Enrich your life by saying "yes" to these 17 things

Published: 
By Jocelyn Wong
Listen to this article

It's easy to binge-watch TV every night, but getting out there and agreeing to things make you happier and gives you a brighter outlook

By Jocelyn Wong |
Published: 
Comment

Latest Articles

Breaking takes the stage in Hong Kong during ‘Under the Lion’s Rock’ competition

UN World Food Program director rings the alarm about food shortage in Haiti

Hong Kong Ocean Park to be the new home for Passion, 2-metre-long crocodile

EU not ready to fight climate change dangers, warns environment agency

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a rut, doing the same things every day? Or maybe you've ended up staying at home twiddling your thumbs because you just "didn't feel like going out"?

Saying "yes" might sometimes feel like a pain when you are happy to stay home and watch TV. But it can also open you up to new experiences. Here are just a few things that you should always say "yes" to.

1) Going for a walk with a friend. Who knows what kind of secrets and inside jokes you might discover if you go for even a quick catch-up.

2) Buying that book that has been on your "to read" list for the past three terms. It might have taken you a while, but better late than never! And you'll have material if you have to write a book report at school after the summer.

3) Taking a study break and just doing nothing for an afternoon. No texting. No social media. No distractions.

4) Writing and sending handwritten cards or Post-it notes to people you care about. This can either be during the festive period or, you know, just because they're awesome.

5) Finding the time to catch up with that friend you made at summer school two years ago. You miss them and you guys clicked so well … what's keeping you?

6) Giving a classmate some help, or accepting help from a classmate, even if you don't know them that well. This is your opportunity to get to know them better!

7) Telling your crush how you feel. The worst thing that can happen is that they say "no". If that does happen, you can concentrate on moving on, rather than spending all your time daydreaming about them.

8) Trying to live a healthier way of life, one small change at a time.

9) Spending your lunch break playing catch with the rest of your classmates. You might feel like you're too old for that game, but really, no one is ever too old to run around feeling young and carefree!

10) Being part of a cheesy family photo, even when you think you look terrible that day. Your parents only want to do this because they love you. You'll appreciate it one day.

11) Taking the time to bake homemade cookies. And buying a packet of cookie mixture doesn't count. The best cookies are always made from scratch. Let the smell of freshly baked goodies fill the room. The smell itself will be enough to give you a sugar buzz that lasts all afternoon.

12) Taking a nice long nap on a rainy day. There's no shame in that at all.

13) Making it to your friend's ballet recital, musical performance, race day or art show, just to show that you care. And it's a good way to show them that you support them in everything that they do.

14) Trying a completely unknown cuisine with your friends and ordering something you can't pronounce from the menu.

15) Wearing comfortable shoes, even if they aren't the coolest pair, and ditching the painful ones. Be kind to yourself.

16) Going to the nearest florist or chocolate shop and buying a friend something small just to show that you love them and care about them.

17) Doing something that isn't necessarily "your thing" - if you're really into science, go rock climbing, if you absolutely love chemistry, try swing dancing, or if you're captain of all the sports teams at school, listen to an opera. Who knows, maybe it will become your thing. Some day you might even look back and see how silly you were to ever doubt yourself.

Sign up for the YP Teachers Newsletter
Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Comment