We all feel better at times and worse at other times. But maybe you sometimes think about how to be more satisfied and happy in life overall. Often, it is enough to change a few habits or add something to your daily routine. In the following lines, we will therefore show you 10 activities that can improve not only your zest for life, but also your enjoyment of it in the long term.
- Work up a sweat
Research shows that just 30 minutes of movement a day supports the release of endorphins, or happy hormones, in our body. For example, a survey conducted in Italy found that physical activity helped people stay in a good mood during the pandemic.
Find an activity that you enjoy and try to include it in your daily schedule. It can be just a short run, a bike ride or maybe a team sport with friends. Not only will movement improve your short-term mood, but you will also build better mental and physical resistance thanks to it.
- Create a positive morning routine
It is sometimes said that the morning makes the day. And we completely agree with this statement. Try to start each morning with something pleasant and positive. For example, you can try a short meditation , yoga or the popular Five Tibetan exercises. Thanks to this, you will be in a pleasant mood for the new day and will better manage the challenges that await you during it.
- Meditate
Meditation is a great way to clear your head, sort through your thoughts, calm your body and mind, and feel the moment. In addition, according to studies , meditation helps in managing work stress and increases productivity.
You can start meditating right away without having any experience with it. Try to set aside 10 minutes for yourself every day. The Calmio application guides you through your first meditations and helps you master this technique so that you can enjoy the benefits of meditation anytime and anywhere.
- Toughen up
It definitely takes courage and determination to get started with hardening – but the results are worth it. If you regularly let cold water affect you, you will improve your immunity, strengthen your body and spirit, and you will be both physically and mentally more resistant. When we toughen up, our body releases endorphins , similar to physical activity, which improves our mood, alleviates depression and we are better able to face challenging situations.
- Get inspired by Danish “hygge”
Denmark has long ranked high in the rankings of the world’s happiest countries “The reason is hygge,” says Meik Wiking, director of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen . “Hygge” means well-being in Danish. But the meaning of this term is much deeper.
Hygge is simply a lifestyle based on pleasant feelings – it is synonymous with coziness, warmth, well-being and a pleasant atmosphere. And autumn is made for something like that. Try, for example, to go for a walk in colorful nature on the weekend, and after coming home, light candles, bake a fragrant cake and have a mug of hot chocolate.
- Build quality relationships
In order to be satisfied, we need to surround ourselves with people who help us with this goal. This means that it is sometimes necessary to do a thorough cleaning of our surroundings and to limit or completely stop contact with those with whom we do not feel comfortable. On the contrary, it is important to maintain close contact with people with whom we feel good, who inspire us and charge us with positive energy.
- Have some chocolate
Don’t be afraid to treat yourself from time to time. According to scientific research , occasional snacking on chocolate has the effect of improving mood and reducing negative feelings.
Tip : If you are often tired, you can create your own pleasant relaxation ritual. Light a candle, snuggle under the blanket and enjoy a chocolate cube (or two) with your afternoon coffee.
- Enjoy the day offline
Digital technologies can make our lives significantly easier in some ways. But they often take our attention, rob us of time, and because of the seemingly “perfect” lives of everyone else on Instagram, we can easily fall into a bad mood.
Schedule an offline day once in a while. Take a break from scrolling through social networks, constantly consuming content and reading work emails. You yourself will be surprised how much energy you will get and how well you will relax thanks to the “detox”.
- Order makes friends
Having a clean and organized household has a positive effect not only on aesthetics, but also on our mind. If we want to be more satisfied in our lives, we should clean up at home and at work… Try to sort through your things from time to time and sell or donate those that no longer serve you to charity. You will see how you can better orient yourself in the space and at the same time you will feel more comfortable thanks to the absence of distracting elements.
Tip : get inspired, for example, in Marie Kondo’s book Magical Cleaning .
- Live here and now
Try to consciously perceive and enjoy each present moment. If you are doing an activity, try to focus your attention only on it and say goodbye to multi-tasking.
For example, while eating, stop preoccupying yourself with other activities (watching TV, handling e-mails, etc.) Fully enjoy the food on your plate and perceive its taste, smell and color. Try to apply the same at work, during meetings with friends or even when traveling.