Hello, it’s Lisa here – I am delighted to be writing ALTA Fitness’ blog this week.

With the winter weather starting to set in it brings a lack of sunshine, fresh air and vitamin D. This can leave us feeling a little less joyous than usual.

The Definition of Joy – a feeling of great pleasure or happiness;

• We can easily lack the feeling of “joyfulness” in our lives as we become mature adults with responsibilities, career and family commitments etc. Sometimes we fail to realise there is not much “joy”, however it is a very important emotion to feel regularly.
• When was the last time you felt joy? Think back to a time in your life when you felt complete and utter joy. Now close your eyes and visualise what brought you that incredibly joyous feeling. Literally relive it and feel the emotion again. Now that you have felt it and reconnected with it, focus on creating more of it in your life.
• What is it that brings you joy? It will be unique for everyone, however I aim to find joy in the ordinary things, as these are the big things in my eyes. Personally, a new car would not bring me joy, although the sound of my childrens’ laughter most certainly does. Alternatively, cooking a meal (with love) that my family devours also brings me great joy (this comes from my Maltese heritage as feeding and sharing with those you love is a big part of my Maltese culture).
• Nothing beats that post-exercise feeling. Exercise, happiness and endorphin production go hand in hand. The studio is warm and welcoming, especially when it is cold and wet outside and it feels amazing to get our blood pumping and our bodies moving and feeling great.

Find your joy, create it, acknowledge it, feel it, embrace it and love it.

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day”. Henri J. M. Nouwen.