51 Simple Joy Boosting Ideas to Make Your Life More Awesome

Do you want a little more joy in your life? More cup-filling activities? It’s actually easier than you think to get started!

It helps to remember what brings YOU joy… and to plan for it.

I know, I know – you can’t plan joy! You gotta be spontaneous and in the moment for it to happen!

Yes. And no.

You can’t force an emotion to happen. Quite frankly, isn’t it flat-out icky when you try that?

(Cue faking excitement about a gift you really, really don’t like or want.)

I believe, though, that you can create opportunities for joy to flourish.

You can live intentionally with passion and purpose as God’s beloved.

Let’s dive in!

Joy is a gift from God to his beloved!

Let’s take a hot minute to visit what Scripture says about joy.

Joy is in the Bible from beginning to end. From Genesis to Revelation, we read about how God cares and enjoys His creation.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and he said it was good (Genesis 1).

I don’t think this was a casual, “oh, it’ll do” kind of “good” statement.

He took pleasure in what He created.

Later on, joy is named as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Who is that gift intended for? Believers! His beloved children!

How exciting is that?!

And, of course. there’s Paul letter to the Philippians, where he repeatedly reminds them to rejoice!

Someday I might go into more depth about this, but for now, I’ll stop.

Curious to learn more?

Here’s additional sources about Biblical joy:

Bible Study on Joy: 7 Things You Need To Know

The Theme of Joy in Philippians

Identify what gives you joy

This is one of the best, most fun questions. Just ask yourself:

What fills my cup?

Honestly, just take 3 minutes to jot down what brings you joy.

What makes you grin? Laugh out loud? Sigh in contentment? Think “life is good” right now?

Go ahead and set a timer. Jot down everything that comes to mind.

Wait. Is your cup is so dang empty you can’t think of anything?

If you need to, take a hot minute and read Why filling your cup is so important (and how to actually do it!).

Still here?

In no particular order, here’s some ideas to get you going.

33ish Possible joy boosters

1. A good night’s sleep
2. Cuddling with your sweetheart
3. Cozy blankets
4. Your favorite beverage (perhaps a Javy Coffee Dirty Chai Latte?)
5. A leisurely meal
6. A signature piece of jewelry
7. Your favorite pair of jeans
8. Conversations with God
9. Tickling your child
10. Finishing a project on time
11. A space filled with meaningful items
12. Power tools
13. Baked goods
14. Journalling
15. Driving to just drive
16. Riding a bicycle
17. Stretching
18. Listening to a great podcast
19. Being outside in nature
20. The clicking of your keyboard
21. A meaningful conversation with a loved one
22. Connecting with strangers
23. Public speaking
24. Not public speaking
25. Getting lost in a story
26. Learning a new skill
27. Painting
28. Drawing
29. Writing
30. Playing with play dough or something tactile
31. Mending something so you can enjoy it again
32. Enjoying animals

Plan to pursue at least ONE joy booster to have in your day

I know, I know – you don’t have the time, right?

But… is that totally true?

Does everything on your list require hours of focus?

Probably not.

Can you take 5 minutes to savor that really yummy beverage while looking out the window?

To play your favorite song and dance like crazy for a few minutes?

To put on those pants that make you feel like a rockstar?

If you can’t possibly find any flexibility in your life for 5 minutes of joy, you have a problem.

During your daily, weekly or monthly planning, actually jot down ONE cup filler you’re going to prioritize.

Make a date with yourself to savor a cup of coffee or do some yoga.

You are worthy of joy. You are worthy of pursuing that soul-good joy.

You are God’s beloved. That’s a big deal!

Even more super simple joy-boosting activities to try

Again, in no particular order, here’s MORE ideas to inject a little joy into your life.

#33: Got a sweetheart? Take a couple’s photo once every month.*

Don’t let the kids or the pets steal the camera show!

#34: Take a family photo once every month.*

Don’t overthink it. Take 5 minutes to get your crew together, snap a few selfies and move on. By the end of the year, you could have some really great shots that bring you joy.

#35: Play one of your favorite songs and dance to it.

Not a dancer? Do a little shoulder shimmy. Play it to your work-out. Think about working-out while you just enjoy the song instead….

#36 Take a few minutes to do your happy healthy movement.

It doesn’t have to be a big, long-drawn out session! Just take 5 minutes – you might want to keep going…. For me, that’s been yoga, Pilates, Bollywood dancing…

#37 Do the lion pose

Even if it’s just making the face. Image below for inspiration. Yes, this is a legit yoga pose and loosens up stiff facial muscles!

#38 Step outside. Breathe. Dial in on your five senses

Seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting (if applicable!).

#39 Blow bubbles

It’s good for you and can make you think about God. Win-win!

#40 Stack something not-as-fun with something fun.

Like sorting laundry while listening to your favorite podcast, audio book or music. Playing your favorite TV show while working out. Wearing a mood-boosting outfit while tending to administrative work, doctors appointments or such stuff.

#41 Declutter one angsty space.

Okay, I know – you feel angsty about it, right? But tackle a tiny zone that’s irritating you and you just might feel a sigh of relief afterward. (And stack it with a fun thing!)

#42 Wander.

Build in a little time (even 5 minutes!) to just let yourself BE. Maybe that’s just puttering around outside or around your house. Let yourself just follow the flow.

#43 Focus on a joy-oriented verse and dwell on it.

Think about the gift it is to pursue joy! Here’s some Scriptures to consider!

#44 Inject your favorite color into your life.

Maybe it’s painting your toenails. Maybe it’s hanging a scarf near your bed so you can see it every day. Whatever it is, give yourself a little pop and notice how it affects your mood!

#45 Eat or drink something yummy and savor it.

Close your eyes if that helps and notice the taste, texture, smell, etc.

#46 Hug someone awesome (who wants to be hugged, too).

#47 Start taking a spiritual pause every day.

Again, feel free to start with five minutes. It’s soul good!

#48 Revisit a favorite book or movie and bring little bits into your day.

For instance, lately I’ve been listening to Anne of Green Gables (it’s free-ish through Amazon Prime!). While I’m cooking or cleaning (#allthetime), Alexa plays the book on Audible. It’s friendly for little ears and brings back so many good feelings.

#49 Smell something delightful.

Maybe it’s your favorite perfume, coffee, your child’s head, cut grass, whatever… take in a big whiff and enjoy it!

#50 Wear your favorite fill-in-the-blank because you can.

Being alive is a special occasion! Celebrate being alive by wearing something that makes you feel like a boss. Note: I’m assuming you’re flaunting the goods wisely…

#51 Start a bucket list for each season.

What are the fun things you want to pursue during winter, fall, spring or summer? Jot it down! Pop it on your calendar. (My list has featured A LOT of food fun – like caramel dipped apples, peppermint cookies, pumpkin muffins, etc.)

Note: I’ll periodically update this post with more fun ideas. Stay tuned!

Bonus challenge: Memorize one verse about joy

Wanting to pursue joy more frequently? I challenge you to memorize Scriptures that focus on joy.

As a friendly reminder, you can find joy in any circumstances. It’s a choice. (Though not always easy!)

Below is one to get you started!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Recapping how to add more joy to your life

We all long for more joy in our lives. You can’t force joy, but I think you can create opportunities for it to flourish.

As we’ve discussed, sometimes creating space for more joy involves a few simple steps:

1. Remember what currently brings you joy
2. Write it down!
3. Consciously create space for these joy boosters in your day-to-day life

Personally, when I’ve prioritize the cup-fillers, I tend to be a more balance person.

I want that for you, too.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to pursue more joyful cup fillers in your life!

You can live intentionally with passion and purpose as God’s beloved.

It’s your turn – what brings you joy? Can you create more space for that in your day-to-day life?

Let me know in the comments. I can’t wait to hear what fills your cup!

P.S. Want some crazy simple steps to start living intentionally? Grab the Embrace Your Potential Playbook. It’ll help you zoom in on your God-gifted personality and give you practical tips to be more intentional, passionate, and purposeful as God’s beloved so you can become the best version of yourself.