Lifestyle: 10 Ideas That Will Make Your Life Better Each Day
Read on for a selection of fun suggestions, simple changes and daft-but-cheering tips that will brighten up your day, every day
Jo Simmons
2 December 2015
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
When imagining how you can improve your daily life, it’s normal to think big: fit a new kitchen, redesign the bathroom or extend the loft. But, in fact, it’s the little changes that can go a really long way.
There are masses of less time-consuming and costly changes that anyone can make to live better every day. From giving yourself a future present to investing in another pair of reading glasses, check out these easy, immediate and amusing suggestions for more happiness, right now!
There are masses of less time-consuming and costly changes that anyone can make to live better every day. From giving yourself a future present to investing in another pair of reading glasses, check out these easy, immediate and amusing suggestions for more happiness, right now!
Put up a picture
We’re not talking about investing in expensive artwork – this is about displaying an image that moves or inspires you. Pop it by your bed, above your desk or somewhere you are sure to see it. If you like, just stick it up temporarily with washi tape or Blu-tack. However you do it, notice how much better your day feels when a picture you love catches your eye.
We’re not talking about investing in expensive artwork – this is about displaying an image that moves or inspires you. Pop it by your bed, above your desk or somewhere you are sure to see it. If you like, just stick it up temporarily with washi tape or Blu-tack. However you do it, notice how much better your day feels when a picture you love catches your eye.
Get the message
Write funny and/or inspiring notes to yourself for the future in your diary, such as:
Write funny and/or inspiring notes to yourself for the future in your diary, such as:
- Stay amazing.
- Take a break.
- Make sure you eat some chocolate at 3pm – you deserve it.
Tuck it away
Leave a £10 note in the pocket of an infrequently worn coat and then forget about it. When you find it again at some point down the line, it will be like a little gift from you to you. Think of it as an investment in your future happiness!
Leave a £10 note in the pocket of an infrequently worn coat and then forget about it. When you find it again at some point down the line, it will be like a little gift from you to you. Think of it as an investment in your future happiness!
Drink water when you wake up
Your body loses fluid while you sleep, plus you spend around eight hours without a drink. This means that by the time you wake up, you will be slightly dehydrated. So start your day by drinking a glass of water before you move onto coffee or tea. It’s great for your health and can improve your skin, too.
Check out these handy habits that will help you make the most of your free time
Your body loses fluid while you sleep, plus you spend around eight hours without a drink. This means that by the time you wake up, you will be slightly dehydrated. So start your day by drinking a glass of water before you move onto coffee or tea. It’s great for your health and can improve your skin, too.
Check out these handy habits that will help you make the most of your free time
Create a done list
To-do lists have a habit of constantly growing, which can be demoralising. So instead, make a list of things that you have already achieved on your way towards a specific goal and add to it every day. If you depend on a to-do list to keep you going, at least leave all the completed jobs on it, satisfyingly struck off, to give you a sense of achievement no matter how many tasks remain.
See nine ways you can learn to love your home’s imperfections
To-do lists have a habit of constantly growing, which can be demoralising. So instead, make a list of things that you have already achieved on your way towards a specific goal and add to it every day. If you depend on a to-do list to keep you going, at least leave all the completed jobs on it, satisfyingly struck off, to give you a sense of achievement no matter how many tasks remain.
See nine ways you can learn to love your home’s imperfections
Add one item you love to each room
Whether it’s a cushion, a piece of furniture or a simple vase, try to work one treasure that really sets your pulse racing or means something to you into each room. You may be amazed at how often your eye seeks it out, and at how gratifying it is to see it there.
Whether it’s a cushion, a piece of furniture or a simple vase, try to work one treasure that really sets your pulse racing or means something to you into each room. You may be amazed at how often your eye seeks it out, and at how gratifying it is to see it there.
Change your sheets
So simple, but so effective! Nothing makes you feel more pampered than sinking into a bed made up with freshly laundered sheets. Make sure you always have a set clean and ready to use, and aim to change your bedding at least once a week. As well as making your day end better, it’s more hygienic, too!
So simple, but so effective! Nothing makes you feel more pampered than sinking into a bed made up with freshly laundered sheets. Make sure you always have a set clean and ready to use, and aim to change your bedding at least once a week. As well as making your day end better, it’s more hygienic, too!
Invest in another pair of reading glasses
Or maybe even two, and leave them in key rooms, so you never have to plod despondently around the house muttering, ‘Where are my glasses?’ You can simply lay your hands on a pair, just like that!
Or maybe even two, and leave them in key rooms, so you never have to plod despondently around the house muttering, ‘Where are my glasses?’ You can simply lay your hands on a pair, just like that!
Read a book
Fallen out of the habit of reading? It’s time to reconnect with books! Banish phones, tablets and e-readers from the bedroom and go old school by reading a real book, not a screen, before you go to sleep. Research suggests this will help you sleep better, plus there’s something very pleasing about holding a paperback in your hands.
Fallen out of the habit of reading? It’s time to reconnect with books! Banish phones, tablets and e-readers from the bedroom and go old school by reading a real book, not a screen, before you go to sleep. Research suggests this will help you sleep better, plus there’s something very pleasing about holding a paperback in your hands.
Wear warm clothes
I don’t mean woolly jumpers or lots of layers, I mean ones that are warm – literally. On cold days, put clothes on straight from the tumble dryer or drape the day’s outfit over a radiator while you take your morning shower, then climb into toasty garments. It’s like wearing a hug!
Discovers ways to warm up your home with throws and blankets
TELL US…
We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for making each day a little better. Just add them to the Comments below.
I don’t mean woolly jumpers or lots of layers, I mean ones that are warm – literally. On cold days, put clothes on straight from the tumble dryer or drape the day’s outfit over a radiator while you take your morning shower, then climb into toasty garments. It’s like wearing a hug!
Discovers ways to warm up your home with throws and blankets
TELL US…
We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for making each day a little better. Just add them to the Comments below.
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As much as possible, I use the "good set" for everything. Plates, cups, cutlery. I have cheap stuff as well but the small pleasure of using things that usually have some sentimental or aesthetic value in my everyday life really do enhance my feeling of well-being.
Snuggling up with a pet is one of life’s little joys.
I love #8.