“Proper utilization of time is so important. While we have this body, and especially this amazing human brain, I think every minute is something precious.” – Dalai Lama

Our lives are made up of a series of single days that follow one another. The sun rises, sets, and then rises once more. Ultimately, how we choose to spend each day will determine the lives we choose to live.

While some people have more days than others, each of us has only one life. And we should be making the most of our opportunities.

Here are ten ideas for making the most of each day.

1. Get up early in the morning.

Early mornings are my favorite time of the day since they are calm, serene, productive, and stimulating. People use this time in different ways – some meditate, some exercise, some catch up on the news, some get to work earlier. What you do is up to you, but whatever it is, make it count.

2. Eat better

The food we eat becomes the fuel that keeps our bodies running. At every meal, we should make sure we’re getting the correct kind of fuel. This does not mean that you have to give up all the foods you love and eat like a rabbit though. Eating better really means being mindful of what you eat. You can have ice cream if you want it, just not too much and not as a replacement for healthy foods.

There is one rule that can be very smart to live by when it comes to food though. Make your first meal of the day one that offers plenty of protein. Your mind will be sharper and more focused as result, and you’ll have more energy to get through the coming day.

3. Get some exercise every day.

People who exercise regularly report being happier, calmer, and more ready to handle whatever the day throws at them, according to recent studies. Surprisingly, the study seemed to indicate that these benefits were seen on a daily basis, implying that you can start experiencing them right now by choosing to exercise for 20 minutes.

Again, what you choose to do is up to you. There is no perfect exercise. Just make sure it’s something you enjoy doing, otherwise you’ll see daily exercise as a task to be avoided rather than a pursuit to be enjoyed and before long you won’t bother at all.

4. Complete one major task every day

We all have projects, work, and time constraints — things that we need to complete. Your to-do list is almost certainly longer than you can do in a single day. But, to make the most of this day, pick one major task from your to-do list and complete it first. Once you’ve completed one, move on to the next. They don’t all have to be work related either, completing personal tasks is just as important, and usually just as necessary.

5. Do something you love every day

You have dreams, objectives, and hopes in addition to the day-to-day necessities of life. You enjoy hobbies and participate in activities that help to define who you are. Take advantage of these life-changing chances and take – and make – the time to do at least one thing you love every day.

6. Get enough rest.

Rest is just as important to our bodies as food, drink, and oxygen. On a daily and monthly basis, our bodies require replenishment. Don’t forget to set aside time for rest.

When you do, don’t feel bad about it. There is a lot written today about working more, doing more and doing things like getting up at 4am to fit more into your day. These proclamations often make it sound like resting is a waste of time, and a bad thing. It’s not. Because, to be very blunt, bodies and minds that don’t get enough rest quickly begin to fail, and then you won’t be able to do anything at all.

7. Pay attention to others around you.

Remove all potential sources of distraction when you meet with others and really participate in a conversation. Pose inquiries. Allow time for responses. And when you do, make sure to look folks in the eyes. Their eyes reveal a lot more than what they say.

8. Give to a good cause.

You will not find your greatest satisfaction in life if you live it selfishly for yourself. Rather, the times when we choose to contribute to others are often the times that bring us the most joy and contentment. Every day, invest some of your life into someone else’s. Mentor a young person. Assist a coworker. Donate to a local charity. Alternatively, simply call a friend who needs to hear from you and brighten their day.

9 Take care of your soul.

Our lives are more than just a collection of cells. They are also composed of the mind, heart, and soul. Spend time each day cultivating gratitude, joy, optimism, and faith in your soul.

10. Reset every night

Tomorrow is a new day, full of opportunities and potential. You’ll want to start with a clean slate and a new beginning. Spend 10 minutes each evening decluttering and refreshing your home in preparation for the next day. Tomorrow’s self will appreciate it.

After you’ve taken care of the house, spend some tie resetting yourself. Meditation is a great way to do this, but if you struggle with formal meditation, and some do, ten minutes simply reflecting on the day can be just as good. But don’t dwell on the bad. Try to let that go and be thankful for the good instead.

Today is one of the most precious gifts we have ever received. Let’s make the most of it and then the most of tomorrow as well.