Many people think that in order to enjoy life more they need to have more resources or there needs to be a drastic shift in their life circumstances. However, this is often not the case. You may already have nearly everything you need to enjoy life more and be happy. It’s just a matter of prioritising fun and relaxation, shifting your mindset and tapping into the resources that you already have. Here are some simple ways in which you can be happier right now:
- Manage time and distractions – People often waste a lot of time without even realising it. They may spend hours scrolling mindlessly on social media, or binging on TV shows, etc. and then think that they have no time to indulge in hobbies or get important things done. Be very mindful of how you spend your time each day and see if you can eliminate anything from your life which is making you waste valuable time. Set healthy boundaries in terms of putting away your phone when you are working or sitting in a room which does not have a television.
- Have a morning routine – How you begin your day usually has a big impact on the rest of the day. So it is important to start it right. You can come up with a nice morning routine which helps you feel energised and ready to get things done. Avoid checking emails and messages first thing in the morning. Instead you can do yoga or exercise or even read a book.
- Schedule fun and relaxation in your daily life – No matter how busy you are, find at least thirty minutes to one hour everyday, if not more, to do something you enjoy or to relax via meditation, breathing techniques, taking a walk in nature, etc. Over the weekends, you can possibly relax for longer and plan something fun, such as going to the beach or cycling in the park, etc.
- Avoid watching news – While you might want to stay updated with what’s happening in the world around you, it can be draining to spend hours watching or even reading news which is negative or distressing. Unless you work in a profession where you need to know all the details of major news stories, completely avoid or at least cut down the time you spend consuming such content. You can read the top headlines each morning and then dedicate your energy to something more productive.
- Invest in your positive relationships – Identify the people in your life, among your friends, family members and co-workers, who really lift you up and find opportunities to spend more quality time with them instead of the people who drain you.
- Meet new people – If you feel that you need more quality relationships in your life or just need to diversify your circle, meet new people via community events, clubs, etc. Try initiating conversations with strangers while you are out and about. This will help boost your self-confidence and also open your mind to the new perspectives that each new person in your life will bring.
- Make a bucket list – If you cannot have a certain experience right now, due to limited time or resources, write it down. Make a wish list for each area of your life, including all the things that you would like to do, the things you would like to buy, etc. Commit to fulfilling at least a few of these wishes every year. Try to focus more on having new experiences and creating good memories rather than acquiring more material possessions.
- Invest in yourself – Remember that investing in yourself is the most important thing you will do in your life. This can mean different things for different people. It might mean reading more personal development books, upgrading your skills by taking courses, going for counselling or coaching, joining a support group, dedicating time to community service or charitable causes or something else. Identify what is important to you at this point in your life and for your future, and then invest in that area.
- Explore – Travelling helps broaden perspectives so try to visit a new place whenever you can. If you cannot afford to go to another country or city very often, you can also visit and discover new places within the city you live in, or try out a new activity.
- Declutter – A cluttered physical space often represents a cluttered mental space. Try to be more organised in general and every few months, look at the things that you have and discard or donate stuff that you don’t use anymore.
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- Stop living life on autopilot – We all have choices to make but often end up living life on autopilot rather than being more conscious about our choices and whether or not they are helping us achieve our ideal lifestyle. Every once in a while, take time out to reflect on your life choices and identify any areas in your life which are being neglected or which need to change. If there is any bad habit that you need to change, think about what steps you can take everyday in order to change it.
- Celebrate – Find ways to celebrate small wins and milestones instead of waiting to achieve something outstanding. Focus on enjoying the journey rather than jumping from one goal to another without acknowledging all that you have already achieved.