25 Ways to Make the Most of Life

1. Express Gratitude More Often  

Expressing gratitude: perhaps you already write in a journal every day, or maybe it sounds a bit airy-fairy to you. But the science is clear. According to research from Harvard Medical School, expressing gratitude makes you happier. And a happy person? Exactly, they enjoy life. 

2. Opt for a Slow Morning 

The alarm goes off, you leap out of bed, and before you know it, you're on your way to work. You're already looking forward to the weekend: finally starting the day slowly and not having to jump out of bed immediately. But what if we told you that you don't have to save this just for the weekend? Occasionally, choose to set your alarm earlier, stay in bed for that extra quarter of an hour, and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a good book. You'll see what a difference this makes for the rest of your day!  

3. Let the Weather Guide You 

We mean this in a positive way, of course. The weather in the Netherlands is unpredictable, so your planned day on the terrace might literally be rained off. Instead, you can accept the rain or wind and adjust your day accordingly. Visit a museum, discover new coffee shops, or go to the cinema. Then save that terrace day for when the sun unexpectedly shines. 

4. Do Something for Others 

Giving is more enjoyable than receiving, especially when it's spontaneous. Bring flowers for your partner, keep a lonely neighbour company, or cook a fresh meal for someone who doesn't have the time.  

5. Take a Closer Look at Your Health

Being healthy is the foundation for doing what you want, without restrictions. Just as your car has an MOT, you can also scrutinise your health. This way, you'll know exactly what you can work on and where you're already doing well.  

6. Take Up (or Resume) a Hobby 

A hobby, something to relax and entertain you, to do whenever and as often as you like. Perhaps you've lost sight of a hobby, like puzzling, drawing, or making music. Or maybe you want to try a new hobby instead of always falling back on Netflix or a book. This is the moment! 

7. Celebrate the Little Things  

We celebrate birthdays, holidays, and major successes like earning a new diploma. Make sure you also regularly pause to appreciate the small things. Did you manage to get tickets for your favourite artist? Did the presentation you worked hard on go well? Did you extend your running route? All worth celebrating.  

8. Leave Your Phone at Home for a Day  

Our phones seem glued to us these days: we don't leave the house without them. While it's convenient to always be reachable, it can also hinder enjoying the here and now. By occasionally leaving your phone at home, you can enjoy your day undisturbed, whatever is on the agenda.  

9. Spend Time in Nature Regularly  

Fresh air is always beneficial. Regularly take yourself outside and let your senses do the work. We guarantee: it's pure enjoyment. Tip: visit an area that's new to you or a bit further away, and you'll really feel like you've escaped.  

10. Take Good Care of Yourself  

Taking good care of yourself sounds so obvious. But what does it actually mean? We mainly mean a healthy foundation. A foundation consisting of a varied diet, sufficient exercise, good sleep, and nutritional supplements for extra support where you need it.

11. Plan Something to Look Forward To  

We all know the feeling: you've booked a holiday, marked it in your calendar, and the anticipation can begin. Besides holidays, there are, of course, many more moments to make the most of life. Plan a dinner with your entire group of friends, host your first family weekend, or decide when you want to go on a day trip. This way, you'll always have something to look forward to. 

12. Learn Something New  

From a certain age, we often get stuck in the familiar. We still play the same sport, have the same type of job, and do the same things in our spare time. Time to shake things up! Put on your adventurous (or child's) shoes and try something new. Take a cooking class, sign up for dance lessons, or learn professional massage techniques. Your partner will thank you for the latter 😉 and it's good for your muscles.  

13. Learn to Do Nothing  

When was the last time you did nothing? No phone, no television, no book, no music: truly nothing. Probably a long time ago. Yet doing nothing is the only way we truly recharge. Because even though watching a film sounds relaxing, it still counts as effort for your brain. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.  

14. Practise Mindfulness  

We are often inclined to live in the past or the future. Which is sometimes very good – it helps you reflect and see where you want to go and what you want to do differently. When you do this too often, you forget to enjoy what you're doing now. Mindfulness can help you live more in the here and now. There are various apps, YouTube videos, and Spotify clips for short or long meditations. You'll also find it calming. Win-win!  

15. Choose a Sport That Suits You  

Exercise is important. That doesn't mean you have to stick to a sport you don't enjoy at all costs. Choose a form of exercise you like, and you'll stick with it much longer and more easily. Because making the most of life is best when you feel good both physically and mentally.  

16. Spend Time Cooking  

Monday pasta, Tuesday curry, Wednesday casserole. We humans are creatures of habit and often fall back on the same dishes. Because: it's easy, everyone likes it, and you can prepare it on autopilot. Yet you probably really enjoy a new dish at a restaurant or dinner with friends. Treat yourself more often to the surprise of a new dish and spend time cooking. In addition, every product has different nutritional values, and it's very healthy to eat a wide variety of things.  

17. Treat Yourself to a Gift  

We always think of gifts for others. But buying a gift for ourselves? Not so much. Yet you also (or especially) deserve to pamper yourself regularly. Whether it's new skincare products, fresh flowers for your home, or new sunglasses for the first rays of sunshine: you deserve it.  

18. Surround Yourself with the Right People  

The people close to you have a significant impact on how you feel. Is your circle made up of people who see the glass as half full? Chances are you'll also have a positive outlook on life. Setbacks are inevitable; what's more important is how you deal with them. Surround yourself with the right people, and no challenge is too big.  

19. Learn What Gives You Energy and What Drains It  

While an extroverted person recharges from social events, an introvert's battery may be drained by them. There are many more things that can give you energy, which may drain someone else. Take the time to identify what energises you and what drains you, and ensure there's a good balance. This way, your battery stays charged, and you can make the most of all moments – yes, even those that drain energy. Tip: you can do this by, for example, keeping track of everything you do for a week and noting whether it drained or gave you energy. This will naturally create a list to balance your days with things that drain and give energy.  

20. Go on a Solo Date 

We often tend to do activities outside with others. But take yourself on a solo date sometimes! You can decide exactly what you want to do or how long you want to stay somewhere, and you'll learn that doing something alone occasionally isn't so bad. Tip: if you find it awkward or daunting to do this for the first time, make a plan. Buy your cinema ticket in advance, take a book to your favourite coffee shop, or map out a walk. 

21. Stop Comparing 

Comparing ourselves to others has only become easier over the years. Especially on social media, the grass often seems greener on the other side, but in reality, it often isn't. Instagram versus reality. But even in your own environment, it can be tempting to compare. Be aware that you often only see the tip of the iceberg and only the things, often positive, that someone wants to show. Compare yourself only to yourself, and you'll see that you are exactly who and where you are meant to be.  

22. Be Kind to Yourself and Others  

Perhaps obvious, but be kind to yourself and others. Love makes life much more enjoyable, and part of this is in your hands. Give a stranger a compliment, thank your partner for cooking, and don't blame yourself if something goes wrong.  

23. Do More of What You Enjoy 

Find something you enjoy and do more of it. Whether it's a hobby, a specific task at work, or something entirely different. Making the most of life is easiest when you make your life as enjoyable as possible.  

24. Say No More Often  

How often have you said 'yes' to something you didn't really want to do? Probably quite often. We're not saying you should cancel everything you don't feel like doing, but you should consider why you're saying yes to something. Are you doing it for someone else, because you feel you have to, or because you genuinely want to? Wait a bit longer before answering and then make a choice you stand by. Whether it's yes or no.  

25. Learn What Your Body Needs  

Every body is different and has specific needs. Perhaps you exercise a lot and want to get enough protein, maybe you've just become a mother and your energy is hard to find, or perhaps you're starting your second youth and want that to be visible on the outside too. Whatever it is, we're here to think along with you. Not just now, but also in the future. 

Written by: Caya Kerkhof