Joy is a wellness practice.

When we think about wellness, many of us focus on what needs fixing. We work on our stress, habits, health goals, relationships, and healing. And while these things matter, there's another aspect of well-being that often gets overlooked: Joy.

For many people, prioritizing joy can feel surprisingly difficult. We tell ourselves we will rest, have fun, or enjoy life once we have checked everything off our to-do list or solved the challenges in front of us. But research suggests that joy isn't just a reward for well-being; it's part of what helps us become well.

Moments of positive emotion, laughter, connection, awe, and enjoyment have been shown to support emotional resilience, strengthen social bonds, reduce stress, and even benefit physical health. Joy can help regulate our nervous system, broaden our perspective, and make it easier to cope with life's challenges.

In other words, delight isn't frivolous. It's functional.

Joy doesn't have to be grand or expensive. It can look like eating your favorite summer fruit, spending time outdoors, or getting lost in a good book. It can be listening to music you love, laughing with a friend, or making something simply because you enjoy it. These moments may seem small, but they help remind us that life is meant to be experienced, not just managed.

This week, we invite you to ask yourself what brings you joy, and to make space for it in your life. Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is allow ourselves to enjoy what is already here.

P.S. If you would like a dedicated space to reflect on joy, gratitude, and the sweetness of this season, we invite you to join our upcoming virtual Strawberry Moon Ceremony on Monday, June 29th from 6-6:30 PM. Together, we will explore what is nourishing us, what is bringing us joy, and how we can cultivate more of both in our daily lives.