Living smarter sounds a lot more difficult than it really is. In fact, little changes can make a huge difference. We may not always make good decisions but if we make a few smart decisions, they can balance out the bad ones (ie: going to the gym but then also eating pancakes at 2 A.M.).
These tips for living smarter may not change your life, but they’ll definitely make it a lot easier.
1. Use the reminders app.
Do I ever write a post without mentioning how I’d fly to the moon and back for the reminders app? The answer is no, definitely not. Reminders are perfect for anything whether they be for trivial tasks or major events. Set reminders to complete assignments, call home, watch Catfish on MTV, do laundry, finish the bread you bought, etc.
2. Make your own “pre-packaged” snacks.
Instead of buying those little to-go packs, make your own. This will save you money in the long run and can also help you cut down on snacking. It’s a lot easier to control portions when you’re eating out of a pre-portioned bag rather than a huge box. All you need for this is your favorite snack, some plastic bags and a little bit of free time.
3. Be safer online.
You should occasionally scan your computer for viruses and avoid sketchy websites, but it’s important to go the extra mile. I suggest using a program like Keeper Security which helps protect against cyber theft. It also protects passwords, private files, photos and videos. You can never be too safe. You can download it for desktop or mobile!
4. Sneak vegetables into your meals.
It’s so easy to roast some broccoli and toss it into your mac n cheese or to boil cauliflower and mash it up with your mashed potatoes. Instead of a tortilla, try a lettuce wrap. Instead of a bowl, try stuffed peppers. There are so many ways to incorporate veggies into your meals, even if you hate vegetables.
5. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” more often.
Typically I only have this turned on during class and while I sleep, but I’ve noticed that when I accidentally keep it on I’m more focused during the day. This can help you minimize the amount of time spent on your phone while maximizing productivity…win-win!
Pssst….Reading 8 Ways to End Your Phone Addiction can help you live smarter as well.
6. Note the things you buy too often…and stop buying them.
What are you guilty of hoarding? I’m guilty of owning and buying way too many lotions and body sprays from Bath & Body Works as well as buying too many lipsticks. I’ve vowed to start using them up before buying new ones and when I do buy something new I’m going to make sure I truly like it and need it in my life.
Live Even Smarter: Read The Hoarder’s Guide to Getting Rid of Junk
7. Keep better track of your usernames and passwords
Keeper Security keeps your information safe but it also helps you keep track of everything, which is perfect for those of us who are forgetful. Before using this, I kept my passwords on a sticky note in my desk and in a document on my computer. Yeah, neither of those is safe or reliable.
Keeper Security keeps your usernames and passwords in your own personal private vault that you can access and share anytime, anywhere and from any device. If you, like me, are always signing up for things, this is a perfect way to avoid pesky “Forget Your Password?”emails. You can also sort things by folder and category, which is perfect for those of us who really love organization.
8. Keep better track of important documents.
My passport used to be thrown in my desk drawer among envelopes, books and other junk. I also kept a lot of important receipts and work contracts in a folder shoved in a trunk with my snacks last year. Not great.
Keep these things in a safe place and I also recommend keeping digital copies of crucial documents, especially your passport. Keeper Security allows you to do so safely. I don’t know about you, but I’m always afraid of having my passport info stolen. This is great if you’re a big fan of traveling.
9. Document your experiences and memories.
You can never do this enough. The past few years I’ve taken to writing down memories and keeping them in a box to open on New Year’s Eve but I’ve recently begun using the Five Year Q&A A Day journal and I love being able to reflect.
Other fun ways to do this is by making video diaries, writing in a journal, scrapbooking or even using a blog. There’s a medium for anyone no matter how artsy you are (or aren’t).
10. Keep track of life lessons you learn each day.
My newly discovered favorite YouTuber, Krist suggested this in one of her videos and I’ve been in love ever since. I find myself taking bad situations and good situations and taking notes of them.
For example, today a class got canceled on the day my boyfriend’s visiting so now I can spend more time with him. In terms of lessons, I typed a note on my phone with, “Sometimes things just accidentally work out perfectly.” Another day I was feeling super down but decided to watch a funny video and it totally changed my mood around so I wrote down, “Laughter won’t fix everything, but it makes things better.”
It’s going to be a great feeling to look back on these lessons that you likely would’ve otherwise forgotten. You can use a pretty notebook or even use the Notes app on your phone–it’s all up to you!
11. Make a happy, mood-boosting playlist.
Fill it with songs that make you feel happy even if they’re not happy songs. If it’s the saddest song in the world but it makes you happy, put it on your playlist and smile all you’d like! Listen to it on happy, sunshine days and listen to it when you feel like trash and want to punch everyone.
“Be Okay” by Oh Honey, “Gold Rush” by Ed Sheeran and “Rhythm of Love” by The Plain White T’s are my top three songs that can’t help but boost my mood when I hear them. Here’s my happy playlist “some days are lemonade” if you’d like some listening inspo!
12. Keep a tissue in your pocket.
Weird, I know. This is something my mom’s had ingrained in my brain since I was little. Tissues always come in handy, especially in the winter. Just keep a tissue or a packet of tissues in your coat pocket and thank me later.
13. Stop overcharging your electronics.
Only leave your phone charging overnight when it’s absolutely necessary. Unplug your laptop if the battery does not need to be charged! This is a quick way to fry the batteries in your electronics, which is never a good thing.
I always obsessively charge my phone and try to never let the battery go below 75% and this obsessive charging has seriously taken a toll on my phone’s battery life. Don’t do as I do.
How will you live smarter this year?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
