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Hey Pandas, Do You Have Any Great Ideas How To Make The Mundane Day To Day Life A Little Brighter?
Give us your best tips!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Make an abstract painting. I have no art talent but painting without the pressure of making something specific feels creative. If you use canvas and you don't like the creation, either wash it off or paint over it. I buy paint brushes at Dollar Tree since I abuse the brushes. If you want to feel accomplished organize something. (and say oh that's where that was) Sometimes when I organize something it feels like my life is more organized.
Final score:
42points
RELATED:
#2
Get a pet.
Final score:
40points
Brenda 2 years ago
Our cat was crazy. She would get the zoomies and it would sound like a herd of elephants running through the house! She would run past me into a room, "hide" and then jump out at my ankles. She would wake me up 5 minutes before my alarm every morning by either jumping up on my side of the bed or by attacking my hand that's hanging off the edge of the bed. I would rough house with her to the point of her growling at me, she'd walk away for not even 5 minutes and come back for more! I miss her..
brenna wilson 2 years ago
Yup my mental heath and physical health is improved drastically especially mental from adopting my dashound/pitbull mix CHANEL saved me as much as I did her
Alexia 2 years ago
YES! I got a baby parrot just when I was in burnout, depression and on the verge of developing addictions. The moments of love and tenderness with him are priceless. The little dude literally saved me. IMG_201709...38def7.jpg 
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
Whenever I don't have work the next morning, I leave my rabbit's playpen open so we can have a slumber party. Woke up in the middle of the night to find he had decided to fall asleep on top of me. Day definitely brighter.
#3
Me and my roommate have started a little thing called cocktail Monday. Every Monday after work we make our selves cocktails. It really brightens up such an otherwise dull day.
Final score:
29points
#4
Find little bugs and look at them :3 Bugs are super easy to find because they're everywhere! Even the teeny tiny bug that lands on your glasses Take photos of them give them little names Become one with the bugs :3
Final score:
26points
Sooploosh MacSchnibble (Submission author) 2 years ago
U must assimilate. Bone becomes chtin, eyes become compound. nose becomes antennae. Do not be afraid. :3
Load More Replies... Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
I do this with snails. I like to root for them to make it across the pavement to somewhere safe (and help them along when they are about to be crushed).
Satan Laughs 2 years ago
Bugs rule. National Geographic has an amazing free app for kids called SEEK (app icon has green background, white leaf). It uses your phones camera to identify the species of whatever you were looking at. It identifies plants, mammals, insect, reptiles, birds, fungi, all the cool stuff. Free! I’m Gen Y and I use it weekly. I feel better about many of the bugs locally because they’re mostly harmless. Free.
Jodie Johnson 2 years ago
I have no words for how much I love "find little bugs and look at them." It is the answer!!!!
#5
Also Halloween movie month! Try to watch one halloween/horror movie every day for a month
Final score:
24points
CascadedFalls 2 years ago
Yes! I tend to watch go on a horror spree every month, regardless if it's October. I don't regret it at all being a horror fan. :)
MotherRobinson 2 years ago
I do this every October and also I watch certain thriller and horror shows like The Twilight zone or Supernatural
Mini grizzly 2 years ago (edited)
Uuuuh I love this. Guys! I'm a huge fan anyway so I for sure gonna do this... There are so many of them I didn't watch yet. Thanks for the tip 🙂
#6
I light a candle (okay, I hve the battery-operated ones) for each of my loved ones. it makes me feel like their warmth is near me.
Final score:
24points
#7
I treat myself to a good hot soak in the bath a couple of times a week. Some nibbles, a glass of wine, music in the background and my kindle. No set day, just when I need to properly relax.
Final score:
23points
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) (Submission author) 2 years ago
lol, yes, I do from time to time :)
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Auntie Panda 2 years ago
Down post by accident but fixed it. Cause I'm on my way to do this now.
Gorilla guy 2 years ago (edited)
I do this once a week, get some comfort food/drink, put on a movie, and enjoy the bath
Rostit. . 2 years ago
I really dont get the relax with wine thing. It gives me heartburn and a headache. no thanks.
#8
I have one I like to do on my day offs. I like to make a "story corner" - it's like you put all your pillows in the corner of your bed, and get a blanket. - when it's done you put Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon prime on and you watch a movie. Any kind of movie. Or series. Of course don't forget the snacks! They are super important. It's turns my mind off for a good while. Sometimes I get my hot water bottle too to put it on my stomach. Nothing special reason it's just feels great. I know it's a bit shallow and it's not an idea which rocks anybody's works but just imagine how great it feels to for one day you don't have to do anything, just this.
Final score:
23points
Gorilla guy 2 years ago (edited)
I have a story corner on my bedroom. A chair next to a bookcase, a rug on the floor, warm lights, an oversized cozy blanket
Nothing Fancy 2 years ago
This sounds so comforting! Self-care is never shallow, as long as it's needed, it works, and it's done in moderation.
#9
Meditation. Just 10 minutes a day can make a difference. There are plenty of books out there, such as "Hurry Up and Meditate" by David Michie, which can introduce you to meditation and get you started in the practice.
Final score:
20points
#10
1. Learn one random fact just ask Google for one random fun fact (often leads to a rabbit hole when I do it but I love it) 2. Do something very random and spontaneous, turn left not right, go to whatever movie just happens to be starting, go to a museum, take a walk, but crunchy peanut not creamy doesn't matter what random thing you do just surprise yourself 3. Clean sheets
Final score:
20points
E Murph 2 years ago (edited)
I put a new fact on my white board calendar every day. My partner is a disabled vet (thus home all the time) and has friends over constantly. Every one of them stops to read the fact of the day. I put up new ones each time, no recycling (it's been 4+ years of doing this most days), and I try to go for as long a streak as possible with just facts from my head. I'm just chock full of random plant & animal facts (like how many of them are consecutive hermaphrodites & under what conditions, fish with throat jaws, lots of facts about fungi).
CheshirePhrogg (Submission author) 2 years ago
LoL it is fun! You have to double check facts sometimes but... Bloodhounds have followed scent trails as far as 130 miles and the first phone book was published in 1878 and had 50 listings. It keeps me curious and makes me really annoying at Jeopardy!
Load More Replies... #11
Going out to find random water. Waterfalls, creeks, ponds, etc. Trails usually have this stuff in them. If that doesn't work, put googly eyes on everything in your refrigerator. Or spend the day acting like you're in a soap opera: just dramatically stare out of a window.
Final score:
19points
Auntriarch 2 years ago
We used to have "pick an accent and stick with it all day" days at work. Until the day a new manager was brought to our team to be introduced on the day we'd decided on French accent..... You can see where this is going can't you
Victoria Bard (Submission author) 2 years ago
Accent day has to be one of the best ideas I've heard today.
Load More Replies... #12
Bake or make something to eat. The DEVOUR IT ALLLLLL.
Final score:
17points
#13
Add googly eyes. That's it. Just keep some in your pocket/desk/car. Put them in random places to brighten up the world a bit.
Final score:
17points
#14
Do little things that that you always wanted to as a kid. Example: get a box of Lucky Charms, and pick out all the marshmallows and eat them. It’s amazing how great it feels!
Final score:
16points
Sara Wilson (Submission author) 2 years ago
It's not as fun as picking them out of the box tho
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Auntriarch 2 years ago
My husband would understand this. He once bought a family size swiss roll, and took a big bite out of the middle. Something he'd wanted to do since he was little
Sara Wilson (Submission author) 2 years ago
HECK YEAH! What's the fun/point of being an adult if u can't do what u always dreamed of doing as a kid! Always told "no" growing up and told "we'll, u can do that when u r an adult!". And then when most people get there, they forget about that stuff. There's big things that would cause problems, but little stuff like that?! Bring back ur childhoods!
Load More Replies... #15
If you can afford it, buy yourself some flowers or a flowering plant. Even if it’s only an African violet (which come in a great range of varieties and are very easy to care for). Put them somewhere where you will see them, like at the kitchen sink or on your bedside table. Enjoy the simple beauty of nature without having to travel far or spend a lot of money.
Final score:
16points
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Basil plant. Then you have food as well. And you can pet their leaves and the scent will make you smile
Karen Philpott 2 years ago
I manage to kill African violets. But I seem to be doing well keeping a couple of orchids alive.
Anita Britton 2 years ago
Wow! Orchids are usually much more difficult to keep alive/healthy than African violets. Wa to go!
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Hey! 2 years ago
We are renovating and I decided to put my two plants (aloe, snake) outside for pick-up, plus my silk one too (orchid). Someone grab them within 20 minutes. I just can't. My oldest brother has over 20+ plants in his home, so does my daughter who keeps giving me living, plants, just to watch them die when she visits. No more!
#16
Go outside. Pull some weeds. Dig in the dirt. Before you know it you’ve been getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
Final score:
16points
#17
Self-care with whatever calms you down or entertains you.
Final score:
15points
Mimi M 2 years ago (edited)
Lorazepam - lasts a lot longer and you can take less (as little as .25). I sometimes just know that it's there and then don't even take it. Everyone should have some kind of stash (unless they have addiction issues). Sometimes it's just knowing that you have it, not necessarily actually taking it, that makes the difference. I have a small stash of (industrial strength) pain pills from a minor surgery a couple of years ago. The only time I use them is maybe one pill once or twice a year (cracked tooth, something like that). But boy oh boy, knowing I have it is a comfort. Again - for those that talk about the dangers of benzos (or pain meds) - this kind of med should never be taken in any ongoing situation (except pain meds for a few days after a med/surg procedure). When I speak of it, it's knowing that it's there when a single acute situation arises - and in my case, knowing it's there usually means not taking it in the end at all.
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MaximumKarmaSaint (Submission author) 2 years ago
Why would you eat a burger with movies in it?
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#18
Eat cheese. That always makes me happy
Final score:
15points
Auntriarch 2 years ago (edited)
Ooh yes please. Where's Caro Caro by the way, surely she has been summoned?
#19
I make fruit breads in mini loaves. I give them to those who seldom get thanked. In my case, I take it to pet smart groomers, nurses, and my local dispensery. I try to do 1 nice thing for someone else each day.
Final score:
15points
#20
Every Saturday we're having brunch at our workplace. Everyone is bringing something to make it a feast. Cherish your coworkers! Work as a team! Stick together against higher management and rude customers or clients!
Final score:
14points
#21
Find a new (to you) place. Small town, big town, store, museum, park. Someplace you have never been to.
Final score:
14points
Gorilla guy 2 years ago
Or drive around randomly and get out and walk when you come to a place you like/find interesting
#22
Sometimes, just go crazy. The weirdest but funniest things happen when your logical brain goes out the window
Final score:
13points
#23
1. Let yourself enjoy the things you enjoy, even if they're "dumb" or silly. I think sometimes we can think our day has to go a certain way or we have to act a specific way because we're adults, but if something silly brings you joy, why would you deny yourself that joy? 2. Embrace Goblin Mode once in awhile, as long as you're not doing anything harmful of course. I work in fast food and one location I used to work at was dreadfully slow sometimes. So I'd be bored and get the urge to do something fun, and I'd bake something off menu out of ingredients we could find in our store. My employees would be like "what are you doing?¿?¿?¿" And I'd be like "I'm making a bread pudding /obviously/. It made them smile and generally made the duller parts of the day more fun.
Final score:
13points
Chocolate Addict 2 years ago
*Leans forward and intertwines fingers* Yes, please, tell us more about this
Load More Replies... #24
Put on your earbuds and dance your booty off! Bonus if you sing into your hair brush and pretend you're a rock star!
Final score:
12points
#25
Eat. Cake.
Final score:
12points
#26
Make grocery shopping or errands a challenge if you have a SO or roommates. Split it up evenly, and see who does them all first. Also, plan time to chat with friends :)
Final score:
11points
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Definitely plan time to chat with friends. Rest easy, Margaret my dear.
#27
Friend(s)! Have a phone call where you both do something mundane and boring like work/laundry/dishes/etc., during which can chat about non-boring things, so the time for the task(s) just fly by. Ditto for 'errand hanging', and 'I found this cool ____, which is seemingly boring, but I am excited because_____.' They're always a spirit lifter.
Final score:
11points
#28
learn a new language. Either to speak and/or read/write.
Final score:
11points
CheshirePhrogg 2 years ago
LoL I started Duolingo in 2020 when very bored thanks to lock down. I still don't speak the language but I can almost watch a movie w/o subtitles now
#30
Write a story about your life if it was the most chaotic, interesting thing in existence. Maybe, in the story, you step outside and there's a dragon or something. Just have fun and let your imagination run wild!
Final score:
10points
#31
Go for a walk in the dog park, take your dog or cat or children(or relatives children). Greet all the doggies that will let you pet them. Smell the air look at the trees, creek/ river. Pay attention to the wildlife, the coyote scat, the burrows, the birds, owls, woodpeckers, flying squirrels. Talk to other people, start with random observations, but always say something you immediately like about them or their pooder, and let the joy flow in the conversation between you. Watch your dog play, get muddy, smell things, smile.
Final score:
10points
#32
Foot soak. My budget version is a "dish tub", filled with hot water, Epsom salts, and some bubbles or peppermint oil - put on a towel in front of the couch and soak away for as long as you want. You can go with a full on home pedi or just some lotion and soft socks after. It's wonderful, especially if you've been on your feet all day.
Final score:
10points
#33
Start a Vlog called "TheMundaneLife" and share your boring day with like minded people.
Final score:
9points
#34
Remember nature, that adage of stop and smell the roses is pretty spot on, also as someone else suggested, look at the bugs, have a look at dew on a spider web, just remember little things.
Final score:
9points
Auntriarch 2 years ago (edited)
Every morning, before I do anything else, regardless of what I'm doing that day, I go in my garden and see what is different from yesterday. The medlars are starting to drop
Hey! 2 years ago
Wow, never seen those before (had to Google for an image). In one of the houses that we had, in the cupboard were notes from a previous owner just like yours - short and sweet - about their garden.
Load More Replies... #35
Calling family especially aunt or uncle whom you may meet them only once a year. I feel so wornout yesterday, my aunt called and we talk for hours. After that i feel great, and it really brighten my day
Final score:
9points
#36
People have their own little activities and hobbies they love to do. For me, I gravitate towards what I actually like to do even when I'm not bored. It may sound lame, weird, odd to others, but I love sorting things. Anything, really. I'll create organizational projects. It's not everyone's cup of tea. But that's what I enjoy because it's the one thing I feel I have the most control and decision over. No one's micromanaging me. It also gives me a sense of order and accomplishment in my life that is full of uncertainty, chaos and mess. That leads to the best idea of all. Enjoy the little things and the big things. It's all about perspective. I don't see my life as mundane. I love food and my coffee. So, I make sure I have my favourite foods and coffee everyday. When I'm shopping for stuff, I don't buy something just because I momentarily think it's cute or interesting. I ask myself how much I like it and if it's going to be useful to me. Even in a spiritual, comforting way. When I surround myself with the things I like, even if it's a few things, I feel happier. Appreciation is key. Appreciate what you got and what you're able to attain.
Final score:
9points
G'ma Susan 2 years ago
I’d like to join the sorting club, please! And yes, I think it’s because organizing stuff gives me a sense of control - however illusory. 😏
Load More Replies... #37
Post something controversial on a social media platform then sit back and see what kind of comments you get lol
Final score:
7points
#38
I make a list around 11am of everything I already did and some things I want to do for the day. First on list,...cross of everything I already did! Yeah! I feel great!
Final score:
7points
#40
#1 On my lunch breaks I people watch and create whole scenarios about the type of people I see and make up fake conversations that they're having. It's like free cable but I'm the narrator and writer of the show. #2 I talk to the trees, the sky, the clouds, the wind and fire (if I build a fire) because the nonhuman things on planet Earth get lonely now that peoplr have been conditioned to not see life within anything that isnt human. #3 I like to play in rain puddles in the rain. #4 I find all the pretty little hidden wooded areas near me that have a river or creek nearby and I enjoy the scenery. #5 I act like a crazy tourist whenever I go somewhere new and gank a menu or brochure or something silly and add it to my collection of "free souvenirs" which I then randomly grab one out of my stash and revisit whatever I grabbed. #6 I buy storage units that don't get sold in auction so I can buy them for $10-$20 and then I give random friends and people in need mini home makeovers and etc. I've now fully furnished 6 homes and 2 studio apartments. #7 I paint often. It's therapeutic.
Final score:
6points
#41
Turn the chores you hate into your me time (not the only me time you should have). I hated washing dishes but then I found the right podcast for me that I love and since that time is uninterrupted I now won't let anyone else wash the dishes because that's my podcast time!
Final score:
6points
Gorilla guy 2 years ago
Same with working out. I used to try to do my workouts quickly to get them over with, but now I listen to my podcast and take my time. I used to take maybe a half hour to work out, now it's more like 2 hours
#42
Learn something new every day. Read a non-fiction book, a biography. Learn a new knitting stitch, try a new recipe or do something you've never done before. Doesn't have to be any big deal, just something that engages you.
Final score:
6points
#43
I make up silly questions, and ask them of people,even inanimate objects if I'm at a "YARD sale" I'll ask "how much for the yard?" Or ask the light bulb"why are you so dirty"? At a park I'll ask the slide " do you really like all these kids scraping their butts on you"? I'll ask an actor on a show I'm watching" are you really that dumb"? People look at me like I'm nuts, but it makes me laugh, and relaxed when I'm really bored.
Final score:
6points
#44
Sometimes I like to buy a $5 gift card and tell the cashier to give it to the next person they think needs it. I like to think that the cashier gets a little smile for doing something kind and witnessing something kind and that the ultimate receiver gets a little sunshine added to their day. It somehow always makes me feel better to think I've brightened at least two other people's day 😊
Final score:
6points
#45
Final score:
5points
#46
Look up random words in another language. Sometimes I look up one specific word in several languages - looking up the names of animals is a favourite of mine. ---- @the welsh here at BP: I love your name/description of a🐞. "buwch goch gota" is/are my 'word(s) of the week' even while failing to pronounce it correctly.
Final score:
5points
Show thyself (Submission author) 2 years ago (edited)
I just looked it up 🤣 I found two versions, but Pila Pala is just lovely. I might need to find a teacher just to learn your language (preferable including the correct pronounciation). Made my day ❤️
Load More Replies... #47
Play a video game, even if it's just on your phone. Or, play an analog tabletop game with friends. Play an instrument. Go on Google maps, street view and "walk" the street on another continent.
Final score:
5points
#48
I like to have something to look forward to - my after work coffee, a certain time to watch a TV show, set myself housework challenges. It gives some purpose to the day. My favourite is definitely the after work coffee.
Final score:
4points
#49
I always love going back and watching old movies and TV shows. Those kids cartoons are not as innocent as you remember! 🤣
Final score:
4points
#50
Just look into the headlights of a car. (Not while crossing the street, I don’t want you to get hit like meese or mooses or moose or whatever.)
Final score:
3points
Auntriarch 2 years ago
I like to look directly at the sun with closed eyes. The light coming through my eyelids is somehow warming and comforting
#51
I personally nibble upon a bar of soap whenever I am feeling rather glum.
Final score:
3points
#52
Dress up! Then go about your day as you usually would. You'll see a positive change in the way you feel about yourself and in the way people interact with you.
Final score:
3points
#53
Not for everyone, and not one to be done one a whim of course - but for me, having a child really helped brighten my days. I was pretty miserable beforehand, and now something as small as watching a little person learn to say a new word brings me such happiness and excitement. It's certainly brightened my days :)
Final score:
3points
#55
First and most important-Wake up! Look around and see, really see, Sunrises, Folds in the clouds, The wink of a colorful flower and a bird flying by so free. Ah! life is so glorious if you take the time to savor the simple things FIRST!
Final score:
2points
#56
try to find one new song a day from a genre you like like rap i find new songs pretty much every day as my music taste evolves which i think is pretty cool to discover new artists especially lesser known drill artists like my pfp DThang Gz
Final score:
2points
Salman Chowdhury (Submission author) 2 years ago
doesnt have to be rap just an example to be clear
#57
If I wake up feeling blue (or worse, angry because of a bad dream), I just go to YouTube and search "baby laughing at ripped paper original" or "baby dancing to beyonce original" - either - or both - of these immediately make me happier!
Final score:
2points
#58
I'm trying to grow some plants in my room! Carrots specifically. Costs about 6$ in total and it's nice to see how they are growing
Final score:
2points
#60
Make a hot drink really mindfully and with lots of love and then take your time to enjoy it, maybe with cake!
Final score:
2points
#61
Find a happy place. Even if you can't go there every day, find a place that makes you feel safe, free, and alive.
Final score:
2points
Gorilla guy (Submission author) 2 years ago
I can't edit the post, but I wanted to add more. Bring a book with you as well as a picnic basket with comfort food and drinks.
#62
Shopping therapy at a local thrift store. Even better when you donate some stuff ( if you have not worn something in a year its prob time to recycle it). Never know what you may find. I try and go to those that support the local women and children shelter or one that exceprs vouchers to victims of domestic violence. Do good by giving and buying goods. It's a win win.
Final score:
1point
#63
Weird Walk. My counselor was telling me how she hates exercising but if she leaves the house and looks for something "weird" then you laugh at it, maybe take a picture, tell a friend about it. You did your walk/exercise for the day. You got outside. It works! The other day I went on a walk and watched a punk kid pop a wheely and loose his front tire on his bike. I laughed, went home, called my friend. We laughed... good times
Final score:
1point
#64
Use good quality, natural soap (you can probably buy local too). It feels like one of life's little luxuries.
Final score:
1point
#65
I turn on the recorder on my phone and try to see how many different character voices I can come up with. It doesn't have to be recognizable like cartoons or political figures, I just tried to come up with voices that might match like an old man living in the mountains or a 60s hippie or maybe even something scary for this time of the year. I sometimes use them on my voicemail, hoping to bring a smile to the person leaving the message. Try it it can be fun!
Final score:
1point
#66
Adding whipped cream to you regular coffee. Always makes me feel fancy.
Final score:
0points
#67
Use good quality, natural soap (you can probably buy local too). It feels like one of life's little luxuries.
Final score:
0points
#68
When I receive emails (often from senior management but it can be any email really) which I can have a bit of fun with I rewrite them and send them to certain trusted colleagues. I have rewritten HR policies, new employee introductions, complaints about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and many more. This works best in an open plan office. You know each time someone reads it because you can see them looking at you and trying not to laugh.
Final score:
0points
What do you think ?
Debra Sampson 2 years ago
I like to see something in my granddaughter drawing and finish drawing it for her. She is amazed 3 yrs old.
Debra Sampson 2 years ago
I like to see something in my granddaughter drawing and finish drawing it for her. She is amazed 3 yrs old.
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