Discovering what brings us joy and where we feel most authentic can be challenging, particularly when it feels out of reach. Our mental health can be affected on some days, especially as our community faces the unique challenges of isolation, discrimination, and transphobia. Learning how to practice gratitude and find joy can actually have a positive impact on your well-being. Joy acts like a buffer that can soften the impacts of stress. When you’re feeling joyful, your body releases chemicals that make you feel good, helping to reduce feelings of stress and pain. For transgender and nonbinary folks, we experience higher levels of stress due to societal challenges. As such, finding joy can be a powerful tool in maintaining mental and physical health.
Table of Contents
How to find joy
Connect with community
Finding a supportive community, whether in person or online, can be incredibly fulfilling. These could be groups focused on hobbies, advocacy, or social gatherings for transgender and nonbinary folks. Being around others who understand your experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and boost your happiness. Plume members always have the opportunity to join a support group to form connections with fellow trans and nonbinary folks!
Engage in activities you love
Doing things you enjoy can be a great source of joy. This could be anything from reading, drawing, playing music, to engaging in sports. When you’re doing activities that you love, it can help take your mind off stressors and bring you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Practice self-care
Self-care means taking action to preserve or improve your health. It can be as simple as ensuring you get enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising, or even indulging in a hobby. It’s important to remember that caring for your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Sometimes, self-care might also mean seeking professional help if you’re dealing with feelings that are hard to manage on your own. Check out some of our self-care tips specifically for trans and nonbinary folks!
Set boundaries
Learning to say “no” to things that drain you emotionally or physically can help you find more joy. This includes setting boundaries around negative media, toxic relationships, or any situation that makes you feel undervalued or disrespected. Check out our advice for strategies for managing unsupportive family or friends during your gender transition.
Practice gratitude
Gratitude is the practice of appreciating the positive aspects of life, fostering a mindset of thankfulness. It involves acknowledging the good things we have, from simple pleasures to significant achievements. Ways to cultivate gratitude include keeping a journal, expressing thanks to others, mindfulness, focusing on the present, establishing rituals, shifting perspective on challenges, and performing acts of kindness. By integrating these practices into daily life, you can develop a greater sense of gratitude, improving mental and emotional well-being.
Give back
Helping others or engaging in activism can bring a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. This doesn’t have to be grand gestures; small acts of kindness within your capacity can make a big difference in both your life and the lives of others. Search for opportunities to get involved near you!
Despite the challenges, it’s important to remember that finding joy is possible and worthwhile. While it might take some effort, especially during tough times, focusing on these strategies can improve mental health and overall happiness. Always remember that your experiences are valid, and you deserve to live a life filled with moments of joy.
