5 Things You Should Do Every Day (#pinspirationthursday)

I wake up every day and go about my business. Most days are pretty predictable, at least during the week, with the exception of jumbled afternoon naps and the occasional cancellation at the gym. But truly, despite those things, I can pretty much anticipate how my day will go. Weekends are different because there isn't a work schedule to abide by, so we tend to really, truly go about our business as we see fit. The to-do list is there, but it's not a deal breaker like it seems to be throughout the week.

But, there are a few things I try to do each and every day at least once because they make my day feel that much better. I'm not talking about "30 minutes of cardio" or "three square meals"...while they're important, they feel like rules to me and rules aren't always fun. These things I'm about to share, they're more like pieces of glitter peppered throughout.

1) Smile.
It doesn't matter what brings it out of you, but you shouldn't let a day go by without putting at least one genuine smile on your face. Because only the genuine smiles are backed by joy, and we all need more joy in our lives. There's just too much out there that brings about the frown.

Pin / Source

2) Learn.
Your brain needs to be challenged. Not just by daily tasks placed upon you by your employer or by your school curriculum. But seriously, it needs to be challenged by YOU. So if you click on a link to read an interesting article. Read it with all of your focus! Don't just skim it, don't just blow through a magazine. Or half-listen to a podcast. Stop and let yourself absorb it because even if it's about something trivial, challenging your brain to think about a new topic (or maybe even an old one), can be fun and exciting. Stop learning, and you really stop living. Amiright?

3) Move.
I could spew out a bunch of statistics about how frequently you need to exercise each week, but that's not really what this point is all about. Figure out those stats, but also keep it simple: Don't just sit there, get up and move. Do something that uses the body you've been given. If that turns out to be exercise, so be it. If you take a quick walk to the beach and back just to smell the fresh air, or throw down an impromptu dance party with your kids (she says admittedly), then so be it. Just move, y'all. We are a far too stationary bunch.

4) Eat.
Obvious, yes. But let's stop and think about how we eat: Rushed? Without thought? Or maybe without enjoying what you're actually stuffing into your face? Stop that, you. Tune into your food and actually enjoy it. Because food is wonderful. Even the healthiest of healthy eats. It's wonderful, all of it, and it's meant to be enjoyed. So stop worrying about it and start enjoying your meals. And start eating them a bit slower...which is what I struggle with, truth be told. I scarf big time. But I try not to, and if I want that chocolate truffle, or that extra bite of whatever, I take it and enjoy it. Otherwise, I'll worry about it for whatever reason..."oh, me...I shouldn't eat this because it's not good for me and I'm stuffed," but whatever. Life's too short.

5) Hug.
Human contact is incredible. Obviously it needs to always be appropriate, but when it is, it goes a long way. Case and point: A solid hug from a spouse, friend, parent, whomever. But I get that not everyone is a hugger, so I'm not saying you need to hug at least one person every day. I'm just saying human contact is incredible. Seal the deal with a solid handshake. High-five after a good sweat session with your buddy. Hug your kid at bedtime, then snuggle with your spouse. Whatever contact you get, take it. And if you give it, make sure you're being respectful. Always.

And here's a bonus thing. 
Listed as such because it might not be for everyone.

6) Pray.
I'm not sure what you believe in with regards to prayer. I grew up Catholic, so I've always believed in the power of talking to God. But if God isn't your thing, I think praying can take on a different meaning: Talk to whomever or whatever you believe in. Or, just talk to no one. Think. Ponder. Meditate. Get lost in your thoughts. Now, this happens to me way more than once a day. Don't call me crazy, but I've had some pretty good conversations with myself. Some based on prayer, others based on deep thinking. If we can't talk to ourselves, can we really talk to anyone? If you think about it, I bet you're actually a pretty good conversationalist. Which is awesome because then, what's boredom? I'd be cool with a coffee date with me, myself and I. And maybe God, too.

Question: Do you incorporate any of the above into your daily routine? Tell me how!