10 Rules To Live By For A Happier, Fuller Life
Day-to-day life can be challenging for just about everyone. Between work, school, family, friends, relationships, and an onslaught of concerning world and national news, it can be hard to know if you are focusing on the right things. It is not uncommon for many to feel that they are simply surviving, rather than living life to the fullest. While there may not be a rule book that tells us how to live a good life, there can be tangible steps to take toward self-improvement that could be helpful in making your life happier and fuller. For example, you might prioritize consistency in nutrition, physical activity, and exposure to nature. You could also spend time enjoying hobbies, relaxing, and writing down your thoughts and feelings. Working with a therapist online or in person can also help you live a happier, fuller life.
Rules to live by
When exploring self-improvement methods, many resources tend to focus on abstract concepts rather than actionable items. While different things may work for different people, it can be helpful to try a handful of self-improvement actions to find what works for you. Consider trying your hand at these 10 suggestions.
1. Be consistent with physical activity, nutrition, and exposure to nature
While this may seem to be a redundant suggestion when it comes to the nature of self-improvement tactics, this is likely because it is an extremely important one. Studies show that maintaining a consistent level of physical activity and exposure to nature can relieve symptoms of clinical depression.
Additionally, research has found that an overall healthy diet is generally linked to mental well-being. Implementing more physical activity and healthier foods into your day-to-day life does not have to be done perfectly or in a certain fashion to lead to positive results. Simply adding more fruits and vegetables to your current diet can be a fantastic way to introduce better nutrition.
When it comes to physical activity and nature exposure, a great way to introduce more into your daily life can be by getting a dog. If you are in the position to adopt a pet, a dog can serve as motivation to go outside and get active.
2. Implement the “two-minute rule”
3. Make your space clean and comfortable
You may have heard folks refer to the act of “making your bedroom your sanctuary.” This rule can apply to any space in which you spend the bulk of your time at home, whether it be your living room, home office, or bedroom.
Creating a clean, comfortable space tends to make us more productive and happier overall. Taking the time to declutter and organize your space can be a great first step.
Pro Tip: If you have trouble letting objects go, it can be helpful to take a photo before getting rid of the item.
4. Write down your thoughts and feelings more frequently
Journaling or simply writing down the happenings of your daily life can be a helpful way to release pent-up emotions and track your general mood and progress.
Journaling can be done in several ways. You can try using prompts, making bulleted lists, or simply freewriting. Freewriting, or stream-of-conscious writing, is a method that typically consists of writing or typing everything that comes to mind. This method can be helpful in uncovering deep-seated worries, fears, or insecurities.
Utilizing prompts can be another helpful journaling method. For example, if something bad has happened to you recently, such as losing a job or opportunity, you might try writing about how this instance could turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to you. This prompt can help with reframing negative thoughts.
5. Participate in hobbies and activities you enjoy
Having hobbies or activities that take you out of the daily grind can be important for emotional well-being. While our modern society tends to place quite an emphasis on constant productivity, a person’s quality of life can be severely lowered without the presence of fun.
Taking time to do things you enjoy, whether it be sports, video games, music, or art, can be vital when it comes to feeling happy and fulfilled.
6. Build and maintain a support system
Studies have shown that, just like many animals, humans tend to be inherently social creatures. Building and maintaining supportive relationships with people you enjoy being around can improve your life tremendously.
Though social media seems to have opened endless opportunities to socialize, many young Americans report feeling lonelier than ever before. Spending time with friends or loved ones in person can be instrumental for self-improvement and fulfillment. Even a phone call can serve as a fantastic way to connect.
7. Take the time to learn about yourself
Just like yourself, every person you meet may be experiencing their own issues and challenges. Sometimes, we may find ourselves facing challenges we cannot even seem to define.
If you find yourself wondering why you seem to run into the same problems repeatedly, it may be helpful to take the time to reflect and learn about yourself. This can be done through independent research, through self-inventory such as journaling or daily reflection, or through therapy with a licensed mental health professional.
8. Try morning meditation or positive affirmations
The Dalai Lama was quoted as saying, “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” For many, this has proven to be true. Starting your day with a five-minute meditation or a positive affirmation as simple as “I am going to have a good day” may set you off on the right foot toward a better life.
9. Give yourself time to rest and relax
“The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.” This is believed to have been said by the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi. To put it simply, overdoing things or putting too much pressure on yourself will likely leave you exhausted or burnt out.
Giving yourself the room to change and grow at your own speed can lead to higher quality and more lasting improvements in the long run. If you are someone who tends to put a lot on their plate, consider scheduling a certain amount of time each day to dedicate to relaxing in whatever way you prefer.
10. Attend regular therapy
No matter who you are from or where you come from, it can be perfectly normal to face periods of difficulty in life. Even outside of tough situations, a journey toward self-improvement can often be benefited by professional guidance.
Reaching out to a therapist or counselor can be a great place to begin your own personal journey toward self-improvement and help you find a set of life rules that work best for you.
Benefits of online therapy
While there may be many tangible steps you can take toward improving your life overall, help from a therapist can serve as a powerful tool for just about anyone. However, it’s often challenging to find an in-person therapist who is taking on new clients and who can work with your schedule. If you’re having trouble finding a mental health professional in your local area, online therapy can serve as a more convenient and time-saving method of working with a therapist. Plus, you can attend sessions from the comfort of home, and there is often a wider variety of available session times than there typically are at a therapist’s physical office.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Having a licensed professional to whom to report self-improvement progress on a weekly or bi-weekly basis can be extremely helpful in keeping an individual on track with a variety of goals. Online therapy is often a cost-effective option, making payment easy and removing a barrier to living life to the fullest, potentially resulting in a healthier and happier life. Additionally, research shows that online therapy can be equally as effective as in-person therapy in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Takeaway
What does it mean to live a fuller life?
Living a fuller life typically refers to thoroughly enjoying one’s life and finding meaning and purpose in daily activities. However, how you live a fuller life may begin with defining what that means for you personally, as it will likely vary between individuals.
For example, perhaps one individual defines “full” as a life filled with busy days pursuing their passion, while another may define it as a quiet life lived among loved ones and community. Regardless of how you define it personally, living a fuller life often means living without regrets and engaging in fulfilling activities.
How do I live my life to the fullest?
Again, only you can decide how to live your life fully— but there are a few quick things you may consider when designing your vision of a full life:
Are you “stuck” in a routine?
Many of us live habitually; that is, our days often look the same. This may be because our obligations and “to-do lists” don’t change much, but it may also be because we aren’t comfortable with change. While it may be easier to go about our days on “auto-pilot,” it isn’t always conducive to living fully. It may be surprising how changing your routine in small ways daily can contribute to more significant changes.
For example, make it a point to take a different route on your daily walk or try a type of food you’ve never had before. You may find that the new route inspires you to take up hiking or camping or that dish was so delicious that you’d like to learn to cook it yourself.
Are you willing to take risks?
Many of us are exposed to opportunities for growth every day, but we may not want to explore them if there’s risk involved. We may feel afraid to take a chance to speak to someone we want to get to know better because of fear of rejection or embarrassment. But that risk may lead to a treasured relationship. You’ll never know if you don’t find the courage to try.
Are there things in your life you want to change?
While we can’t eliminate everything from our lives that we don’t enjoy or prefer not to do, there are steps we can take to change them. It may take some mindful reflection, but think about what you’re doing as you go about your day.
Does your job make you unhappy on most days? Consider searching for something else. Are you bored with the décor in your kitchen? Pick out some new paint and cabinets for a mini-renovation. No matter how small, changing the things we have control over can be highly empowering.
Why is it important to live life to the fullest?
Learning to live a fuller life allows us to understand more about ourselves. When we know what makes us happy, we can, in turn, express that happiness. It can give us more balance, making coping with daily challenges more manageable. It can also help cultivate compassion and empathy for others.
How can I live my life to the fullest without money?
Some believe that living life to the fullest requires money, but often, the most fulfilling things cannot be purchased. There are many ways one may find joy and live fully without spending money:
- Reach out for human interaction and give your relationships some extra attention.
- Be present enough to appreciate the small things that please you.
- Show your appreciation towards others.
- Don’t spend time doing things you can’t stand or don’t serve you.
- Spend time doing things you enjoy.
- Plan for the future— but appreciate what is happening in your life now.
How can I live a better life every day?
Often, living a better life begins with our everyday choices.
For example, how we choose to eat, sleep, and move can set a solid foundation for wellness. How we interact with others can have a significant impact, too-- showing warmth and consideration for all the people around us (not only our parents and immediate family) helps build social bonds critical for well-being.
Caring for our mental health can also help support a better life every day. Some examples of everyday contributions we can make to our mental health include practicing mindful living, appreciating the moments that give life meaning, and cultivating strong relationships.
How do you live a life filled with happiness?
A life filled with happiness all the time may be possible, but many would say it isn’t realistic to expect. In fact, studies indicate that constant striving for happiness may be setting us up for the opposite.
Discomfort is a fact of life; even the seemingly happiest person likely has difficulties they must face like everyone else. Research suggests that accepting these facts can ultimately help individuals achieve a greater sense of contentment and, in many circumstances, happiness.
While we may not have the power to control our happiness, we can establish more happiness when we seek out contentment and become comfortable with our emotions. Many people turn to therapy if they have difficulty processing emotions, while others may seek help from support groups or a spiritual advisor.
How do you survive on your own?
Difficult and painful experiences are often hard enough to manage with support from others, but they can seem practically impossible if we must handle them alone. In cases like these, it’s imperative to remember that resources are available for people struggling with various life difficulties.
If you or someone you know feels like they need mental health support, an excellent place to begin is The National Institute For Mental Health, where you’ll find resources of all types, from crisis intervention to locating community support groups in your area. It may seem as if you’re alone, but there are people ready to listen to and support you.
How can I improve myself?
How you choose to improve yourself relies largely on what area you seek to work on. If you’d like to build your physical fitness, consider challenging yourself by playing a new sport or conditioning for a marathon or other physical competition.
If you want to expand your knowledge base, you may choose a continuing learning course that interests you or take language lessons. People who’d like to be more well-rounded may take up a new hobby such as painting, playing an instrument, or crafting.
What is the key to a good life?
Finding the key to a good life may sound like an overwhelming task. Is it through our experiences? The livelihood we choose? Building a strong family?
While any and all of these could be an answer, an 85-year-old study conducted at Harvard University suggests the key to a good life lies in our ability to let go of insignificant daily challenges— but it also found that a healthy social life and the quality of our relationships has the most significant impact on well-being.
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