It also helps you separate out the days, eliminating stress that carries over from one day to the next. When today is the only day you’re dealing with and it’s never going to occur again, it helps you live like each day is a separate life. [1] X Research source
Of course, that’s not to say you shouldn’t go after the things you want and become a bystander in your own life. Go after them, seize them, make them happen, just don’t wait for them to come around to you.
If this strikes a chord with you, make a list. Write down everything you’re grateful for, and don’t forget basic things like your health. When you’re feeling down (or even just part of a daily routine), break out the list for an instant pick-me-up. Taking pride in your life and in the things you do makes it easier to be grateful. Sure, you may be punching numbers, but you keep the wheels turning at your job. Maybe you don’t have the nicest car, but you put food on the table for your family, and it’s a pretty great family, too.
It doesn’t have to be anything big. If you met a deadline at work, be happy about it. Did you actually manage to go for that run? Excellent, look at you staying motivated! Make it a point to see that the little things you’re capable are noteworthy and help focus today on the positive.
So the next time you’re watching TV and curled up in a blanket, playing with your cat, or just hanging out with your friends, take a moment to realize that this moment is pretty darn good, and that it’s moment like these that make life worth living.
And more importantly, laugh at yourself. When you do something silly or stupid, laugh. You’d laugh at your friends, right? If nothing is a big deal, you won’t stress about it. It’ll be smooth, enjoyable living from the day you decide to not take everything so seriously. After all, what’s the point in worrying?
How do you do this, though? Well, it starts with Step 1 above. The more you realize that time is precious and it’s just your one life you’re living, it all becomes the best story you’ll ever be a part of. And the bad stuff? That just happens. It makes your story interesting.
The two not-so-surprising things you can do? Eat right and keep moving. You don’t stop moving because you get old, you get old because you stop moving. And to keep yourself moving, fill your body with foods that make it feel good, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. When your body feels good, it’s easier for your mind to follow suit.
Even just 20 minutes or so a day of “me time” can get you back to firing on all cylinders. Whether it’s meditation, napping, or watching TV, it’s fine so long as you enjoy it and it recharges you.
You’ll likely find that you want to go faster than just one moment per day. Those 5 minutes you spent being grateful or laughing at yourself will be a taste of what’s to come, and you’ll want more. Taking it slowly is good motivation to keep going.
For many of us, doing what we love for a living isn’t an option, at least right now. And that’s fine you don’t have to do what you love from 9 to 5 every weekday. Fit it in where you can, and it’ll keep you going. In fact, you’ll want to keep going. Doing what you love will provide you with drive and ambition, and get you looking forward to each and every new day.
This isn’t only about your coworkers, either. Make friends with your neighbors, your in-laws, whoever is in your circle that could be a little closer. Friends at work makes work more enjoyable, being friendly with your neighbors makes being at home more enjoyable, and having a large social network will help you feel loved and secure.
It could be anything from your significant other to a rose you passed on the street. It could even be an exchange of a person helping out another person. What strikes you as beautiful? What about yourself and your beauty?
Ending a toxic friendship isn’t fun, but it must be done. You can slowly start seeing this person or these people less and less, and hopefully they’ll get the hint. If they don’t, you may need to say something like, “I’m working on being more positive and enjoying each day, and sometimes you keep me from being able to do that. " Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire them to become better themselves.
The next time you see someone you care about, say hello with a surprise hug. Make it last about 7 seconds, and both of your brains will start releasing endorphins, those little happy-maker chemicals in our brains cuing us to feel good. [6] X Research source It doesn’t have to be those you’re close or intimate with, either. Simply asking a coworker how his day was and actually waiting for a legitimate answer can show you care, too. Take these small opportunities to spread the love and pay it forward, making the most out of every day.
