5 Things You Should Do Every Single Day

1. Treat others with forgiveness and grace.

Based on work on the evolutionary psychology of moral emotions (c.f., De Jesus et al., 2021), we evolved in small-scale societies, surrounded by the same individuals over and over again. Our minds evolved to exist in such contexts. In such a world, treating others in a way that is selfish and disrespectful would have had adverse effects for oneself in the long run.

2. Experience love every day.

Based on all kinds of data, love is a real emotion that evolved to help keep people closely connected with important others (e.g., with romantic partners who also often served as co-parents; see Fisher, 1993). Famously, Maslow (1943) prioritized love as one of the core human needs. Express love toward someone in your world each and every day. And you'll both benefit from this kind of outcome in the long run.

3. Get out into nature.

Wilson (1984) famously talked about biophilia, and how humans, like all organisms, evolved to experience nature, in all its grandeur, each and every day. Regardless of the weather, I'd say make sure to get outside each day.

4. Do something altruistic.

Based on all kinds of work in evolutionary behavioral science, humans evolved a broad array of prosocial acts. And it feels good to help others, partly as a result (see Wilson, 2007). Prosocial acts of any size can have positive effects and they cost almost nothing.

5. Create something and share it with someone you care about.

Humans are a deeply creative ape (see Miller, 2000). In fact, creativity seems to be a core part of our evolved psychology. Writing poetry, painting, creating music, etc.—these activities all evolved to help us share and to demonstrate features of our internal psychology to others.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

Do you do these things everyday?

*I think expressing gratitude is also a very important thing that should be added to this list. Everyday, we should think of things we are grateful for. It helps start the day with such a positive attitude.*

#Nature #Forgiveness #Love #Altruism #MentalHealth