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If you had to sum up 2022 in just one word, which would you choose? Sad? Depressing? Recession, maybe? Whatever it is, I bet it’s not ‘joyful’. Why? Because according to the Office for National Statistics, 2022 was the saddest year since records began. Set against a backdrop of successive national lockdowns – which plunged thousands into loneliness – now we’re stumbling through a cost-of-living crisis. And the impact isn’t just affecting our bank balances, but our mental health, too.
But amongst the doom and gloom, there seems to be a growing trend for prioritising positivity, and yes, even joy, from Fearne Cotton Happy Place podcast and Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s self-help books to joy-seeking celebrities on social media (think Drew Barrymore and that viral TikTok video of her laughing in the rain).
Sophie Cliff, positive psychology practitioner, qualified coach and author of Choose Joy – who goes by the name of ‘The joyful coach’ – says that joy and positivity are crucial for leading a satisfying and healthy life. “We don’t only exercise when we’re injured and we don’t wait until we’re ill to eat fruit and vegetables,” she says. “We know that there are things that we can proactively do to improve our health and the research behind positive psychology shows there are so many benefits to prioritising positivity and rest – it improves our health, it improves our relationships and it can actually help to make us more successful at work.”
But how can you teach someone – or indeed coach someone through therapy – to be joyful? “The biggest predictor that we have of joy is connection,” says Cliff. “Research shows that we need to feel connected to experience joy, it’s part of how we’re wired as humans.” So joy therapy could involve looking at where you might be lacking connection in your life, and how you might attempt to achieve that.
“Another thing that we would look at is gratitude – or focusing on what is already good,” she adds. Taking the time to rest, relax and reset can help people shift their focus from the things going wrong in their lives, to the things that make them happy. Of course, don’t just focus on what’s good in a toxic positivity way, Cliff caveats. “Negative emotions are there for a reason, and they're really important. We need them to process things healthily. But don’t just think that happiness lies on the other side of something else – I'll be happy when I've got that specific job or when I've lost some weight or when I've earned a certain amount of money. Actually appreciating what is already good is a much faster way of feeling joyful.”
Of course, joy looks different on all of us. For some, that first sip of piping hot coffee in the morning sparks joy, while for others, joy comes from exploring nature, taking a 60-minute yoga class or spending time with loved ones. What’s important is that you know what actually makes you happy – and then you can seek more of it. If you’re feeling exhausted, either mentally or physically (or both), from the last few years of uncertainty and change – then joy therapy might help you discover what truly makes you happy. Otherwise, there might be alternative retreats, spas and dedicated hotels that offer a peaceful place to unwind, destress and do whatever it is that makes you feel joyous.
Keep reading for our favourite retreats and spas to help you do just that.
The best retreats and spas that spark joy
The Conscious Living Retreat, Portugal
The Conscious Living Retreat is a five-day retreat in Ericeira, Portugal, that focuses on personal transformation (not just daily yoga). With workshops on emotional intelligence and setting clear goals and life values, this is a retreat that really hones in on how living a more conscious life can help you live a more joyous one. Plus, there’s surfing, too.
Book: theretreater.com
BXR Retreat at Daios Cove, Crete
One for the fitness fanatics – if working out gives you joy, then you’ll be in your element at the BXR retreat at Daios Cove in Crete. This week-long retreat promotes healthy eating alongside fitness – think hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, plus yoga, strength training and of course various restorative and relaxing massages along with wellness treatments to soothe and regenerate energy.
Book: daioscovecrete.com
Recharge in Ibiza, Ibiza
This Ibiza retreat is designed for those seeking to pause, recharge, slow down and rediscover the joy in things that truly matter most. Through a dedicated yoga practice, sound healing, tarot card reading, skincare facial masterclass with Frederika Van Hagen and nourishing, locally sourced food, this retreat will give you space to unplug and alight joy.
Book: theretreater.com
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Wild and Free, Surf and Yoga Retreat, Cornwall
Get away from the restraints of everyday life and head to Cornwall for a totally joyous four-day surf and yoga retreat. Sleep under the stars in a luxury yurt, eat organically sourced, vegetarian dishes, and discover your inner surfer on the waves at Mawgan Porth. Sun (hopefully), sea and beautiful beaches provide the ideal backdrop for those stuck in a rut and seeking joy.
Book: wildandfreeadventures.co.uk
Curious House, East Sussex
If creativity is what sparks joy, then consider enrolling on one of the many creative courses at Curious House, where they offer everything from still life painting to pottery, iPhone photography to calligraphy. Accommodation is available at The Bell in Ticehurst, a characterful, centuries-old pub where you’ll emerge feeling inspired and free to flex your creative muscles. This is art therapy at its finest.
Book: curioshouse.net