When it comes to your everyday life, how often do you think about the little things? As we get older, we get busier and more distracted with tasks that seem larger than life. We start to forget about the smaller, everyday things that make our lives a little brighter and more enjoyable. This week, why not try doing these five things and seeing where it takes you.

1. Meeting New People

It can be the cashier at the grocery store down the street or the friend of a friend. It’s important to widen your circle just a little bit every day. You may never see these people again, or you may find yourself running into them all the time. Meeting people is hard; I know that from experience. But once you do it, you never regret it. You can never have too many friends.

2. Taking Breaks

With life being as rapid and busy as it is, it’s important to take time for yourself and just slow down. Take a walk outside or watch the first episode of that Netflix original you’ve been meaning to start. Or just open Spotify and listen to some music while you scroll through Facebook. Take work out of the equation for a little while and relax. Whatever it is that keeps you so preoccupied will still be there when your break is over.

3. Reading Something

Read a book, a news article, or a blog post. Read something that makes you think, or even something that makes you laugh. All I ask is that you engage. We don’t spend enough time exploring the wide variety of information available to us. And with there being so much of it out there, it's about time we took advantage of it.

4. Holding the Door for Someone

Or something equally as kind-hearted. If someone drops their books, help them gather their things. If someone asks for a pen, offer one. If someone annoys you, smile at them instead of snapping back. Doing something for someone else and putting them before yourself will brighten their day, brightening yours as well.

5. Planning for Tomorrow

Get organized and start figuring out what you needs to be done. This is especially important for those of us in college who live life by a strict schedule. Take some time and plan out what your tomorrow will look like. Is anything due? Did you promise to house-sit for someone? Did you forget to buy groceries? Make a to-do list or start keeping a planner. Do what helps you.