Do you feel like your typical day is a whirlwind of activity? We’ve all been in that situation. But, even if only in little doses, seizing the day is not impossible. With these feel-good tactics, you can make every day count.
Being an adult can be tedious at times. Yes, you should pay your bills, meet your deadlines, and tidy your flat, but find time to be silly and enjoy yourself. “Even riding your bike with friends for an afternoon ride will make you feel more relaxed,” says Gabrielle Bernstein, author of Add More -Ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness.
Be silent.
Being still can help you accept the moment and appreciate your life, whether you meditate or simply take some peaceful time to yourself. “Being still reminds you that life isn’t about getting to the end of your to-do list as quickly as possible,” says James Baraz, a meditation instructor and founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California.
Find your inner upbeat person.
Even those who believe the glass is half-empty can improve their outlook with effort. Instead of focusing on negative news or your money, focus on the aspects of your life for which you are grateful.
Get some affection
Regular romps are about more than just having fun. Sex is beneficial to your health. According to Anita H. Clayton, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Virginia and author of Satisfaction: Women, Sex, and the Quest for Intimacy, it can satisfy all kinds of emotional and physical intimacy requirements while also helping partners stay close.
Take a walk
Literally. A trek is the best way to remind yourself that life is more than an awful commute and annoying coworkers. It’s a win-win situation. You can be blown away by nature’s incredible power and beauty while working out your quads.
Exercise your muscles
Working out not only benefits your body, but it also benefits your general well-being and health. “Exercise, yoga, or any regular movement can help you get out of your thoughts,” Baraz explains. “In addition to being a healthy activity, it releases endorphins, which have a powerful mood-lifting impact. It brings you to life.”
Get rid of a grudge
Don’t squander time or energy holding a grudge. Everyone gets angry now and then, but staying angry is more dangerous than the person who caused your rage. “In life, you have the option of being right or happy,” says Philip H. Friedman, PhD, author of The Forgiveness Solution.
Make time for your canine companion.
Simple things like embracing your dog or cat can lift your spirits. A University of Missouri-Columbia study reveals that petting a dog for 15 minutes releases the feel-good hormones serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin while also lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
Enjoy your favourite foods.
You’ve probably heard it before: healthy eating is all about moderation, so you don’t have to give up your favourite foods. Simply indulge in a responsible manner. According to famous trainer Jillian Michaels, “denying a sweet tooth is a formula for disaster.” “Don’t skip meals so you can binge later. Instead, set aside up to a fifth of your daily calorie allocation for your favourite treat.”
Sing loudly and clearly.
Sing a song in the shower, in your car, or on a public platform. You say you’re a poor singer? Irrelevant. (A million karaoke fans would never let that stop them.) According to research, an organ in the inner ear is linked to a pleasure-registering portion of the brain. Even if you’re not Beyonce, singing can make you happy.
Get some fresh air.
Make time during the day, rain or shine, to go outside. According to a University of Michigan study, just 30 minutes in the sun can improve your attitude. Even on cold winter days, a breath of fresh air is rejuvenating.
Get some shut-eye.
Don’t feel bad if you get a couple more hours of sleep. Sleep helps your mood, memory, and focus, and it can also help you maintain a healthy weight. A good night’s sleep has numerous health benefits that improve your quality of life.
Read something.
Take the time to sit and read, which past generations saw as a necessity rather than a luxury. You can read Walden by Henry David Thoreau to reconnect with what’s really important in life, learn something new, or simply escape with the latest frothy romance or beach-read book.
Get creative
Have you always wanted to paint but have no idea where to begin? Get started by going to your local art store. Participants in a Boston College study found that distracting themselves by creating artwork that conveyed their negative emotions made them happier. It’s been proven that keeping a journal has a comparable effect.
Share your objectives.
Spread the word if you want things to happen! Inform your family and friends of your objectives. Your loved ones can help you stay on track by holding you accountable. This increases your odds of success, according to Sonja Lyubomirksy, PhD, author of The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want.
Leave the city.
Plan a week-long vacation or a weekend escape. According to a 2009 study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, engaging in pleasurable leisure activities can reduce stress hormones and blood pressure. It’s also entertaining.
Unplug and disconnect from technology.
Put your phone away, turn off the television, and turn off your computer. According to Alan Keck, PsyD, of the Center for Positive Psychology in Orlando, Florida, constant exposure to technology might overwhelm your neurological system. Spend a few days, or even a single day, without these distractions. You might be amazed at how pleasant it is to unwind without being interrupted.
Make negativity illegal.
Turn your to-do list into an adventure instead of allowing pessimism to get in the way. Put your doubts aside and put down your feelings and thoughts. “Taking charge of your situation will enhance your self-esteem and happiness,” says Richard Wiseman, author of 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot. This will help you become enthusiastic about completing all of your tasks.
Join the conversation.
Make spending time with friends a priority. It’s important to let your hair down and blow off steam with your friends every now and again, whether you go out or remain home.
Relax by listening to music.
Do you need to unwind? Consider listening to some music. Soft, relaxing music relieves anxiety as effectively as a massage, according to a 2010 study. Furthermore, listening to music you enjoy helps relax blood vessels and enhance blood flow, both of which are beneficial to your heart.
Choose the ideal snack.
Snacking in between meals can help to fulfil hunger and desires. So go for it when your tummy starts to grumble! Healthy snacking is a terrific way to sneak extra nutrients into your day, whether you’re in the mood for salty or sweet.
Yoga can help you wake up.
Yoga is a great way to add some variety to your daily routine. Several positions allow you to take in more oxygen while also stimulating your muscles and adrenal glands, resulting in an increase in energy. Yoga enhances your flexibility and strength while also relieving stress and elevating your mood.
Every day, make time for enjoyment.
You may have a good time without going on an expensive vacation. Every morning, ask yourself, “What can I do today to make it an amazing day?” says Victoria Moran, life coach and author of Living a Charmed Life. Make your own list of small pleasures and incorporate them into your daily routine.
Take a seat and eat.
This has nearly become an art form in Italy. They understand that cooking and eating meals together can help you bond with others and enjoy life more in general. If your hectic schedule prevents you from sitting down for a meal, choose for quick-to-prepare dishes that you can fit in on weekends.
Find a pastime.
In our purpose-driven society, hobbies may seem almost archaic, but spending time doing something you enjoy purely for fun is a terrific idea. Andrea Pennington, an integrative medicine physician and wellness coach, argues that “a good pastime lets you lose all sense of time and self, releasing you from the every day.”
Return the favour.
Helping others will assist you. According to Margaret Clark, PhD, a social psychologist and professor of psychology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, “science now demonstrates that giving is healthy for you emotionally and physically.”