Most of us were taught to believe that stress equals success.
Hustle hard.
Rest later.
Joy? That’s for weekends or vacations.
But what if we’ve had it backwards?
What if joy isn’t the reward…
…but the strategy?
As a plant-based personal trainer and wellness coach for women over 40, I’ve seen firsthand how feeling good in your body creates ripple effects in your confidence, creativity, and career.
And guess what?
The science agrees.
💡 The Joy-Performance Connection
Let’s start with the research.
A landmark study from the University of Warwick found that happiness made people 12% more productive.
Meanwhile, unhappy workers were 10% less productive.
That’s a 22% swing just based on how people felt.
But it goes deeper than that.
According to Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a leading researcher in positive psychology, joy and other positive emotions literally broaden and build your brain’s capacity. That means more creativity. Better focus. Stronger problem-solving skills.
In short:
Joy makes your brain work better.
Which makes your business work better.
💰 How Joy Increases Your Income
Let’s talk money.
When you’re in alignment - physically, mentally, emotionally - you make better decisions, show up more confidently, and magnetize the right people and opportunities.
Here’s how joy directly supports your bottom line:
✔️ 1. You make faster, clearer decisions
No more overthinking every move. When you feel good, you trust your instincts and take action.
✔️ 2. You lead with confidence
Joy helps you trust your body and your voice. And confident people attract clients, partnerships, and promotions.
✔️ 3. You become magnetic
Joy is contagious. People want to work with people who are energized, focused, and real.
In short:
Joy helps you do your best work and sell it with confidence.
🛠️ So How Do You Build Joy Into Your Day?
I teach all my clients a simple framework:
The ENJOY Method™: pauses. pushups. plants.
Because you don’t need a retreat or a sabbatical to feel better. You need sustainable, joyful habits that fit your life.
Here’s how it works:
✨ PAUSES = nervous system reset
Even 3 minutes of intentional stillness can change the course of your day.
-
Breathe deeply before a call.
-
Journal to clear your mind.
-
Sit outside and feel the sun.
The goal isn’t to meditate like a monk. It’s to get back to yourself.
✨ PUSHUPS = joyful movement
Movement isn’t punishment. It’s permission to move energy and build strength.
-
Dance between meetings.
-
Walk while listening to a podcast.
-
Hit the gym or lift heavy if that’s your jam (it’s mine).
Movement improves your mood, your metabolism, and your momentum.
✨ PLANTS = fuel that supports focus
When your meals are full of color, fiber, and plant-based protein, your body thanks you with better focus and energy.
-
Ditch the crash-and-burn cycle of sugar and caffeine.
-
Add protein + fiber to every meal.
-
Hydrate like it’s your job.
Because when you’re nourished, you’re unstoppable.
🔄 Your Next Move: The Joy Audit
Want to earn more and stress less?
Start with joy.
📝 Ask yourself:
-
What drains me?
-
What lights me up?
-
What’s one joyful thing I can add to my workweek?
Then do it. Not next month. This week.
Because joy isn’t something you wait for.
It’s something you choose every day.
🎉 Final Thoughts
If you want to create a business and body you love start with how you feel.
This isn’t about faking it or forcing positivity.
It’s about aligning your habits with what actually supports your energy, creativity, and confidence.
And joy?
She’s not a reward.
She’s the whole damn plan.
Let’s make it yours.
💬 Ready to build a body + business you love?
Joy is a strategy. Use it.
Have Fun. Live Well. ENJOY!