With our lives rushing around us on an endless loop it's easy to forget to pause and take the time to do something we truly enjoy. In order to stay sane, it's vital that we make sure to get some fun and laughter in our lives, though we underestimate the power of the little things that could bring us so much joy. Here's 11 of the many underrated things that we should all make more time for in our lives.
1. Talks that last until the early hours of the morning
We all have that one person who we’ve spent multiple times talking on the phone with until the sun rises, both refusing to say goodnight first. Whether you were desperately fighting the urge to fall asleep, or the conversation was so good you didn’t feel tired one bit, the grogginess in the morning is worth it, and you should absolutely fight the urge to say goodnight to people first more often.
2. Spending lazy days in bed with someone
Waking up in the morning next to the person you love knowing neither of you have anything to do that day is one of the best feelings in the world, in my opinion. We’re constantly moving a mile a minute everyday and we all deserve that one day to spend in your pajamas laughing and hanging out with someone you care about.
3. Taking care of your body
Our bodies are all we have, and we only have one of them. Drinking lots of water and eating healthy with some exercising thrown in a few times a week may seem like a hassle at first, but you’ll be thanking yourself later when you’re waking up full of energy and ready to take on the world everyday.
4. Helping someone with a problem
We all have our own problems and situations to deal with, but not many things beat knowing that you were able to successfully help someone out with a problem of their own. Next time someone asks you for help, fully invest yourself and your time into making sure you give this problem all of your attention. The feeling you get in the end will be worth it.
5. Traveling
Sure it’s not practical for many of us to just jump on a plane and go wherever we want in the world at any given moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still travel. Start small with a walk to a park you’ve never been to or a restaurant a few towns over that you’ve never ate at. A change of scenery is vital in order to stay happy and keep our ambition and creativity flowing in all aspects of life, and traveling is the best way to expand your knowledge of the world and life in general.
6. Staying connected to nature
Mother earth is so gentle and kind to us, yet we continuously take advantage of her, overlooking the fact that without her we’d be nothing. Turn your cell phone off, put on a pair of comfortable sneakers, and take a hike through a forest or preserve near your house. Spend the day on the beach, take a trip to the mountains or vacation through the rain forest. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, nature is surrounding us everyday and we have to remember to take the time and appreciate it in all its beauty.
7. Laughing until your belly hurts
They say laughter is the best medicine, and I couldn’t agree more. Sitting around with a group of friends or family telling stories and laughing is the remedy to make any day better.
8. Reconnecting with old friends
With everything we have going on in our own lives it’s easy to lose touch with people that we were once close to. You don’t have to drop all your plans and revolve your day around reconnecting with an old friend, but even a simple call to catch up on each other’s lives is enough to put you in a better mood.
8. Learning a new skill
Our minds are ever-expanding and there’s always room for learning. Get down that cookbook that’s collecting dust on top of your fridge and make a meal you’ve never made before, or watch some youtube tutorials and teach yourself how to play an instrument. No matter what you decide to do, you never know where you'll discover a new passion.
9. Writing something you’re proud of
As an aspiring writer/editor, there’s nothing I love more than just feeling really good about something I just wrote, whether it be an article, an essay for school, or the first draft of a book. Writing is a good way to clear your mind and you may just find a hidden talent you never knew you had!
10. Cooking and enjoying a meal from scratch
Sure ordering takeout or microwaving a frozen dinner is easy and takes little time to do, but making a full meal from scratch with fresh foods and sitting down and enjoying every bite of it empowering. Your body will thank you and you’ll feel accomplished.
11. Complimenting someone
It takes two seconds out of your day to tell someone you like their shirt or to tell them they have good taste in music. Even the smallest compliment is sure to brighten someone’s entire day, and it’ll make you feel good knowing you’ve had a positive impact on someone around you.
