This article was last updated on December 29, 2015
Today I’ve compiled a list of 10 things you could add in your daily routine to improve your life, not tommorow, but right now.
10 things that scientific research shows can help improve your life.
Get out in nature.
I am pretty sure you underestimate how important this is. Being in nature simply makes you more creative, improves your memory and more importantly it reduces stress.
Hang out with friends and family.
Never forget about your friends and family. Don’t get so busy working or doing something else that you forget about them. Harvard happiness expert Daniel Gilbert identified that spending time with friends and family is one of the biggest sources of happiness in our lives. Not being socially connected with people can make you lonely. And loneliness can lead to heart attack, stroke and diabetes.
Read a book.
Simply grab a book and read. I really love that quote – A book is a magic portal to another dimension. And I believe it’s true. Why? Because reading a book is the best way to be somewhere else, without actually being there. I know that for those who don’t read books that might sound silly, but it’s not. Try to read for atleast 20-30 minutes a day. Reading makes you smarter. Reading helps keep your brain sharp. Also it improves your vocabulary. Books also boost your creativity. Spending 20-30 minutes a day reading a book can improve your life a lot. See Also (Things To Stop Doing In Order To Be Happier)
Do a random act of kindness.
Give a smile to a stranger, not a creepy one or tell them how beautiful they are! Don’t forget to express your gratitude and more importantly try to pass it on. Stickleyman says: “Take a moment and express gratitude. Sometimes life sucks. Sometimes life is awesome. But it can always be worse. I’ve found this has helped me in my approach to everyday life.” It will make you happier. It will improve your relationships. It can make you a better person. It can make life better for everyone around you.
Smile with no reason.
Even a fake smile will turn into a real one if you fake it long enough. It’s proven. You can try it right now. Go to the mirror and try to give your best smile for 1 minute. Don’t look anywhere else. I bet you ended up laughing.
Compliment people.
Why? Because it’s good to make other people smile. And don’t forget that you’ve got to give to receive, and it’s simply nice to make other people happy.
Exercise.
Exercise regularly. Not only will you keep your weight in check and make your doctor happy, but the routine will give you greater energy and focus to tackle your everyday troubles. Especially if your job requires you to sit for 6-7 hours, exercising is a must. (Go to the gym and Hulk it up or go take a run and Bolt it up.) Regular exercise is an important part of not just physical health, but also mental health. So try to participate in a physical activity you enjoy.
Take a nap.
A nap restores alertness. A nap prevents burnout. A nap heightens sensory perception. A nap reduces the risk of heart disease. A nap makes you more productive. I just listed you 5 good reasons to take 20-30 minutes naps everyday.
Talk to a stranger.
Why not talk to that beautiful woman or man you saw on the street? What do you have to lose? That’s right, nothing. Try to do something you are not so comfortable. Soon you will experience a boost in your confidence.
Your turn…
What would you add to the list? What activity we could do daily that could help us improve our life?
Photo credit: Andrew Bowden
