25 Ways to Enjoy Life to the Fullest

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 science does not lie. 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 jump 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 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 fifteen minutes, and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a good book. You'll see the difference it 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 get rained off. Instead, you can accept that it's raining or windy and tailor your day accordingly. For example, visit a museum, explore new coffee shops, or go to the cinema. Then save that terrace day for when the sun spontaneously shines. 

4. Do Something for Someone Else 

Giving is more fun than receiving, especially when it's spontaneous. Bring a bouquet of 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. With our new lab tests, you can gain insight into your overall health or a specific aspect. 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 yourself with, whenever and as often as you want. Maybe you've lost sight of a hobby, like puzzling, drawing, or making music. Or perhaps you want to try a new hobby instead of always falling back on Netflix or a book. Now is the time! 

7. Celebrate the Little Things  

We celebrate birthdays, holidays, and major successes like a new diploma. Make sure you also regularly pause to celebrate the small things. Have you managed to get tickets for your favourite artist? Did the presentation you worked hard on go well? Have you extended 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 be constantly reachable, it can also be a hindrance to enjoying the here and now. By occasionally leaving your phone at home, you can enjoy your day undisturbed, whatever is on the agenda.  

9. Regularly Venture into Nature  

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

10. Take Good Care of Yourself  

Taking good care of yourself sounds so self-evident. But what does it actually mean? We mainly mean a healthy foundation. A foundation consisting of a varied diet, sufficient exercise, good sleep, and dietary supplements for extra support where you need it. Curious about which vitamins can boost your health? Take the vitamin test here. 

11. Plan Something to Look Forward To  

We all know the feeling: you've booked a holiday, put it in your diary, and the anticipation can begin. Besides holidays, there are, of course, many more moments to enjoy life to the fullest. Plan, for example, 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 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! Take the plunge and try something new. Take a cooking course, sign up for dance lessons, or learn professional massage. The latter will also be appreciated by your partner 😉 and is good for your muscles.  

13. Learn to Do Nothing  

When was the last time you did nothing? No phone, no TV, no book, no music: really nothing. Probably a long time ago. Whereas doing nothing is the only way we truly recharge. Because although watching a film sounds very relaxing, it's still considered exertion for your brain. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.  

14. Practise Mindfulness  

We often tend 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 are currently doing. Mindfulness can help you live more in the here and now. There are various apps, videos on YouTube, and clips on Spotify for short or long meditation sessions. 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 persevere in a particular sport that doesn't make you happy. Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy, and you'll stick with it much longer and more easily. After all, enjoying life to the fullest is best when you feel good both physically and mentally.  

16. Dive into the Kitchen  

Monday pasta, Tuesday curry, Wednesday casserole. We humans are creatures of habit and often revert to the same dishes. Because: it's easy, everyone likes it, and you can prepare it on autopilot. While you probably really enjoy a new dish in a restaurant or at a dinner with friends. Treat yourself more often to the surprise of a new dish and dive into the kitchen. Besides, 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. While you can also (or especially) pamper yourself regularly. Whether it's new skincare products, fresh flowers for your home, or a new pair of sunglasses for the first rays of sun: 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 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  

Where an extroverted person recharges from social gatherings, an introvert's battery might drain from them. There are many more things that can give you energy, which might drain someone else. Take the time to identify what your energy givers and takers are and ensure a good balance. This way, your battery stays charged, and you can enjoy all moments – yes, even those that drain energy – to the fullest. Tip: you can do this by, for example, keeping track of everything you do for a week and noting whether it cost or gave you energy. This will naturally give you a list to plan your days with a good balance between things that cost and give energy.  

20. Go on a Solo Date 

We often tend to do activities outside the house together. But take yourself on a solo date once in a while! You can decide exactly what you want to do or how long you want to stay somewhere and learn that doing something alone occasionally is not 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 plan a walk. 

21. Stop Comparing 

Comparing ourselves to others has only become easier over the years. Especially on social media, the grass seems greener on the other side, while 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, usually 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 it is within your control. 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 completely different. Enjoying life to the fullest 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 right away, but you should take a moment to consider why you're saying yes to something. Are you doing it for someone else, because you feel you have to, or because you want to? Wait a little longer before answering and 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. Maybe you exercise a lot and want to get enough proteins, maybe you've just become a mother and your energy is hard to find, or maybe you're just starting your second youth and want to reflect that externally. Whatever it is, we're happy to think along with you. Because we believe that there are certain dietary supplements and natural care products for every body that can provide the right support to get more out of life. Not just now, but also in the future. 

Written by: Caya Kerkhof