Do you find yourself frequently worrying about the future or looking back at the past?
If you’re like most people, the answer is “yes.” It’s easy to get caught up in what could happen or what has already happened, but it’s important to remember that today is all that matters.
The past is gone and the future hasn’t happened yet, so why not make the most of today? Today is a new day with new possibilities waiting for you.
Learning how to enjoy what life has to offer in the moment is a skill that takes practice, but it’s worth it. Living in the present is one of the best ways to become happier and make today great.
Read on for our 9 ways to make the most of today!
What Does It Mean to Live in the Present?
When we talk about living in the present, we mean being fully aware of and engaged in the moment. It means letting go of worrying about what has happened or what will happen next week or month, and instead focusing on the here and now.
Living in the present allows you to experience the joy of the moment, instead of looking forward to something else. When you live in the present, you don’t get caught up in regrets from the past or worries about tomorrow. Instead, you focus on enjoying each day to its fullest potential.
Living in the present helps you appreciate each day, gifts you peace of mind, and makes you happier overall. You start to see life as an enjoyable experience instead of something to get through.
9 Ways to Make Today Great
The secret to success is planning for it. You are more likely to make today great if you have a plan for how to do so.
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here are our 9 ways how to make today great:
1. Make Your Bed
Making your bed is one small but effective task to start your day off right. If you make your bed, you’ll feel accomplished first thing in the day.
Admiral William H. McCraven explained why making your bed is important in his 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas: “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another.”
Essentially, making your bed highlights the power of small wins. By accomplishing a small task, you’ll be motivated to keep going and tackle your to-do list and make the most of your day.
Plus, starting your day with a made bed gives you a neater and more put-together space to relax in at the end of the day.
2. Eat Breakfast
Want the best chance of success for a good morning, no matter what you’re doing? Eat breakfast!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason! Eating breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and provides you with the energy you need to get things done. It increases your mental alertness, which leads to improved school and work performance. It also improves your heart health and reduces your risk of diabetes.
Consider waking up early so that you can eat a leisurely breakfast. Not only will you have time to make a nutritious meal, but you’ll also be able to enjoy some peace before the day gets started.
If you find it difficult to wake up in the morning, prepare your breakfast the night before. That way, it’ll be ready for you to grab and go in the morning.
Make sure that you’re getting a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates for breakfast. These nutrients will give you the energy you need to make it through the day. Greek yogurt with granola and berries, eggs, or oatmeal are all great options that are nutritious and easy to make.
3. Take a Lunch Break
If you’re busy with work or school, it can be tempting to just power through and not take a break for lunch. However, this is actually counterproductive!
Did you know? In France, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day and the people there regularly spend up to 2 hours enjoying it. As this NPR article explains, the French have learned that taking a lunch break leads to better physical and mental health outcomes, increases productivity, and nurtures collegiality.
In other words, it’s important to take a break in the middle of the day so that you can refuel and recharge. Skipping lunch will make you feel more tired and less productive in the afternoon.
If you can, step away from your desk or workstation for lunch. This will give you a chance to clear your head and come back to your tasks with fresh energy.
Don’t have time to leave? That’s okay! There are plenty of healthy and delicious options that you can make at your desk. Consider bringing along some fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or whole grain crackers to munch on throughout the day.
By taking a break for lunch, you’ll be able to make it through the rest of your day with ease.
4. Be Kind
Kindness is one of the simplest things that you can do to make your day – and someone else’s day – great.
Smiling at a stranger, opening the door for someone, or complimenting a coworker are all easy ways to be kind. These small gestures can make a big impact on the people around you, and they can make your day more enjoyable as well.
In addition to being kind to others, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Give yourself a break if things aren’t going perfectly and be patient with yourself as you learn and grow. Beating yourself up will only make you feel worse and it won’t help you accomplish your goals.
By always choosing to be kind to others and yourself, you can make the world a better place and have a great day at the same time.
5. Reach Out to a Loved One
One of the best ways to make your day great is to reach out to a loved one. Whether you give them a call, send them a text, or just stop by their house for a quick visit, spending time with the people you care about will make your day better.
If you’re feeling down, talking to a loved one can make you feel better. They’ll be able to offer support and understanding, and they may even be able to make you laugh.
Cultivating relationships with the people you care about is an important part of a happy and fulfilling life. So make sure to reach out to your loved ones often!
6. Laugh
Laughter really is the best medicine, so make sure to incorporate some into your day.
Watch a funny TV show, read a hilarious book, or tell jokes with your friends. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress, improve moods, and even boost immunity. So make sure to find time for some laughter every day!
Here’s a suggestion: sing aloud or dance around to one of your favorite songs while you’re getting ready in the morning or winding down in the evening. Not only will it make you laugh, but it’ll also help you start or end your day on a positive note.
7. Spend Time in Nature
You don’t have to go on a long hike or camp in the wilderness to reap the benefits of spending time in nature. Even just taking a short walk in the park or around the block can make you feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Stop and smell the flowers, listen to the birds sing, and watch the fish swim or insects crawl. There are so many amazing and beautiful things to see and appreciate in nature, so make sure to take the time to enjoy them.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve moods, and boost your energy. So make sure to get outside for a bit each day!
8. Treat Yourself
You deserve to treat yourself every once in a while, so make sure to do something that you enjoy today.
Buy yourself a new book, go out to eat at your favorite restaurant, or indulge in your favorite dessert. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s something that makes you happy. You deserve it!
Our advice: if possible, do something you enjoy with a friend or family member. That way, you create even more happy memories to look back on. And, with all the things that you find you love – books, places, tools, restaurants, etc. – make sure to share them with your loved ones so they can enjoy them too! It’s these little things and moments that matter most.
9. Get Good Sleep
To make your day great, you need to make sure you’re getting good sleep.
Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and make you more productive. So make sure to get to bed at a reasonable time tonight and aim for seven to eight hours of sleep.
Set yourself up for success by creating a bedtime routine that will help you wind down and relax. Avoid using electronics for at least an hour before bed, and try reading or taking a bath instead. This will help you get the best sleep possible and make tomorrow great, too!
Final Thoughts
Living in the present and making each day great is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Instead of spending your time worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, spend that time enjoying the moment instead.
As our high school principal once said: “Make it a good day or not, the choice is yours!”
Today, choose to make it a good day and then take it one step further. Follow the strategies above to make today great, and you’ll be well on your way to living a happy and fulfilling life.
We hope you have a wonderful day!
