Expand your knowledge of the world.
It can be as quick as spending five minutes scanning a news article on something you’re interested in or spending an hour or two watching a cool documentary on Netflix. Either way, it’s easier to learn new things than you may think.
Teach someone else something new at least once a month.
This might take a little more time, but will probably also be more rewarding. Whether it’s teaching a relative how to do something you personally find really interesting, showing a coworker a new concept, or helping a friend understand something they’ve been having trouble with. It’s just important to remember to be patient.
Listen more.
Be patient and really listen to what others have to say, instead of just nodding. Ask someone about their day and dig deeper when they respond with “It was fine.” Talk about their successes and failures, and what they’re looking forward to.
Finish something every month.
Finally finish that project you’ve been working on, clean your house, finish a book, or make a list of classic movies (or just movies you’ve always wanted to see) to watch. Whatever it is, do something that you can cross off of a list and feel accomplished over.
Try to give back.
Whether it be donating time, money, or clothes, do something to make someone else’s life better. It can be as simple as a quick trip to drop off old clothing or spending hours as a mentor or volunteering at a soup kitchen.
Do something that makes you happy every day.
Read a book, watch a video about puppies, or call to a loved one you haven’t talked to in a while. Whatever it is, do something every day that will genuinely make you smile.
Exercise more.
Go to the gym if that’s what you need to motivate you, but you could also do yoga or other meditative exercises in your room. You can also google a lot of fun exercises that can be done in a dorm room or your living room.
Travel.
Even if it’s just to the town over, go somewhere you’ve never been before and spend the day there. Check out local shops, restaurants, and scenery, either by yourself or with a loved one. Even if you’re super busy, you can take some time out of your year to travel to one (or several) new place(s).
Keep a journal.
It can be for reminders, to jot down creative ideas, or to just sketch things. It’s been shown that writing things down helps you remember them better than typing them does. Plus, carrying a journal may help you get your creative juices flowing.
Stop and smell the roses.
Notice the beauty in the things around you. Take in the obvious beauty, like sunsets and snowdrifts and flowers. But also look for the beauty in less obvious places. Notice the better parts of life, and try to ignore the negatives.
