Most people are familiar with the term carpe diem, or “seize the day,” but what does it really mean? It’s not realistic to have grand adventures and life-changing experiences every day, despite what Hollywood has depicted. However, there are ways you can make the most out of each day — even the boring ones.
Here are some helpful tips for enjoying each day, so you can accomplish your goals and make time for the things you love.
Create a Morning Routine
While the way you start your day doesn’t have to dictate the hours that follow, it’s helpful to start your day on the right foot. Begin by creating a healthy, happy morning routine that helps you ease into the day and sets you up for success.
To make the most out of each day, start by waking up early enough that you have plenty of time to get ready, even if things don’t go according to plan. Skip the snooze button and use peaceful transitions instead. For example, your first task of the morning might be to drink a glass of water and brush your teeth. These mindless tasks are productive without requiring too much energy or awareness to accomplish.
Once you’re awake, consider what you need to do to be productive. The early morning is a great time to sneak in a quick workout or meditation session. You may even use this extra time to sit down alone with a cup of coffee and a book before the day begins.
Break your morning routine into 5- to 15-minute segments and allow plenty of buffer time for those unpredictable moments.
Set Daily Goals
Having a well structured schedule will motivate you to tackle your tasks, no matter how big or small. This is why you need to create a list of daily goals. Write down a checklist with all of your goals and manage your day hour by hour. Set reminders to keep things organized. At the end of the day or the week, you can look back at your accomplishments and get the motivation to continue hitting your goals.
Planning out your time in advance will definitely help you make the most out of each day.
Find Time to Move
Movement is key for living an energetic lifestyle and getting the most out of each day. If you’re someone who struggles with sticking to a consistent exercise routine, try swapping out the word “exercise” with “movement.” This simple shift takes the pressure off, allowing you to scale your routine as needed.
For example, you might get that intense training session at the gym today, while dedicating time to a low-impact mobility session tomorrow. Either way, you’ve still found time to move.
It’s also beneficial to add micro-movements throughout the day. Park further from the office and walk the extra distance. Take the elevator instead of the stairs. Set a five-minute timer every hour to stretch — your body will thank you.
Hone Your Productivity
Focus on doing things and doing them well, so you can end each day feeling accomplished. Eat the frog and tackle your hardest task at the beginning of your work day.
To make the most out of each day, consider putting your phone out of sight and mind while working and using a productivity tracker to keep you on task. If you find yourself distracted by notifications and the draw of the internet, use self-implemented blockers and focus apps to remove the temptation.
Nourish Your Mind
It’s easy to succumb to hours of mindless scrolling in our digital world. While social media serves as a nice distraction, keeping the mind engaged for long-term health and wellness is important. Take time every day to engage in an activity that makes your mind wake up and work. This activity could be anything from reading a book to playing a logic game such as Sudoku.
Nourish Your Body
Give your body what it needs not only to survive, but to thrive. Create a well-balanced diet rich in leafy greens, lean protein, and real food. Drink plenty of water and take your vitamins.
The state of your body ultimately impacts your income, productivity levels, and lifespan. Ask your body what it needs, and create healthy habits to ensure you’re getting the nutrients to support your quality of life.
Practice De-Stressing Techniques
Finally, learn to manage your stress in healthy ways. Find ways to disconnect and leave stressful situations behind you. Create a nighttime routine that helps you unwind and crawl into bed with an untroubled mind. Stress is a silent killer, and the better you manage it, the better your life will be.
Building healthy habits will improve your mental and physical well-being, and transform you into a happier, healthier person. With these simple tips, you can “carpe” each “diem“ and make the most out of each day, starting today.