Boosting Moods by Creating Joy Zones at Home
It’s safe to say that life since the beginning of 2020 has not been the easiest, most normal time for anyone.
Families have been struggling to find a “new normal” routine. Plus, kids have not experienced stability in a while. Kids are back and forth between going virtual and being in person for the school. At the same time, parents are off-and-on working from home, and everybody wonders when this is going to end.
For some families, it can be very hard to experience quarantine together.
Managing virtual school and work is A LOT. Lacking structure and stability during vital developmental years can bring about unwanted feelings. Depression and anxiety are among the two most common.
So, as a parent, what is something that you can install in your home? How can you fight these negative feelings your kids seem to be dealing with while your family is stuck inside? One of the things that our clinicians have been recommending is “Joy Zones.”
What is a Joy Zone you ask?
It’s a small area in your home that your kid(s) can retreat to where some of their favorite things are. Here, they can experience happiness when they are feeling like they need it most. Some parents of more than one kid will allot an area in a common space that has different things they enjoy. And other parents will set it up in their kids’ rooms if their kids enjoy different things.
It’s also a good tip that the actual building of the Joy Zone occurs together as a family activity. This can promote autonomy for your kid(s) because they get to choose how it looks and what to bring into it. It also can be a lot of fun to do together if you are running out of ideas for how to entertain your family!
What are some suggestions of items/activities that can be put in this Joy Zone?
It really all depends on what your kid likes, but one thing could be art supplies such as:
Paint
Canvas
Stencils
Mandalas to color
Clay
And other relaxing and therapeutic art mediums
Art can help bring up kids' moods. It can relax them if they are feeling like their emotions are getting out of hand. Or, promote confidence if they are lacking, and also be an engaging sensory experience.
Another item or activity that could go in a joy zone would be some of the more engaging technological devices your family may have. This may be a Nintendo Switch or a VR game. Again, this depends on your kid, their interests, and what your family has in stock. The main focus is to help improve their mood. Especially if they are struggling with feelings of sadness, boredom, or depression.
Tailoring Your Child’s Joy Zone
Another idea for a Joy Zone would be the comfiest chair or seating arrangement you can come up with. Some kids create it themselves and make it fort-like. But, other families will move the bean bag chair into the Joy Zone. If your child loves to be comfortable and cozy, then this could make it very soothing for them. Especially if they are feeling anxious.
Another idea for something to put in the Joy Zone could be something that plays music. Particularly their favorite songs or relaxing sounds. Some kids prefer a noise machine, others want to listen to their favorite artist. Either way, sounds, and music are a good way to promote mindfulness for anyone struggling with emotion regulation.
If your child is into reading, it would be a great opportunity to stack their books on a shelf for them in their Joy Zone.
Some kids might also prefer darkness when they are trying to relax.
Especially kids who struggle with sensory overload. If this is the case for your kid, it would be a good idea to put the Joy Zone in a room that can be made dark. You may also suggest hanging string lights or a funky night light for a little lighting in the Joy Zone area.
Another Joy Zone suggestion may be journals if your child likes to write their feelings out. This can be super cathartic. Plus, a lot of kids love to journal about their day, their emotions, or write in a creative way.
One last recommendation for the Joy Zone is stuffed animals, toys, dolls, etc.
Many kids work out their feelings by engaging in imaginative play or by hugging their favorite stuffy. Some kids also love fidgets, blocks, or pop-its. These types of toys can be good for kids who struggle with anxiety or have a hard time focusing.
Implementing Joy Zones into your home would be one way to introduce many calming strategies to your kids. It also teaches your child that sometimes they may need to step away from a situation and go somewhere to “cool off.” Additionally, it is a lesson to your kid about finding new ways to help themselves feel better. Your kid will get to explore their creative interests and things they enjoy doing. All without judgment or need for perfection, while also learning about themselves. Last, it shows them that their unpleasant, negative feelings may be temporary. Especially when you add something calming/positive to the equation. In these cases, it may result in a new outcome of pleasant feelings.
As clinicians, we know that some of the situations kids are struggling with do not have “easy fixes." In fact, a Joy Zone may not enough.
If your child has been having a hard time lately and you believe you need more support, do not hesitate to reach out today. Schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation. During this time, you can inquire about a child therapist for your kid.
Talk with a Child Therapist in Philadelphia, PA
It’s normal for your child to struggle, especially during a pandemic. Our team of caring child therapists would be happy to offer you support from our Philadelphia, PA-based therapy practice. We have the training, experience, and insight to help you. To start your therapy journey, please follow these steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start thriving with the support of a child therapist
Other Service Offered with Amel Counseling
Child therapy isn’t the only service offered at our Philadelphia, PA-based therapy practice. We also offer online therapy, play therapy, counseling for teens, and grief and loss therapy. Our team also offers support for therapy for teens and kids of color, and support for parents. You can also learn more about parent coaching and our group offerings. This includes the worry warriors, culturally confident teen group, and our teen girls group.
