Sometime, you don’t need to win the lottery to feel like you won it. The lottery makes us happy, right? Happy to be alive. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.
You might be surprised at the impact that small, incremental changes can have on your health and happiness, and these changes can make you feel like you just won something big.
Here are 18 small things you can do daily to improve your happiness and make 2024 the best year of your life.
Gratitude, Always
Gratitude is a powerful force for happiness and contentment. When live gets busy, we often take for granted everything that we have right in front of us. We forget about the little things we don’t have to worry about, like feeding our families.
Take a few minutes each day to reflect on your gratitude. This simple practice can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life, promoting a more positive outlook.
Hydrate Regularly
Water is life, and staying adequately hydrated is essential for your health. Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day. If you struggle with drinking water, consider filling an 80-ounce jug full of water in the morning. By the end of each day, the jug should be empty.
Proper hydration can boost your energy levels, improve skin health, and aid in digestion.
Set Daily Goals
Successful people also tend to be goal-setters. They have short-term goals for the year and long-term goals for their lives. And they take them seriously.
Starting your day with clear objectives can enhance your productivity and sense of purpose. Spend a few moments each morning setting achievable goals for the day. These goals act as a roadmap, guiding your efforts and helping you stay motivated.
Prioritize Sleep
Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can sleep when you’re dead?” Ironically, you might get to that point quicker if you consistently don’t give yourself enough sleep.
Quality sleep is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can make a world of difference. Adequate rest improves cognitive function, mood, and physical health.
Exercise Daily
Exercise is a quick habit with profound physical and mental benefits. Even a short workout session can release endorphins, reduce stress, and improve cardiovascular health. Find an exercise routine that suits your preferences and commit to it regularly.
If you need help committing, find a workout buddy to workout with. Having someone there to push you to go to the gym and give it your all can make a huge difference in your willingness to go and remain committed to getting healthy.
Mindful Breathing
The power of mindfulness lies in the breath. Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your day to reduce stress and enhance concentration. Just a few minutes of mindful breathing can help you stay centered amid life’s chaos.
To help you find the time, schedule this into your day. Don’t just do this “if you have time,” because life will always get in the way. Prioritize your breathing exercises.
Read Regularly
Reading is exercise for the mind, offering knowledge and mental stimulation. Dedicate some time each day to reading, whether a book, an enlightening article, or even a piece of poetry. Reading broadens your horizons and enriches your vocabulary.
Remember, you don’t need to read non-fiction to learn. Fiction books, while not based on a true event, still gives your mind the opportunity to wander. This can get your creative juices flowing in other areas of life, too.
Declutter Your Space
Your physical environment profoundly influences your mental state. Spend a few minutes each day decluttering your space. Dedicate a big bag, that you might otherwise use for trash, as your “giveaway stash” and continuously put things in it.
An organized and tidy environment can lead to a clearer mind, increased productivity, and reduced stress.
Express Kindness
Random acts of kindness have a magical way of brightening your day and others. After all, studies have consistently found that we are much happier when we help other people than when someone helps us (or we only focus on ourselves).
Whether holding the door for someone, offering a sincere compliment, or helping a stranger, these gestures create a positive ripple effect and boost your happiness.
Practice Mindfulness
Being present in the moment is a gift you can give to yourself. Whether eating a meal, taking a walk, or engaging in a conversation, try to immerse yourself in the experience fully. Mindfulness fosters awareness, reduces anxiety, and enhances appreciation for life’s subtleties.
Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time can affect mental and physical well-being. Set clear boundaries for screen usage. Allocate time for screens in a balanced manner, allowing space for other activities and face-to-face interactions. Remember that life exists out there in the real world, not solely on your phone.
Learn Something New
Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and your spirit engaged. Make it a habit to acquire new skills or knowledge regularly. Whether it’s a new language, a musical instrument, or a hobby, pursuing knowledge opens up new avenues and keeps life exciting.
Expand Your Network
Meaningful connections with friends and family are a source of profound happiness and support. Dedicate time to nurture your relationships. Share experiences, lend a listening ear, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Plan Your Finances
Financial well-being is a critical aspect of a fulfilling life. Spend a few minutes each day reviewing your financial situation. This habit helps you manage expenses, save, and work toward your financial goals.
Take Breaks
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget to pause and recharge. Incorporate short breaks into your work or study routine. These moments of rest can increase productivity, prevent burnout, and boost creativity.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences is a therapeutic practice that can provide clarity and emotional release. Journaling helps you process emotions, gain insights into your life, and track your personal growth.
Do this daily, or at least a few times a week to help you process life events.
Practice Graciousness
Build an atmosphere of gratitude and humility. Recognize your privileges and be gracious for the opportunities you’ve been given. Graciousness improves your relationships and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with others.
Reflect on Achievements
Before hitting the sheets for the night, reflect on your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This habit boosts your self-esteem and motivation. It reinforces the idea that each day brings opportunities for growth and achievement.
