It can be hard to make your life better, even if you want to. You may not know where to start or what the best ways are, so this post will walk you through 21 ways you can make your life better today and every day moving forward.
Some of these things may seem small, but they all add up and have the potential to really impact your quality of life as time goes on.
1) Smile
Put on a smile. You may not feel like it, but trust us: Smiling can have profound effects on your happiness and well-being.
According to a study published in Psychological Science, people who smile more often report feeling happier and less stressed.
Research has also shown that smiling can make others perceive you as more attractive—and being perceived as attractive makes people feel more confident and happy! Win-win.
2) Read Something Funny
There are many ways you can make your life better, but sometimes you just need a good laugh.
It’s tough to feel bad about anything when you have a smile on your face and reading something funny can be one of those easy ways to achieve that state of being. So before trying out any of these other tips, we recommend reading something funny.
3) Do Something Nice For Someone Else
When was the last time you did something nice for someone else? It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that there are people around us who might need a little help, a kind word, or just a bit of your time.
It doesn’t have to be anything big; simply helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries will do wonders for your state of mind.
4) Start a New Activity
There’s a reason we all aim for #goals—we want to make improvements. Whether you’re looking to become more productive, learn something new, or simply be a better person, it all starts with taking that first step.
So pick something you’ve always wanted to do and get started today.
5) Get Organized
Research shows that when you’re more organized, you’re happier. When it comes to our stuff, we’re often attached to items that no longer have a place in our lives.
When these things don’t have a home and are laying around your house or apartment, it can put unnecessary stress on you—and your psyche.
6) Talk Positively About Yourself And Others
We spend a lot of time in our daily lives trying to change how others think and feel about us. But what if we spent just as much time thinking positively about ourselves and those around us? If you want to make your life better, start with positivity.
7) Exercise with Friends
Some studies have found that a lack of social interaction can put stress on you, and make it harder for you to stick with a new routine.
If you’re struggling with making fitness part of your daily routine, consider using workouts as an opportunity to meet up with friends or coworkers—or simply spend some time outdoors.
8) Believe in Yourself and What You Can Accomplish
The truth is, we are all capable of accomplishing a lot. Don’t be afraid of your dreams, because they can come true if you believe in yourself.
9) Get a Good Night’s Sleep
This is definitely one of those make your life better tips that seem easier said than done, but it’s important to get enough sleep.
Sleep allows our bodies to rest and heal, and when we don’t get enough of it, we can feel run down, irritable, and just not ourselves.
10) Make Time For Friends And Family
This make your life better tip is twofold: Spend time with loved ones, and make an effort to reconnect with old friends.
Both are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. When it comes to friends and family, quality time is more important than quantity.
11) Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to make your life better while also helping out your community. There are many different ways to volunteer, so find an opportunity that fits your interests and schedule.
12) Declutter Your Space
A cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind. If you want to make your life better, start by decluttering your space. This can be a daunting task, but you can start small by getting rid of one item each day.
13) Say Hello to Your Neighbors
Next time you’re outside, stop and chat with your neighbors. You never know when it might come in handy—for example, if you end up on a jury together someday.
The neighborly act could be as simple as introducing yourself and asking if they can recommend a good landscaper or plumber.
14) Plant a Tree
Trees not only make your yard or home look more attractive, they also help improve the air quality and provide numerous other environmental benefits.
15) Ride your Bike Instead of Driving
Whenever possible, choose to ride your bike instead of driving. This will help reduce your carbon footprint and give you a chance to get some exercise.
Plus, it’s a great way to explore your neighborhood or town.
16) Compost your Food Waste
Composting is a great way to reduce your household waste and provide nutrients for your plants.
It’s easy to do, and it’s a great way to make your life better while also helping the environment.
17) Read More Often
Make a goal to read at least one book each month, or however often you can realistically fit it into your schedule.
Books can transport you to different worlds, teach you new things, and help you escape from the stresses of everyday life.
18) Go Outside Every Day
No matter what the weather is like, make an effort to go outside for at least a few minutes each day.
Being in nature has been shown to improve your mood, and it’s a great way to get some exercise.
19) Learn a New Skill
There are endless possibilities when it comes to learning new skills. You could learn how to cook, knit, play an instrument, or speak a new
Not only will you be expanding your horizons, but you’ll also have a new hobby to enjoy.
20) Be Grateful for What You Have
Last but not least, make sure to take the time to appreciate all the good things in your life.
No matter what challenges you’re facing, there’s always something to be grateful for.
21) Give Yourself Time to Relax
Make sure you schedule in some “me” time, too. Relaxation is important for our physical and mental health, so make sure to give yourself a break every now and then.
Final Thoughts
The good news is you can make immediate improvements today. While I’m certainly not an expert in all of these areas, I’ve found these 21 suggestions easy to follow. And following them has made my life better every day. If you try them out for a week or two, I suspect you will feel similarly. Good luck!
