1. Call your mom.
Not just when you need her or when you're upset, call her when you're happy, or to see how she is or what she's been up to. The only way my mom has ever explained to me how much she loves me is that my happiness means more to her than her own, after hearing that I try to call her when I'm having a great day rather than just a text that day and a two hour call the next day in tears.
2. Truly see others.
Often during our busy days we worry so much about getting through everything on our plates that we miss the incredible people around us. Take the time to look up from your phone, laptop, etc. and see life. Take the time at a stop light to look around and see what the day is like or if there are pedestrians near by, smile at people you know and don't know, it's literally a smile and it could change someone's day completely.
3. Be kind.
Kindness can be demonstrated in a million ways, choose one! Whether it's giving your grandma a call and asking how her day is, letting in that guy that didn't realize the lane ended, complimenting a stranger on something or complimenting a friend on something not superficial. The options of how to be kind are endless, the kinder we are the better we feel, it's that simple.
4. Take the high road.
It's a cliché yes, but it really is the best route. If you wake up angry or sad because of yesterday's drama let it go, start today fresh, life is too unpredictable to hold onto anger or resentment. Agree to disagree, say you're sorry if you mean it or just move on.
5. Text your dad back.
If you're dad is anything like mine you know this is often forgotten. Many moms and daughters have close relationships, which really leaves your dad out of the loop. When you're dad texts you, reply, maybe text him first or even call him. Father daughter relationships tend to shift as we grow up, but it's important to remember that your dad still loves you like you're that baby girl he held for the first time at just a minute old.
6. Do something you will thank yourself for tomorrow.
This could be getting ahead on homework, going out, not going out, going to the gym, grabbing dinner with a friend, it could really be anything. Just do something that tomorrow you will be proud of yourself for doing. After all, the only person in life we should worry about impressing is ourselves.
7. Read something you enjoy.
I'm not saying get in your twenty minutes of silent reading, this isn't your fifth grade homework, it can be any kind of reading. Read an article on paper or online, read a chapter of a new book or an old favorite, read a book of poetry, read anything, reading relaxes people and it's good for your brain!
