For weeks now we’ve had empty photo frames up in our house. And this is for no other reason than that we simply haven’t been able to choose which photos to put up. I guess to some extent we’re spoiled for choice these days, aren’t we? We take pictures on a daily basis, using our phones to capture those moments of joy, and then instantly posting them on social media. And whilst I love being able to share these images so easily with friends and family, it doesn’t stir up quite the same emotions as it does when you have something physically printed out and put on display in your home.

Creating Visual Memories With Photos

Let me explain a little bit more about these empty photo frames then. A few months back I bought a decorative metal framework of a map, and I had this brainwave idea that I could get some photo prints of all our family travels and then artfully display the photos around the specific areas on the map. Genius, I know. Over the years, we’ve travelled to lots of different places as a family (Iceland, Dubai, Singapore, Bali to name but a few) and I love the thought of being able to document these moments of joy in a visual way. So, I’ve got the idea, I’ve got the frames, and yet somehow I still haven’t got round to doing it. And I’ve worked out the problem. It’s that I’ve got too many photos to choose from. I mean it’s not a bad problem to have, I grant you (first world problems and all that) but because there are so many photos and because I haven’t been great at deleting bad ones or archiving them etc. the job to print out a handful of photos has suddenly snowballed.

I am determined to not let that stop me however, because surrounding ourselves with photos of special moments from our past bring us huge amounts of joy. And let’s be honest, it brings far, far more joy than gazing at empty frames!

Why Should We Have Photos Up Around The Home?

Photos take us back to times we had fun. Holidays, special occasions, ‘firsts’, those precious moments of joy in our lives. They remind us of people we love, the people that are special to us, or people who may no longer with us. Every time we glance over at that photo on the mantelpiece we are immediately transported back in time to that place, those people, the emotions connected with that time. It’s all well and good having millions of photos published online, but unless you’re looking at them regularly, what purpose do they serve?

I want to walk into a room and be reminded of the day we got married, my kids losing their first teeth, the day we got the dog, that time at the beach when we all jumped in the sea. So many happy memories that make me feel warm inside and bring a smile to my face. What a shame to keep them locked up inside a computer. And I guess more so than ever the past couple of years have taught us not to take these moments for granted. When we were locked away inside our homes during the pandemic, what better way to be reminded and feel connected to our loved ones when we couldn’t actually see them in person, than to have them there with us in picture form.

Photographs play an important role in our lives. But it’s not just about taking a trip down memory lane, there are also benefits to be had to our overall wellbeing. Looking at photos can help boost our mood if we’re feeling down and this in turn helps to alleviate stress. It’s very difficult to look at a photo of people laughing without feeling as though you want to laugh too. Emotions are powerfully contagious and combined with the nostalgia a particular memory may evoke it can make us feel valued, loved, and included. I guess you could say we feel part of the bigger picture – pun fully intended!

Capturing Moments Of Joy That Last A Lifetime

Photos tell our life story. They capture those split-second moments that are so precious to us, but yet without this visual record could be so easily forgotten. And whilst each image only physically captures a static moment they are also capable of providing  a whole narrative.

I started this post having a bit of a moan about the number of photos I’ve got, but do you know what? I’m glad I’ve got lots of photos, because it’s these snapshots that remind me who I am and what I’ve done. And I don’t want to miss one single moment.

*collaborative post

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What is joy? Throughout the ages, philosophers and poets have struggled to define happiness.

In the meantime, scientists have realized that your mental state significantly impacts your physical wellbeing. Instead of being two distinct beasts, human emotions and physiology may be one, explaining why a positive attitude often leads to better outcomes.

Here’s why finding joy is so good for your health.

1. It’s Good For Your Heart

When was the last time you felt joyous when under enormous stress? The two mental states are incompatible. Finding things that bring you happiness can tame the tension that often leads to cardiovascular trouble.

According to the University of Rochester, high cortisol levels from long-term stress can increase triglycerides, blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar. These changes promote the buildup of plaque deposits in arteries that can lead to a heart attack.

Additionally, prolonged stress can affect your blood’s clotting ability, making you a more likely stroke candidate. It can even cause long-term changes in your brain that keep your blood pressure elevated.

Find small ways to build joy into every day. Sign up for an extracurricular class with your kids and rediscover your joy of painting. Treat yourself to a bubble bath instead of your usual nightly shower – it will do your heart and soul good.

2. It Gets Your Body Moving

People with depression often find it challenging to exercise even when they know that doing so would boost their moods. Unfortunately, the lack of sleep can make symptoms worse or even lead to the disorder’s onset.

Conversely, when you feel joy, moving your body comes naturally. It’s no different from a newborn or baby deer delighting in manipulating their limbs for the first time.

Therefore, when the mood strikes, make hay while the sun shines. Get up and dance around your living room when your favorite jam comes over your speakers. The movement increases the flow of endorphins that further boosts your mood.

3. It Cultivates Positive Energy

You probably noticed that it’s challenging to focus on getting things done when you lack joy in your life. Happiness creates the positive energy you need to tackle your daily tasks with a smile.

Fortunately, you can take steps to create a positive energy shift. One of the simplest ways to do so is to smile. When you do, you more quickly recover from stress and decrease your heart rate.

4. It Can Help You Lose Weight

If you are one of many adults struggling with excess pounds, you aren’t alone. According to the CDC, more than a third of U.S. adults are obese, and even more fall into the overweight category. However, being in good company doesn’t negate the health risks of carrying too many extra pounds.

When you feel happy, you tend to make better choices. For example, how many times have you said, “I need a drink,” not to celebrate with champagne but take the edge off a trying day? Doing so too often can spur hormonal changes that make you gain weight around the waist, which is where many researchers consider to be the most dangerous.

Even eating healthy tastes better when you feel joy. The stress hormone cortisol often makes you crave foods high in fat and sugar to prepare your body for a prolonged onslaught. A salad looks far more appetizing when you are feeding your belly, not your emotions.

5. You Make Friends More Easily

According to research published in the Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, emotional loneliness causes a nearly 20% increase in all-cause mortality. Your social circle can help keep you alive longer.

However, few people enjoy hanging out with a negative Nancy. When you spread joy, people naturally gravitate toward your light, and you grow your tribe – leading to even more positive vibes.

6. You Improve Family Relationships

Your family plays a significant role in your overall happiness, but it isn’t a one-way street. Behaving with more joy makes them want to spend more time with you and lovingly respond when they do.

The next time your 4-year-old accidentally drops the milk, make a game out of cleaning it up instead of scolding them. You could roll your eyes or share a good-natured laugh when you realize they arrived at daycare with their shirt inside out — which reaction will share more joy?

7. You Enjoy Better Mental Health

Your mental health plays a significant role in the length and quality of your life. Tragically, suicide remains the tenth leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Feeling joy is incompatible with depression. However, it’s vital to remember that emotional states come and go — when you do feel blue, accept it and remind yourself that it will pass.

8. You Decrease Stress

Stress is a tricky mistress. It compels you to act, but it clouds your judgment, meaning that your behaviors sometimes make an already tough situation worse.

When you invite more joy into your life by taking time to smell the flowers while enjoying a post-dinner stroll, you clear your mind and refresh your perspective. This pause enables you to make choices that improve your situation and lead to greater happiness.

Find Your Joy Today — Your Health Will Thank You

Science supports the idea that finding joy is good for your health. Now that you know the benefits, do more to make yourself smile today.

*collaborative post

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