Great Ways To Simply Enjoy Your Life More
Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. Easier said than done. A few simple practices can improve your ability to enjoy life. Practice each one until it becomes a habit, then move to the next. In no time, you will be filled with enjoyment.
Stop Complaining
Complaining is a waste of time. It allows undesirable thoughts to take over and makes the complainer look negative. Not only does the complainer waste energy, so do the people listening to the complainer. Limit negativity to increase positivity. As soon as a complaint registers, down play it. The complaint is a concern, but in the grand scheme of things, it is no big deal. Not even worth the time and energy to say aloud. Instead, think of a positive aspect of the scenario or change your train of thought. Do not get lost in pondering, there are too many wonderful things to think and speak about.
Be Grateful
Gratitude is a virtue that brings great enjoyment to life. Take time each day to be grateful for life experiences. The comfort of bed, the aroma of coffee, and the fresh air are regular blessings of life. Remember, not everyone has access to small pleasures. Even more, people do not take the time to fully experience the small pleasures that fill their lives. Do not be one of them. Stop and take the time to be grateful. Begin by writing a gratitude list at the end of each day. At least ten experiences each day should make the list. Soon, it will be second-hand nature to be grateful for the people and experiences in your life.
Smile Often
Smiling has a positive effect on mood and perceived energy levels. The act of smiling can improve attitude in a matter of seconds. Try it the next time a bad mood comes along to immediately reverse it. Smiles project happiness and confidence by softening other facial features. Not only can smiling improve the mood of surrounding individuals, but it can also be heard. Most people can determine whether the person they are speaking to over the phone is smiling by the tone and rhythm of voice. Enjoy yourself and smile.
Breathe Deeply
Stretch out the diaphragm with deep breathing. Muscular stress, heart rate, and blood pressure can all be reduced in a few deep breaths. Commonly practiced amongst pregnant women, Lamaze is one form of deep breathing that aids with pain management during the birthing process. Breathing can help center attention and focus the mind. Shallow breathing is a response to stress and fear. The body has an opposite reaction to deep breathing. Use the 6-2-6 method: breathe in for a count of 6; hold for 2; and exhale for 6. Reduce stress, enjoy life, and take some time to breathe deeply.
Walk Every Day
Take a walk every day. Enjoy the time alone, the surrounding area, and the ability of the body to move. Daily walks help clear the mind and connect one with nature. Walking provides an opportunity for connecting with friends or family members. Get out of the house or office and get some fresh air. Walking is the most basic of physical activities and contributes to physical and mental health. This exercise can help build cardiorespiratory endurance and is great for lower body joint health. With little risk of injury, walking provides a great opportunity to enjoy life.
Laugh Constantly
People who enjoy their life laugh a lot. Learn to laugh more by finding humor in everyday situations. Even situations that may usually annoy, scare or inflame you. Choose humor over upset, especially when only the reaction to the situation is under your control. Think of the boss who laughs to herself about an absurd complaint or the pet owner who laughs at the unpleasant present that the dog left on the door step. The person who laughs at the idiosyncrasies of family members instead of getting upset. Laughing alone or with others is a great way to enjoy life.
Enjoy Loved Ones Company
Whether they live far or near, enjoying time with loved ones is an easy way to enjoy life more. Surround yourself with people you love and admire. Take time to observe your loved ones like watching your children play, your spouse read, and your family talks to each other. Think about all the things that you enjoy about them. Cherish these moments and remember that they are not permanent. Life is short, so enjoy the people who bring you the most joy in your life.
Meditate Daily
Exercise the mind and feed the soul with meditation. Meditation is not the absence of thought, but rather the focus on the present. Thoughts of the past and future that occur during meditation are supposed to be acknowledged and let go. In other words, meditation is the practice of detachment from the emotions that we usually tie to our thoughts. A great metaphor for the mind during meditation is like a screen at the movies. A waterfall can be projected, but the screen does not get wet. A thought can pass through the mind, but the mind does not have to react. The practice of meditation has led to improved feelings of happiness, lower stress, and increased empathy.
Love A Pet
Pets provide unconditional love. Pet owners are happier people, and they engage with a cute, lovable animal that adores them. Pets live in the moment and are easily entertained. They need to receive love as much as they need to express it. If you do not have one, rescue one. You may find yourself asking "Who rescued who?". Although pet care takes time and energy, the enjoyment gained is immeasurable. Routine time with your pet is an easy way to enjoy your life more.
Learn Something New
The mind needs to be constantly challenged to continue to grow. Learning something new on a regular basis increases self-efficacy and leads to feelings of accomplishment. Whether learning a new fact to a new skill, acquiring knowledge is a valuable and enjoyable experience. Watch the news, listen to a podcast, and read a blog to pick up new information. Take a class, read a book, or join a club to learn new skills. Apply the information immediately to solidify it in your memory. Expand your view of life and the world through learning.