Especially for that Monday with its terrible blues attacking you from all directions.

And the way I see it, the typical solutions out there are well, a little too hard. Some of them are counter productive even.

A smooth and happy day doesn’t have to be hard. You just have to make the conscious choice of making things happen, rather than waiting for life to happen for you.

Here’s 8 tips for a smooth, happy day ahead

1) Make your bed in the morning

This isn’t just about fostering a habit that improves your tidiness in your own room. It’s about kick starting your day proper and also showing how the little things in life matter.

As US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven puts it, “”If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another.”

It’s the little things that matter indeed.

2) Think of the goodness you contribute to when you pay bills

Maybe this is a little tricky as nobody likes to pay bills.

Well, instead of whining about it, think about the goodness you’re creating when you’re paying them. You’re helping the phone company’s employees maintain their jobs. You’re allowing them to have money to buy food and shelter for their loved ones.

And no, it’s not a stretch when you think that way. Give it a whirl.

3) Switch off all music when you’re working

I know, I know. “But I’m playing songs with no lyrics in them”, is what you’re thinking now.

But the thing is, playing music can be very counter productive as you’re constantly multi-tasking to switch songs or typing in new tracks on YouTube. So even if they’re soothing, background music, it could be wasting more time than you think.

4) Go to work late if possible

That way, you can avoid peak hour for your commute. Try this out if it’s possible. Work it out with your boss. It’d be worth it to not have to deal with a crowded bus or train and of course, to be able to sleep in.

5) Leave the office late

And on the flip side, leave the office late for the same benefits as above.

With most people always in a rush in today’s world, it can very suffocating to be in the same crowded and hectic environment.

If everybody wants to catch a break, you probably can’t get it if there’s so much competition around.

6) Tell someone you’re grateful for them

This is a play on the quintessential, “Good deed of the day” practice, which ironically, a lot of people don’t adhere to.

So instead of doing a good deed, tell someone you’re grateful for them instead. Not only are you expressing yourself; your love for somebody, but it’d make your day and even your entire life as you realize how important you are to someone, and how that someone is important to you. Never take things for granted.

7) Get that one uncomfortable task out of the way early

Nobody likes feeling uncomfortable. It’s pretty much what’s causing procrastination in us.

The way I see it, the whole point is to feel uncomfortable! It’s a sign of a good day ahead, that is, if you get it out of the way fast.

For me, I do twenty chin-ups in the morning any three days in a week. It’s not a regime or anything like that. It’s just a random burst of exercise and discomfort. Everything feels good after that.

You just know things will be good after that. Just rip off the band aid already.

8) Have your space and time alone

Everybody needs their own space. This means nobody should be around you, no social media , no email, no phones or whatever.

You need time alone to do nothing. This is where you breathe, quiet your mind and allow simple insights to come in.

We’re all so preoccupied with something that we forget nothing could be the answer. No matter what, always remember you’re doing things for your life. You aren’t doing things for the life supposedly thrown to you by society.

Just for Pick the Brain readers

If you reach to the end of this article, that’s awesome!

I just wanted to tell you about my new free book! 12 Things Happy People Don’t Give a F**k About!

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Bio:

Alden Tan keeps it real at his blog and writes about motivation in unconventional ways. His two main passions are Bboying and writing. Check out his free report, 12 Things Happy People Don’t Give a F**k About!