This article was last updated on March 14, 2022
You might feel good, you might feel great, but your goal should be to feel your best every day. In order to do so, here are 10 ways to improve yourself both inside and out. These small changes will make a big difference — become your best self A.S.A.P.
10 Things to Start Doing for Yourself Today
Be Yourself
We’re not talking about the “you” that you present at work or in public; we’re talking about the you deep down inside. Whether that person is silly or serious, thoughtful or carefree, you have to embrace him or her. You will never truly feel happiness if you’re acting like someone you’re not. If you feel pressured to be someone different because of the people you’re around or the places you go, it might be best to reevaluate and, perhaps, remove yourself from the situation altogether.
Treat Your Body Right
You only get one body, so you should be treating it as such. Gone are the days of feeling guilty about what you eat, what you drink, or what other substances you put into your system. Instead, start taking control and taking care of yourself. This means eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and completely eradicating yourself of alcohol and other addictive substances. You won’t believe how great you feel until you actually take this step, but once you do, you won’t be able to go back.
Apply the Golden Rule to Yourself
When a friend messes up or feels self-conscious, you’re there to build him or her up. Why do you tear yourself down in the same situation? You should immediately change the tone of your inner voice to one that’s supportive, confident, and a lot more sympathetic. It’s okay to make a misstep — it’s not okay to bring yourself down for it.
Let People In
As we get a little older, it seems like it’s harder and harder to make new friends. And, while it’s great to keep your oldest and truest friends by your side, some relationships need pruning as you grow. This means that it’s okay to let go of those from whom you have drifted. It’s also okay to get out there and meet new people who just get you.
…But Not Just Anyone
You shouldn’t be in a relationship just for the sake of being in a relationship. You’ll find yourself to be a much happier person if you cut out any of the toxic friendships or intimate relationships in your life. As you start treating yourself better, you’ll realize that you want to surround yourself with people who treat you that way, too. Give the pink slip to any friendships that don’t meet your new standards.
Say Goodbye to Stress
Between work, money, and relationships it can seem like life is becoming more and more stressful with each passing day. Be sure to give yourself time to relax and reflect whenever you’re feeling stressed out. Even the shortest of breaks from what’s stressing you out will leave you feeling rejuvenated and much less anxious. Imagine how much better your work will be when you look at it with a calm, clear mind.
Express Yourself
It might be hard to say how you feel — for some, verbalizing their feelings is near impossible. It turns out that bottling them up inside is not healthy, either, so you should get in the habit of telling others what you’re really feeling and thinking. Those who are truly friends will do their best to help you feel better.
Stop Dreaming
…And start going for it! You’ve probably had some of the same goals in the back of your mind for a while. Whether you want to buy a house, run a long-distance race, or try your hand at painting, you should go for it. Even the smallest step in the direction of your dream will leave you feeling more fulfilled at the end of the day.
Volunteer
One of the best ways to help yourself is to help others. You’ll feel an undeniable — and incomparable — sense of self-worth and accomplishment when you volunteer your time to a worthy cause. Perhaps you’re a fan of dogs or cats. Spend a few hours a weekend volunteering at a shelter where they might not get as much love. Tutor children at low-income schools if you get along well with kids. Play bingo with the elderly. Do something that leaves you feeling better than you did before.
Appreciate Everything
A quiet house on Saturday morning before the kids wake up. A table sticky with maple syrup after the kids have breakfast. A walk around the neighborhood on a crisp fall morning. Even life’s simplest moments have something memorable within them. You don’t have to be doing something extravagant or social-media-post-worthy to be having a great time — or leading a great life. All that matters is that you’re happy and fulfilled.
Photo credits: Chris Ford
