Emotionally numb? 4 ways to rediscover joy within you once again

In the midst of life’s tumultuous journey, there are moments that test our reliance and ability to navigate through adversity. For the past few years, life seemed to have gone on a downward spiral for me. It began with the heartbreaking departure of my beloved furry companion, Fifi – a loyal friend who had been a source of constant joy. This loss was followed by the abrupt termination of my job, shaking the foundations of my stability. Just when I thought life couldn’t take any more unexpected turns, a harrowing encounter with a mugging incident left me physically unscathed but emotionally shattered. The aftermath of this traumatic event left me feeling empty. The joy that I experienced in my daily life was replaced with feelings of detachment. I found myself grappling with the external blows while also dealing with an internal struggle to regain a sense of happiness and meaning. But slowly, I seemed to make do with a safe spot where I became numb to both, the waves of shock or elation that came my way. It was a strange, dark place to be in.

In the abyss of despair, a slight glimmer of determination emerged. While practising mindfulness for the first time, I realised that despite the overwhelming circumstances, the power to find happiness lay within me. This realisation marked the beginning of a journey to rediscover joy amidst emotional numbness. I soon discovered how a lot of us admit to feeling empty inside ever so often. Not happy, not sad, just empty. While it’s a strange affliction, by implementing effective strategies, we can navigate the path towards renewed joy, emotional vitality and happiness. So join us as we explore how to deal with this particular feeling of being not happy, not sad but just empty. Let us delve into strategies to find joy and happiness within us.

Embracing small pleasures

When the weight of life’s burdens push you down, seeking small pleasures can be a powerful tool to break through the numbness. Take a moment to indulge in activities that once brought you joy. Whether it’s savouring a cup of your favourite tea, strolling through a park, or listening to your favourite music, these moments can act as sparks, rekindling happiness within you. By consciously seeking and appreciating these small pleasures, you can start to reconnect with the positive aspects of life.

Practising mindfulness

Emotional numbness often stems from dwelling on past traumas or worrying about the uncertainties of the future. It also occurs when you cut every thought that gives you pain or sadness. Mindfulness offers a path to ground yourself in the present moment. It helps you get rid of the weigh t of the mistakes you have made in the past and the apprehensions about the future.

Engaging in mindfulness meditation also helps anchor your awareness to the present. As you become aware that it all lies in the present, you learn to let go of negative emotions and allow moments of joy or quiet contentment to emerge naturally.

Nurturing connections

Isolation and emotional numbness often go hand in hand. What starts as a conscious decision to stay away while you calm down from a travesty, soon becomes a comfort zone where you cant be hurt but neither can you feel anything. At this point, reaching out to loved ones and your nurturing connections can help break this cycle. By engaging in meaningful conversations and spending time with friends or family, you can experience the warmth of companionship once again.

You can also try to share your thoughts and feelings with those who care; this will provide a safe space for emotional healing.

Engaging in activities that you enjoy

Engaging in activities that align with your passions and values can be a powerful antidote to emotional numbness. You can choose from activities such as volunteering, pursuing a creative hobby, or dedicating time to a cause you believe in. These activities can reignite a sense of purpose and fulfilment within you.

Focusing your energy on activities that resonate with your heart not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also reminds you of the positive impact you can make in this world.

In the midst of emotional numbness, the pursuit of happiness may seem like a mammoth task. However, by embracing small pleasures, practising mindfulness, nurturing connections and pursuing meaningful activities, you can begin to thaw the numbness and allow the light of joy to pierce through.

You possess the ability to find happiness even in the darkest of times – the key is to simply light a match to kindle the flames of joy and let them burn brightly within you once again.