Do you frequently worry about the future or look 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 10 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 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.
10 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 10 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. Making your bed will make you 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, 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 at the end of the day.
2. Eat Breakfast
Want the best chance of success for a great day, 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 the energy you need to get things done. It increases your mental alertness, improving school and work performance. It also improves your heart health.
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 breakfast the night before. That way, it’ll be ready for you to grab and go in the morning.
Make sure you’re getting a balanced diet 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 nutritious and easy options.
3. Take a Lunch Break
If you’re busy with work or school, it can be tempting to 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, taking a break in the middle of the day to refuel and recharge is important. Skipping lunch will make you feel tired and less productive in the afternoon.
Step away from your desk or workstation for lunch if you can. This will give you a chance to clear your head and return 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 eat at your desk. Bring some fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers to munch on throughout the day.
By taking a break for lunch, you’ll more easily make it through the rest of your day.
4. Be Kind
Kindness is one of the simplest things 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 make your day more enjoyable.
In addition to being kind to others, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Beating yourself up will only make you feel worse and won’t help you accomplish your goals. Give yourself a break if things aren’t going perfectly, and be patient with yourself as you learn and grow.
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 call them, text them, or stop by their house for a quick visit, spending time with the people you care about will improve your day.
Talking to a loved one can make you feel better if you’re feeling down. Your loved ones will offer support and understanding, and they may even be able to make you laugh.
Cultivating relationships with the people you care about is integral to 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 it into your day.
Laughter can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost immunity. To get these benefits, watch a funny TV show, read a hilarious book, or tell jokes with your friends.
Here’s another 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 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 take the time to enjoy them.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy. So make sure to get outside for a bit each day!
8. Treat Yourself
Every day is an opportunity to treat yourself to something that makes you happy. Buy a new book, eat at your favorite restaurant, or indulge in your favorite dessert.
Always do something you enjoy with a friend or family member if possible. That way, you create happy memories to look back on. And, with all the things 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. Journal
Start journaling daily to embrace the present and make the most of every single day. By penning down your thoughts, experiences, and ideas, you can reflect, process your emotions, express gratitude, and gain clarity.
Spend a few moments at the end of your day journaling about the day’s happy moments. As you write, let your worries and negative thoughts go and fill the pages with details of the day that made you smile. Journaling this way will help you keep a positive outlook and end each day on a high note. As time passes, you’ll create an ongoing memory book of all the good things that happened in your life that you can use to reminisce with later.
Need a simple solution for doing this? Use the Do Happy App‘s journaling feature to write about all the elements of happiness that made your day great. You’ll be amazed by the small but meaningful moments that make up your life!
10. Get Good Sleep
To make your day great, you must ensure 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 at night. 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 worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, spend that time enjoying the moment instead.
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! 🙂
For more ways to make today great, check out these a little dose of happy resources:
