Everyone at some time feels that their life is going nowhere – and fast. Do you think that your life is stagnating? Have you reached a plateau where things are ok, but not very exciting? Do you feel that ok is not good enough?
If you do feel these things, then it is time to do something to increase the quality of your life. It’s time to kick the mundane and put some action into your days. Life is what you make it. What is more, you only get one, so you do need to make it the very best you can. Nothing can beat living an active, purposeful, successful life filled with happiness and fulfillment.
So, don’t waste time. Read our list of things to do now to make your life better and more enjoyable. How you can increase the quality of your life.
1. Treat yourself.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a meal out, a visit to a theater, or a pampering visit to a spa. Make the first thing you do a treat that you have been craving for some time. Don’t make excuses about not having time or money. Treats can be free, and you can always make time. It’s not hard to organize some time in your day if you want to. Remember, no more excuses! You are worth it!
2. Take up a hobby.
When you lead a hum-drum life, it is great to have something to think about that takes you into another world. Hobbies are brilliant for giving you something different to do that you enjoy. If you love to read, devote time to just sitting with a book and losing yourself in an imaginary world.
Maybe crafting or painting appeal, as more creative hobbies. The whole point of a hobby is that it is something for you, so it doesn’t matter what it is as long you enjoy it and can be absorbed by it.
3. Learn a skill.
Learning a new skill is one of the most satisfying things you can do. You will feel a sense of achievement that will boost your self-image.
A great way to learn a skill is to join a class. Not only will you learn, but you will make new friends. Whether it’s learning a foreign language or playing a musical instrument, there will be a class near your home.
4. 30-day challenges.
Life-style gurus are increasingly promoting the idea of taking a 30-day challenge. Challenge yourself to achieve something in 30 days. The challenge can be anything that will benefit you once it has been completed. You could commit to losing weight, giving up smoking or train to run a marathon – well, maybe a half-marathon!
5. Contact a loved one.
If you are lucky enough to have a loved one in your life who brightens your day when you speak to them, give them a call. It is easy to let days and weeks go by without making contact. You will feel better for making contact, and then feel much more positive after talking to them.
Send a text or make a phone call. Arrange to meet up if you can. The boost to your spirits will be huge.
6. Create a gratitude list.
Often we lose sight of the positive, beneficial things in our lives. Everyone has things to be grateful for and making a list helps to concentrate your mind on these positives.
Sit down with a pad and pencil, preferably in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Allow yourself a few minutes to think about your life and identify the good things. Make the list detailed, so, for example, when you say you love your garden, single out a particular plant or tree that you especially appreciate.
7. Bring on the humor.
Laughing is very good for you. It will lower your stress and put you in a good mood. It evens burns up a few calories! Trigger your laughter by watching a funny movie or a comedy show.
8. Grow a positive thinking habit.
Are you prone to negative thoughts? Do you assume the worst will happen in any situation? Being negative damages your quality of life. Stop being a defeatist and start being an optimist. It will take work, but changing the way you think will bring greater happiness and make your quality of life considerably better. ‘Can do’ is a fantastic motto for life. Why not buy a t-shirt with ‘YES I CAN’ emblazoned on the front?
9. Exercise.
Taking exercise is an excellent way of boosting your mood and improving your outlook on life. Go running, or get down to the gym. Sweat out the negatives and get fit for the future.
10. Drink more water.
Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. It is easy to forget to keep drinking throughout the day. Help yourself to remember by buying a refillable water bottle and keep it filled and with you throughout the day.
Being hydrated gives you more energy and keeps your body working at its best.
11. Declutter your house.
Decluttering has been all the rage in recent years as various experts suggest ways of keeping your stuff to a minimum. Opinions vary on the advantages of decluttering, but no doubt organizing your stuff is good for you.
You will feel more positive if you have less unnecessary stuff lying about your house. Get rid of what you don’t want or need, and organize the rest, so it is easy to find when you need it. Doing this will lower your stress levels.
12. Make a daily plan.
Do you wake up in the morning with a feeling of foreboding because there is just so much to get done? Start each day by focusing on what to do, then make a list for that day. A few minutes spent making a list will prevent you from forgetting something important, and will help you prioritize your tasks. Crossing completed jobs off your list will make you feel positive.
13. Look good.
Every one of us feels better when we make an effort to look good. Looking good makes us feel good, and that really matters.
Take a shower, sort out your hair, apply some make-up (yes, men can do that too!), and put on the clothes that make you feel special. Going into each day feeling clean, well-groomed, and well-dressed is the best boost to your confidence and self-esteem.
14. Save up for something special.
Do you dream of owning something that is too expensive to buy right now? It might be a car, a top-of-the-range TV or an exotic holiday. Start saving a little money each week, and you will be doing something positive. That’ll make you feel good.
15. Meditation.
Meditation gives you a chance to clear your mind and focus on the now. Some folks like to meditate by sitting cross-legged in a quiet room with incense burning and calm music in the background. Others prefer to sit on their porch and watch the world go by.
Some people take a gentle walk. It is up to you how you approach meditation. Remember, the critical thing is that you must clear your mind and focus on you in the here and now.
16. Take a trip.
A hectic life with no time off is not good for you. We all need a little relaxation, and looking forward to a trip is a great way to make yourself feel better. Planning the trip and anticipating it is positive, and then the trip itself will be a fantastic boost.
17. Help others.
One of the best ways of creating positivity is to help other people. Not only do you feel good about yourself, but other people will benefit from your involvement. You might offer to help in a thrift shop or to do some gardening for an older person. Helping others will make you feel that you have something to offer the world.
18. Yoga.
Yoga is a great way to relax. It is also perfect for your health, as it increases your strength and flexibility. Again, if you feel physically in great shape, your mind will be in great shape.
19. Eat healthily.
Diet is a vital aspect of keeping healthy and to increase the quality of your life. Aim for a low-fat diet if you are worried about adding weight. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, drink lots of water, and avoid too much red meat. Fish is good for you, as are grains and pulses.
You may have heard that an occasional glass of red wine is good for you too. There is evidence to support this view, but moderation is the watchword here.
20. Take a walk through nature.
Get out into the countryside and enjoy the great outdoors. If you need a reason, take a camera. Appreciate the sheer beauty of the world we live in, and think how lucky you are to be a part of it. Nothing is more life-affirming than life itself.
Finally
Life is good. You are lucky to be alive. Make the most of the years you have on Earth, enjoy them, don’t waste them being negative. Follow the advice above and you will surely increase the quality of your life. Be positive, and be happy.