Cultivating Joy with Sumo Citrus

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” — Henri Houwen

Joy is a choice; you have power over your actions and your reactions to what life throws your way. We all have the ability to find contentment in the simple moments that enrich our lives. 

Microjoys are a practice popularized by author Cyndie Spiegel, who offers the notion that “small, accessible moments of delight, beauty, and wonder found in everyday life help to build resilience and improve mental health, particularly during difficult times.”

We invite you to join us in the practice of cultivating micromoments of joy this month. These are a few of our favorite ways to pause, notice, and appreciate the little things:

• Grab a cozy blanket and your favorite beverage and curl up for a moment of peace and quiet.
• Set your alarm and catch a sunrise, or pause to watch the sunset and remind yourself of the majesty of nature.
• Make that overdue call to a friend or relative to reconnect and catch up.
• Hug your pet. Studies show that interacting with animals decreases your levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone), lowers blood pressure, and boosts your mood. 
• Buy an extra Sumo Citrus and hand it to a stranger behind you in the checkout line so they can experience the taste of joy.
• Set midday alarms for one minute escapes. Move away from your screens, close your eyes, settle your mind, and take ten slow, deep breaths.
• Write a handwritten note to someone who’s shown you kindness. The surprise and acknowledgment will make their day, and bring the thoughtfulness full circle.
• Hold the door open for someone, or genuinely thank the person who does the same for you.
• Savor a Sumo Citrus in the pickup line at school. It turns a slow-moving line into a perk.
• “Pay it forward” at your favorite cafe or restaurant, buying or offering credit to a future patron.
• Blast your favorite music and have an impromptu dance party. 
• Make or bake a Sumo Citrus sweet treat from our archive of legendary recipes here. 

• Move your body. When we get our brains to release endorphins, the feel-goods will follow.
• Spend 10 minutes of undivided time with your child(ren), free of screens or distractions. The connection will improve everyone’s mood.
• Stock up on Sumo Citrus and make as many preservation recipes as you can, so you can enjoy the ultimate citrus experience long after April. Get inspired here.
• Find microjoy in a micro-house project. Reorganize a room or revamp just one wall with paint, art or pictures, and decor that makes you happy.
• Gear up and head outside to get some fresh air. If you need an extra layer, a Sumo Citrus Sweetest Sweatshirt or Signature Beanie might do the trick.

• Make a new recipe that involves the whole family, like make-your-own pizzas. Parents love the Sumo Citrus and Goat Cheese Pizza, while the kiddos might prefer their Sumo Citrus for dessert!
• Host a themed dinner party or cocktail night. Spark some new ideas here.
• Visit an animal shelter and offer to snuggle kittens or walk the dogs.
• Make your own charcuterie boards for family movie night. Your favorite citrus makes a perfect ingredient alone, dipped in chocolate, as gummies, or with roasted nuts… there are infinite ways to incorporate the ultimate citrus experience into the ultimate charcuterie board.
• Spend time with friends who fill your cup, literally and metaphorically!
• Pull out a card game, board game, or puzzle to get everyone laughing.
• Pick out something special from our merch store for the Sumo Citrus Super Fan in your life so they can experience the joy of the ultimate citrus experience year-round.

• Plan an adventure around town and take in your surroundings as though you were a tourist – visit local landmarks, museums, or small businesses that make your town the special place it is. 
• Make the weather work for you! Play in the rain then come inside to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and popcorn. (We highly suggest Sumo Citrus Spiked Cocoa for the adults and a drizzle of the Brightland x Sumo Citrus Flavored Olive Oil over your popcorn!)

As Maya Angelou once said, “We need joy as we need air.” May these ideas bring you inspiration and may Sumo Citrus be the antidote to whatever ails you!

How do you cultivate micromoments of joy in your life? Share with us @SumoCitrus on social media.