How do you create more joy in your life? (2026 edition)

Creating more joy isn't about a pollyanna approach to life where everything is brilliant it's about the small moments where you can appreciate life and change the diet in your brain to have more positive emotions. When you have a lot going on and your cognitive load is high creating joy may not be your number one "go-to" yet when you're in this state finding those small moments can be fantastic way to reset cognitively, energetically and emotionally. When we look at positive emotion if we have a higher concentration we have improved wellbeing and resilience (linked to the PERMA model from Martin Seligman). You might want to think about those "glimmers" small moments of contentment, joy or peace that you can find in your day which help release dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin which help you to feel better and support you cognitively. Equally, it can be about connecting in with those things which give you joy : often when we talk about self care we hear about bubble baths or spas both of which I love yet you can consider those small things such as being in nature, speaking to a friend or playing with a pet. Just as in stress our stressors can build up with joy and contentment this can be a compound as well. This year I encourage you to focus on the small things which give you joy and that compound effect.