5 Simple Hacks to Bring Joy to Your Day
Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good “hack”. I am always looking for ways to hack the system, and one of my favorite areas to hack in is happiness.
One day when I get older and potentially have children, I will most certainly be able to tell them “Dad’s been through some sh*t”. A global pandemic, terrorism, economic recession, mass shootings, natural disasters. These are all the sorts of fun and exciting things us post-millennials have had to live through throughout these early parts of our lives. However, through it all, I can say that I have continued to find ways to live a mostly happy and productive life. Here are a few simple hacks that anyone can implement to lead a healthier and happier life.
#5 Be Disciplined
One of the easiest, most straight-forward ways to generate happiness in any situation can be summed up in one word: discipline. Former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink has written entire books on this subject, and even goes as far to say that “discipline equals freedom”. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve got to be getting up at 4:30 every morning and doing 100 burpees before you eat breakfast. But, what it does mean is that if you get up each morning, write out a rough draft of the things you want to do, and stick to it, you will feel an increased sense of satisfaction about your day.
Back in 2022 while being in between jobs and waiting for a new position to start, discipline was one of the main things that I turned to to maintain a sense of purposefulness to my days. In a position like that, it is very easy to default toward loafing around at home and doing nothing. I would get up each morning, write down my plans for the day, and then stick to it as closely as I could. When you can block out the days work and stick to it with discipline, you are making yourself stronger and your life better. It’s a win-win, and it’s something I would highly recommend.
#4 Get Straight Up Out of Bed in The Morning
In his most recent memoir, former Navy SEAL David Goggins made a statement that “the easiest way to win the day is to get straight up out of bed in the morning”. It really is true. When you get straight up without laying around and hitting the snooze button, you are immediately and automatically starting your day off with a W. All laying around is going to do is make you more groggy, less mentally clear, and less productive. Not to mention you are shaving off valuable time of your life. Many of the world’s most successful athletes, entrepreneurs, and business professionals emphasize the importance of maximizing the morning. It has been said that 5am – 8am can be some of the most valuable hours of the entire day simply because you are the least likely to be distracted and bothered within that time frame. Get up quick, get up early, and get the day going. It’s a simple, quick decision that can make a big impact on your day in a positive way.
#3 Get Out of The House
When you sit around in the house all day, your brain and body basically turns to mush. Especially when you are at a young age and have the most to gain, there is no reason to be sitting around in the house all day. The more time you spend sitting around at home, the more you become like stale bread that’s been sitting around on the shelf too long. In one of his podcasts, comedian Joey Diaz even said “You want to know the secret to life? Get out of the house”. When you get out and start moving and shaking, your day automatically becomes happier and more vibrant. Opportunities are never going to just fall through the roof and land into your lap. You’ve got to be willing to get out there and make things happen, and it all starts with the decision to get up and get out.
#2 Implement Something New
This one is one of my personal favorites. I love to implement new things. It could be as simple as going to the bookstore and picking up a new book to read, or it could even be heading out to try out a new restaurant that just opened in your area. When you expose yourself to new surroundings, it automatically boosts your level of presence. When you are exposed to the same surroundings day in and day out, it does very little to stimulate your attention. Looking around at the same counter tops, the same shelving areas, and the same seating areas just isn’t going to do much for you in that department. When you get out and have a new experience, a little part of you grows as a person. You get yourself out of your comfort zone, and that is probably the most important aspect.
#1 Make a Phone Call
Making a phone call to check in on a loved one is a very simple way to add a bit of joy and positivity to your day. It doesn’t have to be long and it doesn’t have to be anything over the top. Sometimes just a quick hello is plenty.
There may be periods where you find yourself making more phone calls than others. At some points, such as around the holidays, you may find yourself making 2 or 3 phone calls all within a close time frame, and checking in to see how others are doing. At other points, making phone calls may be less prevalent. You might find yourself dialing it back and keeping things light. Which is fine too. Either way, making a phone call can help you connect with others and hear about what is going on in their lives. It’s a positive way to show others that you care, and it can be a healthy way to maintain relationships with the ones you love.
Make The Most of Each Day
No matter what is going on in your life, or whatever your situation is, these are 5 simple hacks that can be implemented. As usual, I could probably keep going. Exercising, getting sunlight, being in nature, these are all other simple ways to bring joy to your day.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If there is something that I missed, or if you have your own personal happiness hacks that aren’t listed, please feel free to share in the comments below. Thank you again, and I will see you on the next article.
