Are you satisfied, I am talking about being deeply satisfied with your daily life? The answer to that question for many of us would be, "no." Do you find yourself going through the motions, and wonder how you cross the line from being unhappy, or even just content, to truly satisfied deep in your soul? Many of us ask ourselves this on a regular basis, but think it is not attainable, or that it would take a great deal of time and effort. The process of getting there might be easier than you think. If you can make the leap from mediocrity to deeply satisfying your soul, you can have a life that is meaningful, happy, and that feels like it has purpose. Here are 12 ideas for things you can do to satisfy your life.
1. Make sure that you make "me-time" a priority.
It is true that if you pour everything you have into everyone else, you have nothing again for yourself. You have to put yourself first, and make sure that you make time each day to spend a little time by yourself doing something calming or enjoyable.
2. Practice the 5-10 second rule.
When you are in a conversation and you feel your blood boiling, you feel the need to correct someone, or want to snap at them back, pause for 5-10 seconds and think about what you really want to say and why. Often what you would have impulsively blurted out, is very different than what you will say if you stop and pause for just a few seconds.
3. Embrace and develop your hobbies.
This is as important as we all have lots of responsibilities, but we also have many abilities and passions. We need to make time for both. One feeds the other. Some would say that taking the time to feed your creative, intellectual, or athletic sides will make you better in the other areas of your life.
4. Laugh often and loudly.
We simply do not laugh enough for some reason. When was the last time you really laughed? Laughed so hard your side hurt, or you could not stop. Laughter is not only good for the soul, it genuinely has health benefits. So laugh, find joy in the simple things. Learn to laugh at yourself, and learn to appreciate the humor of those around you.
5. Say what is unsaid.
Too often in life we have a kind or endearing thought about someone, and we never express. We are never promised tomorrow, or the chance. So, say what you mean when you think of it, and you will feel good for having said what you were thinking, and for likely making the other person's day.
6. When was the last time you picked up a good book or paper just for the enjoyment of it?
You should be doing this on a regular basis. It is both calming and intellectually stimulating at the same time, it allows you to educate yourself and transport yourself to the time and place you are reading about. It is something that so many say they love, yet they never make the time for it.
7. Make time each day, even if it is just 30 minutes, to spend quality time with your partner.
This is being focused on each other, and letting outside distractions. Catch up on how your day went, talk about anything that has come up, and use this chance to connect with each other. It is shown that just this little amount of time makes a huge difference.
8. Make sure that you go to bed and get up at the same time every day
To get into a normal sleep schedule. This helps to get you in a normal sleep and wake cycle to make sure that your system has time to rebuild its immunities and mood hormones.
9. Explore this wonderful world of ours.
Take long or short trips. Do not schedule every second. Go with the flow and ask around when you arrive what the best things to do are. This can help you just "be," not rush around, not be surrounded by organized groups seeing what they have decided. Learn what the locals do and enjoy!
10. Fix yourself up.
I know this may be obvious or unbelievable, but the simple act of fixing yourself up each day has a significant impact on how you feel about yourself. When we get up, take a shower, fix our face, and wear an outfit we feel good in, we feel better about ourselves. It is a really simple change that you can make and do. If this is an area you struggle with, ask a friend for help, watch some youtube videos, or attend a workshop, and you will be a pro before you know it.
11. Disconnect from technology
At the start of your morning routine, and as soon as you leave work, make sure that you reduce the use of technology as much as possible. Put the phone away at dinner and bed time. Be engaged with those around you, or the activity you are doing. You will be shocked how much more meaningful everyday experiences are.
12. Make a consistent and solid morning and evening routine.
This is the time to schedule that "me time," and to do things that are just for you, and for no one else. This is watching a show, listening to a podcast, reading a book,doing mantras, or going for a walk. A good start and end to the day sets a tone for us, and if we practice it on a regular basis, creates more and more days that are less stressful, and more content for us.
Integrating these tips into your daily life is simple, and does not require much time or effort. They are simple changes with a huge impact on our well-being, and satisfaction level. It seems that if things are simple and stand a good chance of having a positive impact, they are indeed worth trying.