Someone said, "Anger is punishing yourself with the stupidity of others. "I agree! Happy is a day, unhappy is a day, why don't we enjoy every day?
Because learning how to enjoy life takes practice.
1. Try New Things
Trying new things and exploring new places can invigorate our senses and expand our perspectives.
Is there something you've always wanted to do or learn? Is there somewhere you've always wanted to go?
Write a list of places you want to go, activities you want to do, and things you want to learn. Include some big things like becoming your own boss and small things like getting takeout from a restaurant you always see but have never visited.
Then, schedule some of these things in your calendar! Start small with quick wins and work your way up to the big-ticket items.
2. Get Rid of Clutter
You know what they say: 'Tidy space, tidy mind.'
It's no secret that a cluttered home can feel stressful and take longer to clean. On the other hand, clean and tidy spaces can help us feel calm and relaxed. Plus, we can earn extra money by selling our unwanted stuff.
If you want to get rid of some clutter, put aside some things to donate. You could also set yourself a challenge, such as adding one item to Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist each day.
3. Spend Money on Experiences, Not Possessions
Studies show that experiences make us happier than possessions.
Why? The initial happiness of acquiring something new fades over time. However, experiences continue to provide joy through memories.
So, next time you want to spend money to feel joy, why not spend the money on an unforgettable trip or experience instead?
And hey, if you're stuck for ideas during COVID-19, there's always Airbnb Online Experiences!
4. Exercise Regularly
Everyone knows that exercising improves health – but can it help us enjoy life today? You bet it can.
"Research demonstrates that exercise may be the most reliable happiness booster of all activities," writes positive psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky in The How of Happiness.
Whether you walk, run, lift weights, or play a sport, take some time each day to exercise and enjoy every day a little more.
5. Spend Time in Nature
Science has proven what we all intuitively know: Spending time in nature improves our health and happiness.
For example, one study found that walking in nature improves our mood and lowers cortisol levels – also known as 'the stress hormone.'
When you feel down, take a walk in the park, have a picnic with friends, read under a tree, or paint a landscape. Whatever you do, get back to nature more often.
6. Track Your Time
Sometimes, before we can learn how to enjoy life more, we first need to understand where our time goes.
If your days seem to be flying by and you're not enjoying them, keep a diary of your activities to track how you spend your time.
You may be surprised by what you discover.
When we become more conscious of how we spend our time, we can often find opportunities to reduce time-wasting activities and use the extra time to do things we enjoy.
7. Cultivate a Purpose
Without a meaningful purpose to help steer us, it can be challenging to feel secure, productive, and valued.
The British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, "It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something."
Whether you feel driven to help others, become the best person you can be, or combat climate change, try to develop a purpose to give yourself a direction and help you enjoy life more.
8. Contribute to Others
You can combine the positive effects of good relationships and a strong purpose by finding ways to contribute to others.
For example, you could volunteer for a local charity or help an elderly neighbor with chores. Look for opportunities on a website like VolunteerMatch or check out this list of virtual volunteer opportunities.
Alternatively, if you're tight on time, you could find small ways to help others each day. For example, you could donate items to charity, let someone in a rush go first at the grocery store checkout, or pick up a coffee and a sandwich for a less fortunate person.
9. Overcome Destructive Habits
It's pretty tough to learn how to enjoy life to the fullest while living under the dark cloud of a destructive habit or addiction.
Whether it's alcohol, procrastination, pornography, food, sugar, TV, social media, or gossiping, destructive habits are draining and bring out the worst in us.
Be honest with yourself about your vices and consider seeking help to overcome them.
It may take a while before those clouds start to clear, but you can be confident you'll enjoy your life more when they do.
10. Commit to Mastering Something
Learning something new can be fun and interesting, but the initial excitement can often wear off quickly.
On the other hand, there's a deep sense of joy, pride, and satisfaction when we learn to master something.
Whether it's playing the guitar, cooking, or running Facebook ad campaigns, you can find enjoyment in the process of slowly mastering a subject, skill, or hobby that interests you.
And hey, you never know where mastery may lead you!
How to Enjoy Your Life FAQs
Can mindfulness make you happier?
Mindfulness can make you happier by helping you be “in the moment” more often. It’s easy to spend hours—or days or years—ruminating on past mistakes. It’s equally easy to spend hours worrying about the future. Mindfulness helps you be present with the moment and yourself.
How does clutter affect your life?
Physical clutter can lead to mental clutter. For example, a disorganized closet may make every morning stressful. By reducing clutter, you can create a calm, clean environment—which your mind may mirror. On the practical side, you may also find unused items to sell.
Summary: How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job
Learning how to enjoy life takes practice and effort, but the rewards will always be well worth the effort. Here are 20 things that you can practice to enjoy every day more:
1.Practice gratitude
2.Work on mindfulness
3.Put yourself first
4.Be kind to yourself
5.Celebrate small wins
6.Rest and recuperate
7.Invest in yourself
8.Nurture positive relationships
9.Meet new people
10.Consume less news and social media
11.Try new things
12.Get rid of clutter
13.Spend money on experiences, not possessions
14.Exercise regularly
15.Spend more time in nature
16.Track your time
17.Cultivate a purpose
18.Contribute to others
19.Overcome destructive habits
20.Commit to mastering something
How do you plan to practice enjoying life more? Do you have any tips on how to start enjoying life? Let us know in the comments below!