10 Choices You Can Make Right Now that Will Make You Feel Better Almost Instantly

What are some simple things you can do that will make you feel better instantly? We could all use that, right?

Here are some ideas…

1. Watch less news. “But I need to be informed,” you say. Sure, that’s a fair point. But, only to a point. Why watch the evening news and then stay up to watch the late news? The stories are the same and very little changes in those few hours. The truth is that bad news and drama gets ratings. But it does little to make us feel any better. Watch or listen strategically and you’ll still be informed, but waste less time doing it and feel better as well.
2. Unsubscribe. This one is an ongoing challenge for me. There is so much useful content out there (this post, for example) that it’s hard to decide what to tune in to and what to tune out. I’ve had to strictly limit myself to choose the ten most beneficial subscriptions and say no to the rest.
3. Hire services to free up your spare time. It’s a trap to try to do everything yourself. You’ve convinced yourself that you’re doing things like housecleaning, honey-dos, lawn care, oil changes, laundry to save money. But if you do the math and consider all the time and effort, you may be “paying” yourself ten dollars an hour to do something you don’t and aren’t that good at all in the name of saving money. Consider this too… by paying for some of these services, you’re giving someone a job. It’s another way of sharing. This one scores a bonus “feel better.”
4. “Unplug” for an hour a week. You may have to work up to this one. By “unplug,” I mean give yourself a break from all your devices… TV, smartphone, everything. If it’s got a plug or a battery, it’s out. It’s easier than you think once you get started. Pick a day and a time and start. Once you’ve mastered you unplugged hour, you might even decide to work up to an afternoon. Maybe even a whole day. That may be a too much?
5. Restart a lost favorite activity. We have all given-up something along the way that we really enjoyed doing. It doesn’t matter why you stopped. But think back, there’s something that for one reason or another, you stopped doing it. Give yourself permission and just go do it. You know what it is.
6. Call a friend. You could email them, but calling is better. It’s best it it’s someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Catch up on old times and maybe even make plans for lunch or coffee. It doesn’t matter what it is.
7. Let someone in line ahead of you. Earlier today I went into a convenience store. When I was headed to the checkout, another guy was coming from around the other side of the aisle. We did that awkward little dance and each of us insisted that the other go first. I told him that I wasn’t in a big hurry. He replied that he wasn’t either. What are the odds of that these days?
8. Say “no” to something you’re doing that you feel obligated to do. Okay, this is a hard one. But, so many of the things we say yes to don’t really align with what matters most to us. If we say yes to one thing, we’re saying no to something else. And it might be something that matters more to you or those close to you. Give yourself permission to say no. “You know, I’d love to help. But, that’s not something I can fit in right know. Thanks for thinking of me.”
9. Say “Thank you!” to a stranger. When someone does something nice, let them know that you appreciate their kindness. With all the rushing and bumping and pushing going on, we need to reinforce those little things people do from time to time. Maybe it’s as simple as that cart they handed off to you at the grocery store. Saying thanks feels good.
10. Run your ride through the carwash. And don’t skip the vacuuming. I know it sounds crazy, but a clean car just drives better. We’re stuck in traffic more than we’d like… can’t hurt to feel better about your car too.
11. BONUS – Hug someone you care about. How can you not feel better giving or getting a hug? Seriously, it works every time.

What are some of your favorite “feel better” choices? Leave a comment and share them below.