Every person has a unique life, full of stories and connections that will never be replicated exactly. That being said, in every distinct lifetime one thing remains the same: every life comes with its share of ups and downs. As you navigate that rollercoaster of emotions and events, keeping a few tips in mind can make a difference and lead you to a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle. Creating the perfect life is a process that never really ends. You’ll be making changes, taking on new interests, and making small improvements to your routines and plans on a daily basis. But a few actions, taken one step, one day, one change at a time, can help you create the lifestyle of your dreams, whether that’s one of morning runs and green juice or wine, cake, and cuddles with your favorite canine.
1. Get active.
It’s no surprise that, as you try to create an ideal lifestyle, you’ll find lots of advice that comes down to one primary suggestion: get active, or stay active if you’re already up and moving. You know that exercise is good for you, so why not reap the benefits? Pick an activity that appeals to you, return to a childhood favorite, or try a few different workout routines until you find one that makes you happy. If the physical or emotional benefits of exercise aren’t enough to motivate you, consider treating yourself to some nice workout clothes or a delicious, yet nutritious smoothie after you hit the gym. When you know you look good in your new racerback sports bra and you’re looking forward to a tasty drink once you’ve wiped off your final weight machine, you’ll have plenty of #fitspiration.
2. Make your home somewhere you want to be.
Sure, you need to go to the office and shop for groceries, visit family, and meet up with friends. But you’ll always come home to your couch, bed, or favorite recliner. After a busy day, you want to come to a space with the most comfortable, perfect setup possible. From the location of your dreams to the smallest details of home décor, investing in the best quality and most appealing items you can find will make your life a bit better every time you walk through the front door. For some people, that might be restoring a historic house and relishing the history of your home. For others, it might be embracing the Danish concept of hygge with furry blankets, candles, and twinkle lights. Make your home as close to your dream setup as possible.
3. Animal companions can be just as good as humans.
Social connections are a key part of every person’s life, but they don’t always require other humans. Sometimes, you want to stay home rather than head to the bar with your friends. In those times, curling up with your cat, dog, or lizard can be just as rewarding, if not more so. Treat your beloved reptile to a nourishing, protein-filled treat of dubia roaches, pour yourself a glass of wine or your favorite beverage, and unwind with the best friend you could ask for. They won’t get mad if you watch the new episode of your favorite series on your own and won’t make you listen to their latest relationship woes. Give them something to eat and a snuggle or two and they’ll love you forever. And, best of all, you can share pictures of their cutest moments to your social media profile of choice. When you do feel like socializing with your fellow humans, you’ll have the perfect talking point.
4. Find ways to make each day special.
There will always be special occasions—birthdays, holidays, and other events. But, even so, they only come along so often. So why hold off on enjoying the little things that make those events so special? Use the “special” dishes for Friday night pizza and bake a cake on an average Tuesday afternoon. There’s no rule saying you can’t make the best of every day, so why not make the effort to make a typical day a little more extraordinary? Treat yourself and your loved ones. Wear your favorite dress to lounge around the house all day. Say yes to something that scares you. Whether it’s as simple as a fancy cup of coffee or something as major as a new home, you can make your life more special, one day at a time.
5. Learn something new every day.
Maybe you want to go back to school or take on a trade. Maybe you want to learn a foreign language or a new skill. Or maybe you just want to seek out a new fun fact before bed. Whether you’re researching how home heating technologies work, conjugating verbs, or practicing new techniques in the kitchen, try to learn at least one new thing each day. Chances are, you’ll find that you’re already learning plenty, and, if not, you’ll become a more educated person with every new fact. You might even find that new opportunities come your way as you learn, whether it’s a new career path or side business, friends or business connections, or a hobby you’re truly passionate about. Learn about yourself and the world around you and enhance your life in the process.
If you’re aiming to have a happier, more fulfilling life, you don’t need to hit reset entirely. Implement a few changes and pieces of advice to your life and take it one day at a time for the lifestyle you’re dreaming of, with just a bit of time and effort. Whether it’s learning a new skill, treating yourself to new clothing, or moving to a new neighborhood, changes large and small will add up to create your ideal life. Every day of your life can be a special one, filled with social connections, intriguing lessons, and cozy time at home. Indulge in the things you love, treat the people around you, and embrace the best version of your life—and of yourself—you can dream up and create. You’ll be happier as a result, and ready to greet each morning with determination and a smile.
