There are things that are optional in life, like buying designer clothes, eating organic, or volunteering in your local community. Some people really enjoy playing tackle football, others enjoy high heels, and there is a small sliver of a Venn diagram somewhere that includes both of those people.
However, there are plenty of things that seem optional but are actually kind of mandatory to sustain solid mental and physical health over any long stretch of time. These are the things I put on my "How Humans Do Things" list. This is a list that, when I complete it, leaves me feeling better than I ever would if I didn't do them. Most of them are affordable to everyone or can be modified to fit any budget, and so far none of the things on my list are particularly hard to get done. For the most part, they support the continual growth of a fulfilled and pleasing life - and happiness is the intersection of those things. So, without further ado:
How Humans Do Things
Morning
o Wake up after getting 8 hours of sleep
o Eat food
o Put on clean clothes
o Drink 1 bottle of water (between 16-24 ounces)
Mid-Day/Afternoon
o Eat real food – preferably the biggest meal
o Drink 1 bottle of water (between 16-24 ounces)
o Do one thing that can’t be put on a resume/is not homework
o Exercise for 20-30 minutes
Evening
o Eat food
o Drink 1 bottle of water (between 16-24 ounces)
o Spend 10 minutes or so cleaning up space
o Pay bills/prepare for the next day
o Stop work 1 full hour before needing to sleep
o Go to bed in time to get at least 8 hours of sleep