Last Updated on

Happiness

30 Things You Should Do Every Day to Make Your Life Better

Anna is the Editor-in-Chief & Content Strategist of Lifehack.

Many people struggle with stress on a daily basiswithout knowing that by simply changing a few daily habits, they can improve their overall mood and the quality of life.

To live a better life, it’s not about making drastic changes; rather, it’s the small things you do every day that matters.

Small Things You Should Do Every Day For a Better Life

Check out these 30 small things you should do every day to make your life better.

1. Drink a cup of coffee or tea

The caffeine will help to give you a much-needed boost – and it is pretty delicious too!

man holding out a hot cup of coffee
    Credit: Clay Banks via Unsplash.com

    2. Wake up earlier

    Set your alarm to go off a quarter of an hour before you normally get up. This extra 15 minutes will help make your morning less stressful, and you will be able to have a more organized and productive day.

    3. Clean out your email

    Delete all of your spam emails and the ones you don’t need. Decluttering will make you more organized while helping you to keep on top of work.

    4. Make a friend smile

    Send them a funny video online, or text them to see how they are doing. Making someone else’s day is a sure-fire way to guarantee your day is great too.

    5. Read the newspaper

    Keeping up with world events will stimulate your mind and help you to gain new perspectives.

    man reading newspaper on the table with a cup of coffee on hand and donuts on the plate
      Credit: Toa Heftiba via Unsplash.com

      6. Hug someone you are close to

      From your child to your partner to your sister, having a good old hug will improve your mood and mental state. This is also a great way to keep your relationships healthy and happy, too!

      7. Have a quick tidy-up

      If you have a few spare minutes, it will barely feel like tidying, but your mind will thank you for making the environment tidier and more pleasant.

      woman cleaning the shelves
        Credit: cottonbro via Pexels.com

        8. Write a diary entry or a blog post

        Many people find writing cathartic, and it can help you to process your own emotions and feelings. This is also a great way to keep your brain sharp!

        9. Smile at the first stranger you see

        This will put a smile on their face and leave you feeling warm inside!

        10. Raise your heart rate

        From a brisk walk to a session in the gym, exercise stimulates your body and mind, leaving you feeling generally more energetic and improving your mood.

        legs of a man jogging on the street in rubber shoes
          Credit: Jakob Owens via Unsplash.com

          11. Take a walk

          Being outside will raise your mood and it can calm you down if you are feeling stressed or worried.

          12. Carry a bottle of water with you

          Water is one of the best drinks for your body, and it will improve your health, your skin, and your mind – perfect!

          13. Look through old photographs

          Reliving old memories will put a smile on your face, and you will feel grateful for the wonderful people in your life.

          series of old printed photos laid on the bed
            Credit: sarandy westfall via Unsplash.com

            14. Write down three things you are thankful for each day

            This will help you to appreciate all of the brilliant people and things you have in your life. Here’re 60 ideas to inspire you if you’re not sure what to be thankful for.

            15. Put some laundry on

            No one likes doing laundry, but the feeling of accomplishment afterward is much better for your mind than the negative feeling of putting it off.

            16. Read a chapter of a book you love or a new book

            This will help to both lifts your mood and relax you – a twofer!

            read a chapter
              Credit: Kateryna Hliznitsova via Unsplash.com

              17. Have a meaningful conversation

              After a day of work and chores, it is important to feel like your day was important and meaningful – and one of the easiest ways to do this is to sit down with someone interesting and chew the fat.

              18. Listen to music

              Put on an upbeat album you love, and after a few tracks, you will notice yourself humming, smiling, and dancing – all indicators of a great mood.

              19. Light a candle when you get home from work

              The appearance and smell of a candle will help you to relax and wind down.

              person lighting a candle on the table
                Credit: No Revisions via Unsplash.com

                20. Eat at least one healthy meal, with fruit and vegetables

                Healthy food will give both your body and your mind energy – and you’ll feel great for choosing the healthy option.

                21. Listen to something that makes you think

                From the radio on the way home to a podcast you like, this will stimulate your brain and get your mind thinking about different things.

                listen to something that makes you think
                  Credit: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash.com

                  22. Do something nice for someone else

                  Mentally fulfilled people think about others’ needs as often as their own, and simply offering a co-worker a word of encouragement will help you to feel more positive.

                  23. Spend some time with the people you live with

                  From family to housemates, this will make you feel more connected to the people you share your life with – and it is a really fun way to wind down!

                  24. Have a drink you love with your lunch

                  Lunch can feel like a hurried affair, so make the effort to bring a drink you love to savor, whether that is a comforting latte or a healthy berry smoothie.

                  pink strawberry smoothie in tall glass topped with brown cookie bits
                    Credit: Alexander Mils via Unsplash.com

                    25. Do the washing up before you go to bed

                    The next morning will be much more pleasant and relaxed if you don’t have to start the day with yesterday’s chores.

                    26. Put on an outfit you love

                    If you feel great on the outside, you will start to feel pretty good on the inside too – trust me!

                    woman in blue dress posing in front of blue door
                      Credit: MARK ADRIANE via Unsplash.com

                      27. Speak to someone who lives far away.

                      From your parents to a friend who moved away, this will make you feel proactive – and no doubt they will really appreciate you calling them!

                      28. Spend five minutes alone

                      If you feel life starting to get on top of you take a break and spend a minute alone. After this reflection time, you will feel noticeably calmer and more relaxed.

                      29. Take a long bath or shower before you sleep

                      You will go to bed feeling clean and relaxed, helping you to get a great night’s sleep.

                      relaxing bathtub with candles and essential oils
                        Credit: Brooke Lark via Unsplash.com

                        30. Make sure you get eight hours of sleep

                        Everything is more difficult and stressful when you’re tired – get a head start on this and make sure you are refreshed for a productive and fun day!

                        Final Thoughts

                        As you can see, these 30 things are all very simple and that you can start doing some of them right now!

                        If you want to change your life, be happier and stress-free, pick at least one of these suggestions and fit it into your routine. A better quality of life doesn’t come from making drastic changes, but from taking small actions and building small habits.

                        Featured photo credit: kaleb tapp via unsplash.com