How to Make the Most of Each Day & Live in the Moment

This morning was much like all the others. It was a workday with nothing particularly interesting happening. As usual, I followed my morning routine to prepare for the day. After jumping out of bed, it was time to stretch, work out, and journal. After following all of my ordinary routines on this not-so-unusual day, I stepped outside to get a coffee at a local cafe — to go, of course. With my large hot black coffee in hand, I began to stroll down the street. Taking off the lid, I let the coffee cool for a moment. Steam began to pour out of the excessively large cup, but I decided to take a sip. Somewhere between this moment and lifting the coffee to my lips, I spilled my cup everywhere. Down on the sidewalk, about half of my coffee was seeping through the cracks of the antiquated Boston cobblestone. At that moment, it was no longer an ordinary day. Realizing my mistake I put the lid back on my coffee in an attempt to salvage the rest. Once the lid was secured (I must’ve checked five times), I lifted my head up. As my head rose, I saw a magnificent city skyline and a beautiful blue sky with water in the backdrop. It was at this very moment my tunnel vision went away and I began to see things clearly. I realized that I’d been thinking about future events and trivial things, not what actually matters. All I needed to do to appreciate life and be happy was to live in the now. Our lives are filled with routines, meetings, traffic, and all sorts of other distractions. We rush from place to place but never take the time to look up and live in the moment. Following these steps will help you enjoy each day rather than letting it slip through your fingertips. _ Related: _

Express Gratitude

There’s something to be thankful for every time you wake up in the morning. It could be as simple as being grateful for your cup of coffee or a good night’s sleep. Doing this when you wake up starts your day on a positive note that can snowball throughout the day as more good things happen. It also serves as something you can draw upon if things get difficult. Another form of gratitude is to say “thank you” or “I love you” to those you care about. Just sending a quick text with these words can transform your day. By making the recipient happy, you are actually filling yourself up with these emotions as well. Everyone’s had days where you put your head down and all of a sudden it’s time to wake up and do it again. Gratitude grounds you and helps you remember what matters in life when things get hectic.

Spend Time in Nature

What if you took a walk outside when things started to get stressful? Instead of letting your stress and anxiety build up throughout the day, give yourself a break. Nature is proven to increase happiness, improve memory, and even enhance attention. You’ll come back feeling better than before even if you just spend half an hour outside each day. Regardless of where you live, there are opportunities to experience nature. Some people like cycling, others prefer taking strolls through the park. When engaging in any of these activities you will find that you’re completely focused on the task at hand. There’s no better way to be present than being physically active outdoors. Being outside is also the perfect getaway for those looking for time to reflect. If you choose to be alone in nature, you’ll have time to examine your thoughts. With so many things fighting for your attention, it’s a great way to have “me” time without constantly checking your phone. It really doesn’t matter what you do, just get outside. The results can be mood-changing and give you a different perspective on the world.

Turn off Your Devices

How many times have you tried having a conversation with someone only to notice the other person looking at their phone? You’re probably also guilty of being the person looking at your phone — I know I certainly am. Sadly, this is quite common in a world filled with nonstop stimulation and instant gratification. It can be addicting because of the immediate feedback you receive, but in the long run, it won’t make you happier or improve your life. You’ll just keep seeking more and get disappointed if your social media interactions fall short of your expectations. Instead of focusing on how many “likes” you’re getting, spend time away from your devices and enjoy what’s in front of you. The first and last hours of your day are prime times to live without technology. At the start of your day, try implementing the 20-20-20 rule that author Robin Sharma emphasizes in his book The 5 A.M. Club. This calls for people to spend time exercising, journaling, and learning something new. Notice that each of these activities requires concentration, but none of them demand that you use a device. It’s a great practice to stay present and embrace the start of the day. _ Related: Stop Telling Me I Need to Wake Up Early to Be Successful_ Before you go to bed, you should also spend time away from screens. Spending time in front of devices before bed is associated with troubled sleep. When your eyes see light, your brain assumes it’s daytime, making it harder to go to sleep. Experiment with yourself and see if spending the last hour of each day away from your device makes a difference. Perhaps the most important time to avoid devices is when you’re around your loved ones. You don’t want to look back on life and regret not spending enough time with your kids or wishing you were a better spouse. All people really want is your undivided attention. Take time each day to shut off your phones and just talk about your day or do something fun together that doesn’t require technology. Having a family dinner is one way to do this, another might be playing a game together. Doing this will help you bond with those that matter most.

Final Thoughts

We always worry about the past and future when really the only thing we can control is the present. Practice implementing these suggestions in your daily life and you will feel more fulfilled at the end of each day. What do you do to stay present in your life? Share your strategies in the comments.