Tips to Help You Enjoy Your Life

Tired of the same old schedule? Bored by the blahs? Do you do the same things day in and day out? Tell me about it. To put a little interest in your life, and still get everything done, try a few of these simple ways to make every day a little happier.

Morning

Get up fifteen minutes earlier. I see you rolling your eyes! I know you're asking how getting up even earlier than you already do will make you happier, but try it. Get up, put the coffee on, and spend five minutes stretching. Then spend another ten minutes sipping your coffee. Read a Bible verse, a happy poem, or just stare off into space. Just do not read your to do list. Set a timer if you have to, but make sure you start your day with a little quiet time and you will be amazed at the results.

Even if you are pressed for time, get yourself dolled up a bit. Ladies, put on a pair of earrings, dab on some makeup, and aim for a cute outfit. Guys, use that cologne you save for special occasions (just not too much), run a comb through your hair (not just your fingers), and match your socks.

Do you have a significant other? I little snuggle on the way out will give you a warm feeling all over. If you don't have a honey, pet the cat . . . at least you know you have someone to come home to. If you don't have a cat, check yourself out in the mirror and compliment yourself (it's a little cheesy, but try it).

Straighten one room in your house each morning. This little surge of productivity is empowering, and after awhile you will look forward to coming home to a nice clean place.

Have a nice breakfast. Even if it is just an apple and peanut butter, sit down, chew your food, and take a few minutes to enjoy yourself.

Drive safely. Do not eat, drink, or talk on your cell phone. If you have to take an emergency call or a work call, calmly find a parking lot to park in. You will be able to talk freely, and you will not be endangering yourself or others. An accident free, ticket-less, no 'near miss' day is always a happy thing.

Listen to books on tape during your commute (only if you do not find it distracting). Most of the narrators have very soothing voices, and not thinking about work or home for a little while can leave you feeling very refreshed.

At The Office

Take a few minutes to get organized each day. Lay out your work for the day, exchange pleasantries with coworkers, and grab your morning coffee or tea. Then get down to business.

Answer emails and return calls as they come in. Stockpiling your required correspondences can lead to an overwhelming task. Keeping up on communication not only eases up the afternoon, but getting right on things can often keep problems from arising if issues are not addressed. Once you have replied to an email, file it, so your inbox stays neat and readable. Just don't obsess over email all day. Finish one full task, and then stop for a few minutes and handle your messages.

Take lunch. If at all possible leave the office. At the very least, eat in the break room. The break in your routine will revive you for your afternoon work.

Take a brisk walk during your lunch hour. If you cannot go walking, then hike up a few flights of stairs. Even ten minutes will rev you up for more work.

Take stretch breaks periodically throughout the day. Stretch your shoulders and back.

Put something that makes you happy on your desk (office appropriate, please). Fresh flowers, a family photo, or a picture of a chocolate cake . . . whatever makes you happy. Take a few moments to look at it throughout the day.

Leave yourself something to look forward to in the morning. A bag of that new tea you love, a piece of chocolate, a quick article you have been meaning to read, or any other small treat you can think off. Save it for whatever times you usually feel yourself lagging: midmorning or that afternoon slump. And reward yourself with it for working so hard to get to that point.

Evening

Enjoy your ride home. Take a different route home. Even a few blocks side-trip can break up the monotony. Just make sure you are in a safe neighborhood and that you know how to find your way home.

Stop and buy yourself a gift. A magazine, flower, chocolate bar, or any other small item that makes you happy but doesn't break the bank.

Do not turn the TV on the minute you get home. Kiss your spouse, pet your cat, hug your kid, and pour yourself a glass of wine (or grape juice).

If you must do housework in the evenings, turn on your favorite music. Enlist the help of your family, and it can be fun (or at least less of a chore).

If you love TV pick one show, and just plain sit down and enjoy it. Grab a kid to cuddle or a cozy blanket to curl up in, and take a break.

Take a walk in the evening if weather permits.

A few minutes before bed, give yourself a little treat. A bubble bath, a good cigar, or a facial . . . anything special to make yourself feel pampered.

The point is that no matter what you do, make a conscious effort to enjoy life, treat yourself, and be happy. The little things really do make a difference