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Reading this article will rejuvenate you both physically and mentally. I (almost) promise you that!
by Dr. Sandy Gluckman | Contributor
I have some fantastic news for you! Researchers have found that experiencing joy results in incredible benefits that we may not have previously realized. Feeling joy triggers a positive chemical shift in our bodies and brains that…
• Aids in illness prevention and helps maintain youthfulness.
• Enhances our emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Boosts our energy levels.
• Fosters strong relationships with others.
Who would have imagined that to gain these remarkable benefits, all we need to do is embrace JOY—frequently and for as long as possible?
What’s the challenge in that?
Who wouldn’t want to experience JOY?
The answer is simply STRESS. STRESS IS THE ADVERSARY OF JOY. It negatively impacts our health, contributes to disease, drains our energy, disrupts our relationships, clouds our thoughts and behaviors, and leaves us feeling tense and anxious. It’s not a pretty picture, is it?
But the solution is simpler than you might think. YOU MUST SUBSTITUTE STRESS WITH JOY. While we navigate a world filled with stress and pressure, we have the power to choose our responses to the stressors we encounter in life.
3-Steps to JOY
Humor me with an exercise—it really works. Imagine there’s a knob positioned at the side of your head just behind your right eye. This knob has two settings, and by turning it, you can switch from “Feel Stress” to “Feel JOY.”
Pause for a moment and consider this: Is my knob set to “Feel Stress” or “Feel JOY?”
If it’s on “Feel JOY,” give yourself a pat on the back! If it’s on “Feel Stress,” continue reading for an incredible 3-step method to shift your mindset from stress to joy.
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Wrap your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of your right hand around this imaginary knob next to your right eye. Turn the knob to switch from the STRESS setting to the JOY setting. It’s essential to actually perform the motion of turning and visualize the word JOY at the new setting. Once you’ve done this, sit up straight, smile, and take a slow, deep breath. Allow yourself to feel the effect of completing this seemingly “silly” yet impactful step.
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Now reflect on a situation you’re currently facing—whether it’s about your diet, kids in college, your marriage, or parents visiting from afar—whatever scenario has been causing you stress. Identify and write down at least 3 things you are genuinely grateful for concerning this situation, despite its challenges. After you’ve done this, sit upright, smile, and take another deep breath. Recognizing the blessings that come with challenging situations changes your body’s chemistry and fosters a sense of JOY.
- Lastly, opt for a more joyful mindset regarding your thoughts and actions in this situation. Choose thoughts and responses that highlight what you appreciate. For instance, share with your teenager what brings you joy about them instead of focusing solely on what you wish to change (aim for a 5-1 ratio).
Implement these 3 steps for every stressful situation you encounter. Within minutes, you will feel a sense of lightness. You will genuinely notice the happiness and blessings surrounding you; you will indeed feel JOY.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Sandy Gluckman assists parents with children aged 4-20 in overcoming behavioral, emotional, and learning issues. Her comprehensive holistic approach addresses all facets of a child’s health—spirit, body, and mind. Dr. Sandy empowers parents to recognize and nurture the innate talent and inner strength in every child.
FIND JOY AT DR. SANDY’S SEMINAR SERIES
3 Things Your Child Needs Most from You So They Can Behave Positively, Feel Good, Love Life, and Achieve Success.
To find out more about this seminar, email Dr. Sandy at sandy@gluckmangroup.com or call 214-682-8980.
