Improve your life

5 WAYS TO PUT OTHER FIRST

(INSTEAD OF YOURSELF…)

We’re always ‘busy’. Busy with work, with our relationships, with our Instagram accounts and what not, but mostly, we’re busy with ourselves. We seem to have forgotten how fun it can be to think of others for a change. So it’s time to amp up your actions.

This is how you’re going to do it:

1. Visit your grandma more often

Even though I have the coolest gran in the world, I still don’t visit her as often as I should. Still ‘too busy’? Compromise is key. Instead of scrolling through Instagram when you’re stuck in traffic, call your gran (with a headset though, obviously). The harsh reality is that there are dozens of lonely elders out there and all it takes is one phone call to brighten someone’s day. You know what would be even better? Surprise her (or him – let’s not forget about gramps) in person with a box of donuts or something else sweet. Go! Go! Go!

2. Bring snacks to work for your colleagues

Common feeling at the office at some point or another: being in the mood for a snack. How awesome would it be if you were able to tell your colleagues: “Guys, I’m off to the kitchen. Is anyone up for a snack?” And then come back with something you prepped in the kitchen or brought to the office from home. Trust me, you’ll score some serious bonus points with this one.

3. Donate to a cause other than your own

Extra bit of cash left at the end of the month? Why not donate it to a charity instead of your own savings account? That new dress can wait.

4. Donate to a cause other than your own 2.0

Clean out your closet and give away your clothes to someone in need. It really IS that simple. Or do you have leftovers from dinner? There’s always the option of throwing it out, but why not ring your lonely neighbor’s doorbell?

5. Make more small gestures

Did a Facebook status tell you that one of your besties is stuck at home with the flu? It only takes one click to order her a fruit basket, you know. Is someone starting a new job? It won’t kill you to send a text saying: “Good luck on your first day darling, you can do it” as a nice gesture.

And to be honest, doing all of these little things will leave you feeling happy and content. So technically, you’re secretly doing things that’ll make YOU feel good too. We won’t tell if you won’t.

Geschreven door Kiki Düren