Is it possible to feel profound joy during this unprecedented, challenging epoch? 

Is it selfish to want to be happy when so many people are suffering in the first place? 

Let’s answer the second question first…

Regardless of what’s going on in the world, people suffer every day. So we can—and should—set aside time every day, even if it’s just 30 seconds, to reflect upon, meditate on, or pray for those who need healing energy. 

But we can feel empathy without sacrificing our own sense of well-being. It does you no good to feel guilty about being in great health or having a job when so many people are sick and unemployed. Guilt is among those feelings that can compromise immune function. 

And in fact, you shouldn’t settle for just being free of guilt. In our opinion, you should strive to feel abundant joy ... dare we say “blissed out” — even during these unprecedented times. Being in a more positive state of mind raises your spirit, vibration and consciousness, and it supports a balanced, healthy immune system. 

So, yes, it’s absolutely possible to feel joy these days. Here’s our top 6 tips for doing just that….

#1: News Detox

When this crisis first started unfolding, did you find yourself glued to the TV or reading news online? How did following the news headlines make you feel? Most likely: anxious, fearful, depressed ... [enter other negative states of emotion here].

Hopefully, by now, you’ve reduced your news consumption. Now, let’s take it a step further. If you haven’t yet, try doing a news detox for a minimum of one week. 

But will not following the news turn you into an ostrich with its head buried in the sand; will you be an irresponsible, ignorant citizen? 

Well, as the saying goes, “ignorance is bliss.” 

It’s one thing to stay appraised on what’s going on in your local community. (Are the trails reopening? Do I have to wear a mask when I go shopping?) But it’s another thing to let the media mold and shape your psyche and strike fear into your heart, thus jeopardizing your immune system. 

Not following the news is liberating. If you want to feel more joy in your day to day life, a news detox is just what the doctor ordered. 

#2: Start Each Day With Superfoods

Suggesting that people take our Superfood powder every morning is not a shameless self-promotional plug. It’s an absolute necessity for nourishing your 37.2 trillion cells with the fuel your body and mind needs to vibrate and operate at the highest level. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s a recent Success Story we recently received: 

“I was feeling lethargic and mildly depressed because I'm stuck at home for yet another day (and who knows how long this will last). But after doing what I do every morning, which is adding a scoop or two of Superfood powder to water and chugging it, within seconds I felt instantly supercharged, my mind became clear and positive. It was an amazing instant transformation. The superfood ingredients immediately lifted my spirits and energy for the rest of the day.”

--Zach H. Encinitas, CA

Are you going to feel blissed-out and high on life every day if you “Shake it and take it” as we like to say with our superfood powders? 

Obviously, we can’t guarantee that. Some days will be better than others, even if your diet is 100% clean. But what we can tell you with 100% certainty is that by feeding your body with the best nutrition Mother Nature has to offer, you’ll be way more likely to take things in stride, and have the mental and physical stamina to deal with whatever life throws at you. 

Superfoods such as broccoli, spinach, berries and cacao stimulate a neurotransmitter called GABA, which plays a critical role in stress management and sleep quality. GABA prevents neurons from becoming overactive. More GABA activated equals a calmer, happier you. 

That’s why most people feel better after eating chocolate: raw cacao is one of the best foods for stimulating GABA. Try our Chocolate Super Protein powder and/or Boku Super Fuel for a boost of GABA! 

#3: Short Bursts of Exercise

A body in motion stays in motion. But if this extended home-quarantine has you on the opposite side of Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion, and you’ve been a body at rest staying at rest, it’s time to get moving! 

Instead of doing one, prolonged workout every day, break up your physical activity in several short sessions. Imagine how great you’re going to feel being active 5 or even up to 10 times a day. 

Walk in place while you’re talking on the phone. If you’re working from home on your computer, set a timer to go off every 2 hours. When the timer goes off, do 20 bodyweight squats or pushups or several sun salutations. Do jumping jacks while you’re watching a show. Go for a walk around the block.

Exercise releases pain- and stress-relieving endorphins. It also stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s so-called “feel-good chemicals”. When it comes to exercise, as long as it’s not too intense, the more you do, the merrier you’ll be. 

#4: Get Plenty of Fresh Air & Sunlight

We recently extolled the virtues of being exposed to fresh air and sunlight. Fresh air and sunlight benefit the immune system. To support your respiratory system, make sure your home is well-ventilated. Even if it’s cold and rainy out, try letting some fresh air inside your home. While this might seem more like an immunity tip than practical advice for uplifting mood, there is a positive mental benefit to being exposed to fresh air. 

Immersing yourself in nature elevates your mood because of the physiological effects of being exposed to negative ions. This is not just a New Age belief; research studies (like this one) demonstrate the benefits of negative ions. Try once or twice a week, minimum, to go for a walk or sit in nature, even if it’s your home garden.

Try going for walks at dawn or dusk. The energy and lighting during this time of day can better lift your spirits rather than the hectic middle of the day. 

#5: Fear-Be-Gone & Gratitude Meditation

An absolute must for feeling more joyful and eliminating fear and anxiety is having a daily mindfulness practice. 

Thanks to smartphone apps, it’s never been easier to meditate. Even without following along to verbal clues, you can meditate on your own. Sit still, focus on your breath and repeat a mantra that you want to manifest: “My cells and immune system are healthy and balanced.” … “I am in control of my emotions.” … “I am unafraid and confident.” 

After reciting a mantra, take a minute to reflect to thank the universe for your blessings; be in gratitude for the things in life you do have. 

(If you need guidance, check out Dr. Joe Dispenza’s meditation videos on YouTube.)

#6: Find Silver Linings During This Time

Use this opportunity to purge possessions from your home that are cluttering your space, and possibly your mind. Organize the pile of files, mailings and papers that you’ve been putting off for months. Devote 10 minutes to reviewing that car or life insurance policy you swear that you’ll get to on the weekend. 

Also schedule time with your significant other if your relationship needs some mending. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes so each partner can speak without interruption. 

Work on feeling more connected with your family. Look up fun activities everyone can do together. Get the kids involved in meal creation. Have a weekly family art night. Do a family drum circle. No drums at home? Use pots and pans, bottles, water jugs, etc. 

When things get back to normal, you may even find yourself missing this time of being homebound. Because when things get back to normal, and they will, everyone will go back to their cloistered, digitally-connected, old ways.