40 Things You Should Do Everyday To Be a Better Person

Published May 9, 2024

As they say, every day is a chance to be a better person. But between the fast-paced lifestyle and the never-ending bills to pay, each day has become more about survival than living.

How can you strive to be better when fighting to survive every day?

You see, Rome wasn’t built in a single day. If you want to achieve something great, you must work for it daily. The same is true if you want to become a better person. It takes constant effort to change your life and transform yourself into the person you want to be. 

In short, if you want your life to change, you need to start changing your daily habits. 

The Things You Should Do Everyday

If you want to be better than you were yesterday, here are some things you should do every day:

1. Be grateful for the things you have

When you maintain an attitude of gratitude, you start to see life as half-full rather than half-empty.         

2. Smile

Smiling is contagious. When you smile, you cheer up other people, too. So start your day with a smile. You never know whose day you brighten up with it.

3. Make someone smile

Smiling is not enough. You need to give others a reason to smile, too. Whether giving your colleagues a tap on the back or handing out a care package for that homeless man around the corner, putting a smile on someone’s face is a great way to get the day going.

4. Spend some time doing the things that make you happy

Life shouldn’t be all about working and paying bills. Make time for your hobbies, too.

5. Exercise

Physical activity stimulates the release of dopamine, endorphin, and serotonin – the famous “happy hormones.” These hormones promote positive feelings, which, in turn, make you feel good.

6. Eat at least one healthy meal

Eating well makes you feel good. So make it a point to eat a balanced meal, with less sugar and fats, at least once a day.

7. List down (or make a mental note) of your goals for the day

Planning your day helps you stay focused and motivated. You don’t need to sit down to do this. You can list your daily tasks while commuting to work, brushing your teeth, or showering.

8. Drink enough water

Water has many health benefits, such as aiding digestion and carrying oxygen and nutrients to your cells. These, in turn, make you feel refreshed and invigorated.

9. Spend at least a few minutes outdoors

While staying indoors with all the conveniences your home offers is tempting, you should go out occasionally, too. Go for a walk around the neighborhood or walk your dog to the dog park. Spending time outdoors is not only good for our physical well-being, but it can do wonders for our mental health, too.

10. Get enough sleep

We all know how important sleep is for our bodies. When well-rested, you wake up less cranky and with more energy. This also creates a domino effect of positivity for the people around you.

11. Have a good laugh

More and more studies are proving what we’ve known: laughing is good for your health. So seize every opportunity to laugh and be merry.

12. Say positive things to yourself in the mirror

When you feel good about yourself, you treat others kindly, too. So start your day by changing mirror mantras to fill yourself with positive thoughts.

13. Look for the silver linings

There are always silver linings to every situation, no matter how bleak. Only when we learn to see those silver linings will we learn to appreciate life to the fullest.

14. Consider each day as a fresh start

Every morning is a blessing and a new opportunity to make life better. Don’t waste it.

15. Help someone

Every day, there’s always something we can do to help others. Whether assisting an older adult to cross the street or mowing your disabled neighbor’s lawn, you’ll never run out of opportunities to help someone.

16. Learn something new

As author Kenneth Blanchard said, “when you stop learning, you stop growing”. So, strive to learn something new every single day.

17. Wake up earlier than you need to

Make it a point to wake up before your alarm clock tells you to. It will give you more time to meditate or do a quick workout before starting your day.

18. Meditate for a few minutes

Meditation helps you clear your mind, focus on the present, and gain a new perspective on difficult situations. Even 15 minutes of meditation is enough to help reduce stress and boost productivity.

19. Do random acts of kindness

Kindness makes the world a better place. So, to be a better person, start by being kind to others.

20. Make your bed

Many people don’t bother making their bed in the morning. But seeing your bedroom neat after a long day at work can take all your stress away.

21. Tidy up your work desk

A tidy work desk is also a great stress reliever, like a clean bedroom.

22. Listen to inspiring music

If there’s one thing that’s sure to elevate your mood and take your worries away, it’s good music. Whether you’re into country songs or heart-wrenching ballads, listening to your favorite music can transform your day.

23. Read a motivational quote

There’s a reason why people are hanging up wall decors of their favorite quotes. A good saying not only makes us think but also feel. So, if you want to get your daily dose of motivation, an inspiring quote or two can do the trick.

24. Write a diary entry or a short journal

One of the reasons why we feel lonely and cranky is because we are taught to keep our thoughts and feelings bottled up. And when we can no longer hold it in, we tend to “explode.” Keeping a diary or journal allows you to express those thoughts and emotions rather than bottling them up. This helps you “heal” mentally and emotionally.

25. Spend some time with your loved ones

Being with the people you love and care about is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Whether helping your kids with homework or having dinner together, spend quality time with your loved ones. After all, you can lose all your material possessions, but the memories you share with them will stay with you forever.

26. Reduce your social media time

It’s not exactly a secret that too much social media is terrible. Aside from the radiation from our phones, social media can also be very addicting. Studies have even proven that excessive social media can cause depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. 

So, resist the urge to check your DMs and notifications for an hour daily. Or, if you can, refrain from checking your social media altogether. It will save you from the harmful effects of radiation and the dangerous toxicity of people on the internet.

27. Engage in meaningful conversations

Make it a point to have meaningful conversations with people at home or work. Be open to other people’s perspectives. Life, after all, is a continuous learning opportunity. You can learn something from everyone if you just take the time to listen to what they have to say.

28. Read or listen to something that makes you think

Reading a book or listening to an educational podcast not only teaches you something new. It also hones your critical thinking skills and keeps your mind sharp.

29. Don’t put off the tasks you can do today

You’re not alone if you’re fond of putting off tasks for later. We all have those moments where we just don’t want to do anything. But if you do this every day, those tasks can pile up. Before you know it, you’re overrun with many tasks you have no hope of ever finishing on time.

30. Take a shower

This is for hygiene purposes more than anything. If you feel clean, you feel good. Feeling good, in turn, improves your attitude toward life.

31. Practice Gratitude Journaling

Take a moment each day to write down a few things you’re grateful for. It can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of life.

32. Express Kindness to Strangers

Whether holding the door for someone or simply offering a smile, small acts of kindness towards strangers can create ripple effects of positivity.

33. Unplug Before Bed

Disconnect from screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime to promote better sleep and allow your mind to unwind.

34. Enjoy a Moment of Silence

Find a quiet space to sit in silence, allowing yourself to reflect and find inner peace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

35. Practice Mindful Breathing

Take a few minutes to focus on your breath, inhaling slowly and deeply, then exhaling with intention. This simple practice can help center your mind and reduce stress.

36. Engage in Creative Expression

Whether drawing, painting, writing, or crafting, channel your creativity as a form of self-expression and relaxation.

37. Move Your Body Mindfully

Incorporate gentle stretches or yoga into your day to improve flexibility, posture, and overall well-being.

38. Volunteer for a Cause

Dedicate some time to volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about. Giving back to the community can be incredibly rewarding.

39. Practice Forgiveness

Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness towards others and yourself. It can free you from negative emotions and promote emotional healing.

40. Reflect on Lessons Learned

At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned, no matter how small. Every experience offers an opportunity for growth.