5 Ways to Make Each Day Pleasant.

People often ask me why I seem to be in a pleasant mood most of the time. Honestly, I’ve never given it much thought or even realized that the majority of my days are positive. Even during challenging times—such as when I spent several weeks in the hospital for a heart condition—my mindset was not consumed by fear or worry. Instead, I embraced the opportunity to wake up each day and experience life anew. I also found comfort in my belief in life’s transitions beyond death, knowing that I was on a journey regardless of the outcome.

Here are a few practices I use to ensure each day is emotionally fulfilling and free from the weight of unnecessary negativity. These strategies may help you cultivate a more positive disposition:

1. Practice Smiling or Grinning.

A sincere smile or grin is the simplest yet most effective way to elevate your mood. It triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, which naturally make you feel happier. Start each morning with a deliberate choice to love yourself and others. Upon waking, when your mind is still clear and undisturbed, take a moment to think about someone or something you deeply care about. If they’re close by, share a hug—it releases the same feel-good hormones and sets the tone for the day. A positive start often creates a ripple effect that lasts throughout the day and becomes a habit over time.

2. Go to Sleep with Pleasant Thoughts

Waking up with a positive mindset begins with how you end your day. Cultivate a healthy, gratitude-filled bedtime routine. Try expressing appreciation for the day’s events, listening to soft, non-lyrical music, avoiding news or other negative content, and setting aside technology an hour before bed. A peaceful night’s sleep leads to a refreshed and pleasant morning.

3. Start the Day Relaxed

How you begin your day influences its trajectory. Incorporate practices like deep breathing exercises, yoga, stretching, or short meditations to release tension and establish a calm, energized mindset. These habits prepare you for a peaceful and productive day.

4. Make Your Bed

It’s a small action with significant psychological benefits. Starting the day by making your bed gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment. Plus, returning to a neatly made bed at the end of the day promotes relaxation and sets the stage for restful sleep. While some might argue it’s unnecessary since you are going to mess it up again, consider how you’d feel walking into a hotel room with an unmade bed—it likely wouldn’t be positive. Avoid the simple sources of negativity in your life.

5. Manage the “What Ifs”

Living in the “What If” mindset can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Questions like What if I don’t succeed? or What if I make a mistake? often focus on negative outcomes, creating mental tension. To manage this, consider these strategies:

• Practice controlled breathing: Inhale for five seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for six seconds. Repeat several times. Imagine tension leaving your body as you exhale, and calm energy entering as you inhale.

• Acknowledge your resilience: Remind yourself of similar challenges you’ve faced and overcome in the past.

• Visualize success: Focus on the best possible outcome. Identify three truths:

  1. Everything will work out, regardless of the outcome.

  2. You’ve done your best, and that’s enough.

  3. Life often brings pleasant surprises—this could be one of them.

• Reflect and learn: After an event, review what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d adjust in the future. This reflection helps you prepare for similar situations with greater confidence and awareness.

By incorporating these simple practices, you can make each day more meaningful and enjoyable. Life is full of opportunities to create positive experiences, even in challenging circumstances.

Enjoy your day!