You might have heard about
Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo,
whose books and hit Netflix TV
show have got fans around the
world asking whether or not their
belongings ‘spark joy’. With Marie’s
decluttering method, you keep
items that do, discard and donate
any that don’t, then organise what’s
left so you can enjoy what you own
more easily. And focusing on what
‘sparks joy’ for you can also help you
achieve your weight loss goals,
explains psychologist and author
Dr Linda Papadopoulos:A lot of us feel like we’re going
through the motions of life,
and asking ‘does this spark
joy?’ is a way of focusing
our attention on how
we feel in the moment.
Happiness isn’t
a place you reach
and then once you’re
there you’re done.
It’s a process, and
capturing joy in small
moments is key to
taking control of it.
That’s why people with
a low mood can benefit
from keeping a gratitude
journal, writing down
things they feel grateful
for. In doing so, you seek out
joyful moments because you’re
making a point of noting them
down each day.
One way to spark joy and declutter
your schedule is to actively choose to do
things you enjoy. We know that a healthy
habit is more likely to happen if it’s
pleasurable. Being on your own side –
doing the healthy things that feel easier,
that make you happier – reduces thefriction many of us feel when we’re trying
to change our behaviour. What are your
barriers to losing weight? Are they: ‘I don’t
like this, this doesn’t taste nice, I find this
boring?’ Get rid of those things – find
alternatives you do like. If you don’t like
to run, don’t! Swim, dance, join an exercise
class with a friend. When we start from a
place of denying and punishing ourselves,
we’re just waiting until we can stop. Mould
and tailor your weight loss to yourself, and
you’ll want to keep doing it.
Other people are a great source of
joyful moments – we’ve had 14 billion years
of evolution showing us how much we
need each other! Spending time at your
Slimming World group, being cheered on
by people who’ve been there, as well as
sharing fun and laughter, is wonderful
motivation. You could tell your family and
friends how they can help you find more
joy, too. You might let your partner knowthat you’d love it if they’d pick up the girls
from ballet on a Thursday, so you can go
to your favourite Zumba class. Or tell
Mum you love her cakes, and you’d enjoy
a smaller slice even more because sticking
to your slimming goals makes you feel good.
You’ll also find more joy by broadening
your perspective on what that means.
Let’s say you’re going to a party. Instead
of focusing on the food and drink that’s
going to be there, you could ask yourself,
‘What else will happen at that party?’. You’ll
be able to wear your glam clothes, spend
time with friends, have a laugh, hit the
dance floor. That makes your world about
so much more than just food, or your
weight. Take pleasure in what a privilege
it is to be able to directly influence your
own health – what a wonderful thing to
do for yourself. And, even better, it’s
allowing the future you to have even
more joyful experiences! lDoes it
spark
joy?
fresh focus
SLIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE 17