re scrolling on your phone, take a minute to send a quick text to someone you love. This single act of reaching out begins to break down that mental barrier, making it easier to shoot off a text next time to someone else you cherish.

Again, dip your toe in gradually. Try meeting for a coffee rather than extended dinner and drinks. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park. (You’ll sneak in some incidental forest bathing while you’re at it!) Organise to meet at a local market for a wholesome hour exploring fresh produce, local delicacies and unexpected delights.

Trust us, you’ll feel better for it.

Find 10 minutes a day to devote to your wellbeing

For many of us, life is hectic and time is in short supply. Happily, though, we don’t need to devote hours each day to taking care of ourselves. In fact, 10 or 20 minutes here and there can be enough to noticeably increase our sense of wellbeing.

But here’s the thing: what works for one person may not work for another. While exercise is a known mood-booster, it’s a matter of finding the right exercise for you. Prefer a sweaty gym session? Go for it! Find solace in gentle yoga? Good for you. Fond of a brisk walk? Regular walking is incredibly beneficial – both mentally and physically. This simple weight-bearing exercise doesn’t just strengthen the cardiovascular system. It’s also been shown to inspire creativity, boost mood and increase longevity. So next time you’re powerwalking to the coffee shop, take a moment to thank yourself. You’re literally taking steps towards a healthier and happier future.

When it comes to diet, dosing up on fruit and vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds improves your health and lowers your risk of disease. But you don’t need to suffer through endless plates of raw vegetables and bland steamed white fish. There are a ton of excellent recipes out there that provide definitive proof you can enjoy delicious, flavour-packed meals while eating healthily. We’ve even put together a few tasty recipes using Joya® apples for inspiration.

And there you have it – the Joya® guide to finding joy in the little things. Because life’s pretty great when you get down to it, and we don’t want to miss a moment.