Living Joyfully in One Hour a Day

Many would agree that there are not enough hours in the day. There is always something to be done and endless tasks to be conquered. But, by carving out just one hour per day to focus on being joyful, those other 23 hours will go much smoother.

• Spend at least 5 minutes every morning thinking about your blessings, and all the things you're grateful for.
• Focusing on the good sets the tone for the rest of the day, and allows you to see past the little distractions that come up during the day, to remember what really matters.
• Spend at least 30 minutes a day exercising.
• I know, you were hoping all my tips for joyful living could be done on the comfort of your own couch, but this really is important. Exercise has been deemed as effective in the treatment of depression as antidepressants. 
• Spend at least 15 minutes a day thinking of someone else.
• Call a lonely friend or relative, write a "thinking of you" note, read your child a story (turn off the cell phone and computer!), or bake your neighbor some cookies. Blessing other people is an extremely rewarding and mood boosting habit.
• Spend at least 5 minutes a day laughing.
• Genuine laughter really does bring joy. Laughter softens our attitude and relaxes our muscles. By finding the humor in the little things, we can find the joy in the little things.
• Spend at least 5 minutes before bed thinking about your blessings, and all the things you're grateful for. 
• You started the day out this way, and you should end the day on this note. Joy is not a feeling, it is a complete attitude. God is joy, and by thanking Him for His blessings, you can experience His complete joy.