A Checklist for Everyday: 5 Simple Practices
By Kaitlin Costarene
Each day presents us with a new opportunity to be better, to do better, and to live the lives we want to live. But some days, we wake up not wanting to do anything. It might be a cold rainy day that begs you to stay in your bed, or maybe it’s the day you said you’d complete a daunting task that you’d much rather back out of than face. I’ve found that completing the five following tasks make those days better. They will make you more gracious and will probably enhance your quality of life, if done regularly. Even on the great days when the sun is shining, you’ve accomplished a lot, and you’re feeling fabulous, getting into the habit of practicing these five things will make your day just a little better.
1. Try something new.
Trying something new every day is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Even if it’s as simple as trying a new food or driving a new route to your destination, leaving your routine behind is an effective way to foster personal growth, and will probably make you appreciate the little things in your life even more.
2. Learn something new.
They say knowledge is power, right? So why not learn something to make yourself more powerful? Acquiring new knowledge is healthy for your brain, and it’s also pretty satisfying. Simple information counts as learning something new. You don’t have to enroll in a Calculus class to learn something new every day. Instead, just talk to people. Learn something about someone or some place that you didn’t know before.
3. Tell someone you love them.
Sometimes we forget that everyone needs to be reminded of how much they are loved. It can be easy to forget to vocalize that love by assuming that the other person already knows it. But life is short and tomorrow is never promised. So, make an effort every day to tell one of your loved ones how much they mean to you.
4. Say thank you.
Small favors deserve ‘thank you’s’ too. If someone holds the door for you, lets you borrow something of theirs, or gives you a compliment, say thank you. ‘Thank you’ goes a long way. Most of the time, the person giving thanks doesn’t realize that. Thanking someone for their small actions or words could make someone’s day more than you might think. It’s important to be gracious and grateful for the little things in life.
5. Take a deep breath.
Life can be a lot sometimes. Many days, we feel overwhelmed. It can seem like we’re so busy that we forget to breathe. Breathing keeps us alive, but deep breathing is the key to serenity. Being mindful of your breath throughout the day can help you determine what causes you stress and what makes you feel relaxed. Moreover, taking a deep breath just feels good. Breathe deeply. Your body needs it.
By practicing these five things each day, you will become more aware of life’s smaller details, and hopefully more appreciative of the opportunity to be better, to do better, and to live the life you want to live every day.
