Sometimes, it’s tough to change your life all at once — there are too many steps to follow. The realization that everything will be different can even bring fear. Humans tend to stay in their comfort zones, doing what they’re used to without retraining themselves.
We suggest trying 5 cool challenges that will gently and effortlessly improve your life, and there’s no need to give up something you enjoy, like playing at BetLabel or watching movies. All you need to do is conduct a small experiment — no one is forcing you to stick to the new rules afterward. But trust us, you’ll definitely want to!
No Complaints or Judgments
Every day, we’re dissatisfied with something and share it with others, often without realizing it. By dwelling on minor inconveniences and criticizing others, we focus on negativity and end up spoiling our own mood.
Try not to complain about life, criticize others’ actions or thoughts, or spread gossip for 30 days. To make it easier to stay in control, wear a rubber bracelet and snap it every time you break the rule.
Tips:
- Analyze your feelings to get the most out of this challenge. What made you complain or criticize someone? How did it make you feel? Ask yourself questions and look for answers.
- Ask friends and family to call you out when you slip. Let them point out any negativity coming from you.
- You can personalize the challenge, such as “not criticizing a friend’s decisions,” “not getting annoyed with parents,” or “not stressing over grades.”
More Laughter
Laughter extends life by releasing happiness hormones that improve the body’s overall functioning. It makes you feel energized, refreshed, and upbeat. And who doesn’t love laughing until tears stream down their face?
For a month, make yourself laugh every day by any means necessary. Look for humor everywhere — read funny books, watch YouTube videos, or search for top comedy films. The world is full of reasons to laugh!
Before you know it, a cheerful mood will become a permanent part of your life, and you won’t want to let it go.
Quality Sleep
Healthy rest is the foundation of well-being and productivity. Your sleep quality impacts your mental and physical health, mood, and energy levels. Additionally, proper sleep enhances cognitive abilities, making learning much easier.
For 30 days, go to bed and wake up at the same time daily. Aim to sleep before midnight, and prepare your body for rest 30-40 minutes beforehand.
Here are just a few tips:
- To fall asleep more easily, take a warm bath with essential oils. Then, put your gadgets aside, as screen light stimulates the nervous system. Instead, pick up a book to relax.
- Air out your bedroom and, if possible, lower the room temperature. If you have an air conditioner, set it to 18-21°C, the ideal range for sleep.
- If worries about upcoming tasks or deadlines keep you up, accept that there’s nothing you can do at the moment. Repeat to yourself, “The day is over, and I’m falling asleep. I’ll return to everything in the morning.”
- Keep a journal to document your feelings during the experiment. Write about how you felt before starting and where you’ve ended up.
- If you struggle with insomnia, don’t force yourself to sleep — it’ll only make you toss and turn. Instead, look up tips for overcoming sleeplessness.
No News
Newsfeeds, television, and newspapers are filled with negative information. Shocking and extraordinary events are what grab attention, and media outlets take advantage of this. If news websites only featured positive stories, no one would visit them. People want bread and circuses.
Every news article affects our mood, even if it’s not immediately obvious. However, if you shield yourself from negativity, its impact becomes clear.
For a month, try not to read, watch, or listen to the news.
Tips:
- Turn on the TV only to watch movies or your favorite shows, especially if they’re unavailable online.
- Leave all newsgroups or mute notifications from them.
- Remove news portals from your browser’s homepage.
- If curiosity gets the better of you, ask friends or family about what’s happening in the world.
- Missing the news won’t change anything in the world, but it might just save your mood.
Helping Others
Brightening someone’s day with a small gesture costs nothing but has a profound impact on your own well-being. When we help others, we help ourselves first. We boost our mood and charge ourselves with positivity — after all, the joy we give to someone else reflects back on us. The effect is long-lasting: a simple morning gesture, like giving a flower to a barista, can keep you cheerful all day.
For a month, do something kind every day:
- Smile at a stranger on the subway.
- Compliment a classmate.
- Help a teacher carry a box to their classroom.
- Write a letter to a relative living abroad.
- Treat a friend to coffee during a walk, and so on.
Change your life for the better through experiments. There’s no need to stress over “life never being the same.” You’re simply trying something new to see if it suits you. And if it doesn’t work out, you can always return to your usual routine — but that’s unlikely.