Think about the best phase of your life. What did it look like? What made it different? Somewhere in the mix of life, the colors can lose their brilliance. No worries…it happens to the most of us. Here are 20 things you can do to add some pizzaz into your life. Warning: these suggestions are extremely easy to implement and have the power to change your outlook!
1. Take a walk through the park
Find a nice park around you and just take a stroll. As cliche as it sounds, it might just add a spring to your step. Bring yourself back to the simplicity of life by walking through a non-commercialized zone. Soak in the greenery and fill your lungs with fresh air.
2. Set a measurable goal for time of silence
This is a bit crazy…but we really do have to set apart time for silence. The world is getting louder and louder, so we have to be intentional about giving our bodies silence daily. Start small and ease yourself into it. Set a timer for 15 minutes so you don’t have to think about when to stop. Quiet your thoughts and sit or lie down in a wakeful state of silence.
3. Eat 2 more servings of vegetables than usual
We all know that we feel better when we eat well, so give your body a boost. Pick a day of the week and add 2 more servings of vegetables than you normally would. Don’t get too ambitious if this is not natural for you. Stick to the extra servings just once a week. Then, after it’s a weekly habit, you can a day at a time.
4. Eat something indulgent on purpose (guilt-free)
There’s always some part of us that wants to indulge in a sweet dessert or less-than-healthy treat. I just ate a Key-Lime Cheesecake. I worked hard today and gave myself a treat. Keep it special. Know you will only do this occasionally and enjoy the treat.
5. Watch a comedy
Life is too serious sometimes. Watch outrageous comedy. Step outside your situation and watch life from the lens of a comedian. Find the humor in the mundane.
6. Learn how to bake
Baking requires meticulous technique and whimsical imagination. Immerse yourself in something that will work your brain in a different way and then make someone else happy with the things you’ve created.
7. Build something with your hands
Just like baking, any kind of craft made with your hands injects a very organic energy into your life. Find a project that does not require much time or energy, preferably something you can complete in a couple hours. There’s an innate need to create in all of us.
8. Make a list
This one is a bit more concrete and practical. Make a list of things that make you feel stuck and see what you can eliminate. Do this twice a year and whenever you feel stuck and stale. Some factors are out of our control, but there are some things we can change. So we should.
9. Call an old friend
What was the best friend era you ever had? Call one of those friends. Connect over the phone. In this digital age, it is so special to actually receive a call from an old friend. Get nostalgic and lose yourself a bit. It might even inspire a spark in you.
10. Forgive someone
This is so powerful. Do you hold any grudges? Free yourself. That negative energy does not serve you. Release that power and don’t worry about the other person.
11. Do something completely selfless
Focus on someone else. When you help others, you benefit too. Yes, you do need to make sure that you are healthy, but you don’t need to be perfect to help others. Just a little act of selflessness can ripple many other kind acts.
12. Create a safe space
Where do you go when you feel drained, exhausted, upset, or happy? Find a physical space in your home that will absorb all these emotions. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just somewhere you can peel back the layers and just be.
13. Get a new Duvet Cover or Comforter
Home design shows have put a reno bug in all of us. Unfortunately, we can’t renovate our homes every couple years. What’s the next best thing? Freshen up your space with things that change the landscape of your room. Try a fresh new duvet cover, shower curtain, or towels. A $100 solution to hold you over till the next big change.
14. Try a new food
My grocery bags look the same week after week. I have to go out of my way to get some new flavors on my tastebuds. Keep life interesting. Try one new food every week. A snack, take out, whatever you want. Expand your palate.
15. Watch a documentary
Get immersed in something bigger than yourself. Find a cause or phenomenon that interests you and then binge watch about it. You just never know what it will lead to.
16. Join a Book Club
Even if you’re not a big reader, it’s good to hear other people’s perspectives on the same work of art. Choose a group and remember that you are not committed for life. Just try it.
17. Clear out your closet
Cleanse the staleness out of your life starting from the 10 year old pants you never wear. Remove unused clothing every 6 months. Make it a habit not to purchase more hangers when you buy new clothing. Maintain the size of your wardrobe by getting rid of something when you add an item.
18. Keep your counters clean
It’s so easy to place something on an empty countertop. Resist the urge to clutter your space. Make it a goal to remove any non permanent items (like mail) every day or every couple days, at the most.
19. Cut Down Your Daily Goals
Do you get overwhelmed with all you’d like to do? Most people don’t do all they’d like to because of overwhelm paralysis. Try this for a month. Just focus on 1 goal for each day (other than daily tasks). What is the one thing you can focus on today. When you make a goal, remember to keep it measurable and specific. Small goals will help you get to your larger goals.
20. Smile
Often and everywhere. Smile because there is a lot to be thankful for. Smile because you are alive. Smile because you can brighten another’s day. Of course, smiling’s best friend is laughter, so laugh often, too.
What do you think? Which one of these will you start doing this week? If you start feeling really good about your life again, just smile.
Featured photo credit: Mitya Ku via flickr.com
