All too often at the end of a busy day, I lie in bed thinking about how crappy it was, and how much time I wasted. I think it’s fair to say we’ve all had those days where nothing seems to go right — your bus was late, you forgot your lunch, you spilt your coffee all over an important assignment.
I find myself thinking too much about the things that went wrong rather than bringing myself to the present moment and thinking about all the things that went right during my day.
Here are seven tips on how to make every day a great day that I find to be helpful and allow me to make the best of each opportunity that presents itself.
- Be present
All too often, I find myself just going through the motions. Our generation is so busy we often find ourselves just existing, but never fully living. By practicing mindfulness and grounding yourself in what you are working on, you can allow yourself to be mentally, physically and spiritually present in whatever you find yourself achieving. Instead of being elsewhere, bring your mind back to the now.
- Have a to-do list
Life is crazy, and with your busy life, it’s hard to keep track of all the tasks you have to accomplish. By making a list of what you want to accomplish, you can manage your time as efficiently as possible (plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of checking something off?!).
- Do something meaningful each day
Choose one thing you are passionate about and do it. Read a poem, learn something new, perform a random act of kindness. Take the time to do something for the better of yourself or others and I promise it will add value to your day.
- Get your blood pumping
I always feel better when I get my heart rate up – and you will too! Whether you go for a run with the sunrise, walk your dog or relax with some evening yoga, your body will thank you.
- Take a moment to be thankful
It is so easy to focus on the bad and forget the good that is right in front of you. Take a moment (or a few) during your busy day to appreciate all that you have.
- Spend time with someone else
Catch up with a loved one or get to know a new friend. Make time in your day to just spend with another being – and be there mentally with them. There’s not much better than bonding with another.
- Treat yourself
Find some small way to make yourself smile and feel good. Whether it be relaxing with a movie, enjoying a sweet or salty snack or taking a night on the town, it is so important to treat yourself. All is good in moderation!
In the end, you have so much more control in ensuring a great day than you would expect. Although it may feel impossible at first to choose your daily outcomes, you can. Practice these steps and incorporate mindfulness and you can make each day your best day.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
