Do you ever feel as though you are stuck in a rut, sad, or just not as happy as you could be? Many of these issues can take some time and effort to work through and solve completely. After all, if everyone could instantly make their lives perfect, we would all be happy!

But, far too often we get stuck with the idea that the ‘little things’ don’t matter that much. Does it take time to work through some of the big issues in life? Yes. Does that mean you can’t find enjoyment and pleasure in everyday things? Absolutely not! In fact, you may just find that the more of these simple life-improvers you fit into each day, the better you will start to feel. Making your life better can be achieved by simply taking baby action steps every day. So, why not make these baby steps as enjoyable as possible?

If you are not sure about what you can do to make your life better right now, take a look at the list below. Try to pick at least one (if not more!) of these actions to accomplish every day. If you do, chances are it will bring a smile to your face and add a bit more brightness to your day. 

1. Make Time for Your Favorite Hobby

We all wish we had more time each day to do the things we love to do. The truth is, you may have more time than you think if you are just willing to make some. Try rearranging your schedule, or even waking up earlier to invest 20-30 minutes a day into something you enjoy doing. It could be anything from reading a book to drawing, or exercising. Creating quality time for something you really enjoy doing can either get your day off to the perfect start, or offer a wonderful break of relaxation in the middle of your day.

2. Learn Something New

It is easy for life to feel stagnant or perhaps boring sometimes. So, why not commit to learn something new? Sign up for a class that you might be interested in. Is there something that you have always wanted to know how to do, but you never took the time to learn it? Make a commitment to sign up for something today! Not only will it give you an opportunity to grow as a person, but you could develop a new enjoyable hobby in the process.

3. Contact Someone You Care About

Sometimes a simple message, or hearing the voice of someone we love can instantly turn a day from bad to good. Want to feel better? Call someone you care about. Or, simply send them a quick message. They will feel great knowing that you are thinking about them, and getting a response or being able to have a conversation with them can really make a positive difference to your day.

4. Write Down What You Are Grateful For

It may sound a bit cliché, but sometimes we lose track of all the great things in our lives because we can be so focused on the negative. Want to feel better about yourself and life in as little as five minutes? Sit down and write a list of everything that you are grateful for. It might feel a little strange at first, but chances are you will end up with a list longer than you originally expected!

5. Laugh, Laugh, Laugh!

The old saying about laughter being the best medicine, isn’t too far from the truth! Studies have shown that laughing at something that you find genuinely funny can actually improve your mood and lower stress levels. Take a break at some point during your day to watch something really funny and have a good laugh. Your whole body (and mind!) will benefit from it, and the endorphin rush can last for hours.

6. Make a Daily Plan

Feeling overwhelmed can sometimes bring us down. Life is busy, but thinking about everything you have to do in a day can sometimes make it feel ten times more daunting. Start out your day by making an organized plan of everything that you have to get done. List ‘things to do’ by priority, so that you will get the most important tasks accomplished first. You will feel less stressed, and more accomplished by the end of the day when you see a completed plan in front of you.

7. Exercise

Exercise will not only make you feel better about yourself, it will also release serotonin into your brain. “Runner’s high” isn’t just a myth – there is real proof that working out can actually make you feel happier! Plus, it can give you a boost of energy throughout the day. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during and after your workout. Water will also help you to stay fully energized and feel more awake throughout the day.

8. Go On a Day Vacation

Need a vacation but you don’t have enough time to take a week off of work? Why not plan a day trip? Think of something that you would really enjoy doing that can be accomplished in a day or perhaps a weekend. There are probably plenty of ‘vacation-like’ opportunities in your own community, or somewhere within driving distance. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and turn something small and simple into a relaxing and highly enjoyable day trip.

9. Meditate

Meditation can sometimes get stereotyped into being something far more serious and difficult than it needs to be. You don’t need to chant, or set aside hours a day to do it correctly. Starting your day off with five minutes of deep breathing and relaxation can do the trick. Meditating is all about clearing your mind and focusing your energy. Find a few minutes to yourself, and you will see how effective it can be when done correctly.

10. Dress to Impress

Did you know that you can feel better just by wearing something that boosts your confidence? Why not start off your day by picking out your favorite outfit. Putting on your favorite clothes might seem like a small factor in how your day goes, but it will allow you to feel comfortable and happy with the way you look all day long.

Finding Happiness in Everyday Situations

The tips listed above may not change your entire life overnight. But, they can make wonderful improvements to your life each day. Most of them take only a few minutes to do, and can make a big difference.

As the little things start to add up, you might think of more everyday tasks you can include to improve your life and help you to feel a bit happier each day. Life is often much better than we think it is, and very often we are really doing OK in life. Sometimes, it just takes a little reminder to get us back on the right track!