Doing New Things

According to Easter, many people live in a rut because they do the same things every day. Our commute to work is the same every day, our breakfast is the same every day, and we watch the same shows or programs in the evening. To break free from this, it is important to do something new each time. For myself, it means not always choosing the easy way out but also seeking situations where I am forced to discover new things.

Being Alone Without Distraction

"“The capacity to be alone is essentially the ability to be alone with yourself and not feel uncomfortable or like you have to distract yourself,” said Matthew Bowker, PhD, a professor of psychology at Medaille College."

Being alone doesn't just mean having no one around you, but truly being with yourself without any form of distraction. That's why I now take more moments where I don't reach for my phone or (note)book when I have nothing to do. For example, when I'm sitting in a waiting room or on the train.

Spending More Time in Nature

Easter mentions a theory by biologist E. O. Wilson, which assumes that people enjoy being in nature because that's where we evolved for the majority of our existence. We are programmed to be connected to nature.

Eating Differently

The Japanese have a special word for mindlessly eating constantly, namely 'kuchisabishii'. Eating should be done mindfully so that you don't unknowingly eat more than you would like or should.

Thinking About Death

Thinking about your own death, or that of loved ones, is uncomfortable and something I prefer not to do. But according to Easter, the fact that you will die gives color to your life. By contemplating your own death, you start critically examining your own life and no longer take anything for granted. For people who know they don't have much time left, endless to-do lists with pointless activities suddenly become less interesting.

'Embrace the Suck'

The recommendations I have mentioned above are not always pleasant, but I do feel that they enrich my life. Embrace the unpleasant feeling, it will pass on its own.