Recharge Your Batteries: Make Time for Joy

Make Time for Joy

In the spirit of gratitude and giving thanks, I thought I would take a page from the old Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill playbook that reminds us to recharge our emotional batteries and make time for joy. This is particularly important during the holidays which can be stressful for some of us.

In fact, making time for joy is a vital Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill that helps recharge your emotional batteries and enhance your well-being. Activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment provide emotional nourishment, which is crucial for managing epilepsy. By prioritizing joy, you will begin to reduce stress and promote a positive outlook on life.

Why Does it Matter

Incorporating joyful activities into your routine is essential for several reasons:

• Emotional Nourishment: Joyful activities provide emotional nourishment, helping you maintain a positive outlook and emotional balance.
• Stress Reduction: Engaging in activities that bring you joy reduces stress and promotes relaxation, which can help prevent seizures triggered by stress.
• Enhanced Well-Being: Making time for joy enhances your overall well-being, contributing to a happier and more fulfilling life.
• Emotional Resilience: Joyful moments build emotional resilience, allowing you to cope with challenges more effectively.

A Few Ideas to Bring Joy

Here are some activities that can bring joy and fulfillment into your life:

• Hobbies: Pursue hobbies that you are passionate about, such as painting, gardening, reading, or playing a musical instrument. Hobbies provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment.
  • Personally I am a big fan of grandma hobbies: crocheting, gardening, cooking
• Spending Time with Loved Ones: Quality time with family and friends strengthens social connections and provides emotional support. Engage in activities you enjoy together, such as cooking, playing games, or going for walks.
• Enjoying Nature: Spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Activities such as hiking, picnicking, or simply sitting in a park can provide a sense of peace and joy.
• Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities such as writing, drawing, or crafting. Creative expression allows you to explore your feelings and express yourself in a meaningful way.
• Mindfulness Practices: Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Mindfulness helps you stay present and appreciate the joyful moments in life.
  • This is another big one for me!

Make Joy Easy!

To benefit from joyful activities, incorporate them into your daily routine. Make it easy or you won’t do it.

Write it down: Make a short list of activities that bring you INSTANT happiness. For me, that can be watering my garden, buying seeds, buying or just shopping for yarn.
Stay Present: Practice mindfulness to stay present and fully engage in joyful activities. (don’t half ass it – and it shouldn’t take forever – just a quick hit of dopamine.)
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the small joyful moments in your day. If you find yourself doing something positive give yourself a little pat on the back. It counts!!!

Squeezing out Pockets of Joy

Making time for joy is a vital DBT skill that helps recharge your emotional batteries and enhance your well-being. Activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment provide emotional nourishment, which is crucial for managing epilepsy. Start incorporating joyful moments into your routine by prioritizing activities that bring you joy, creating a joy list, and staying present during these activities. Enhance your overall quality of life by making time for joy and reducing stress. Take proactive steps to recharge your batteries and promote a positive outlook on life through the practice of joyful activities.