Most of us know that the greatest thinkers of the past had a lot of great ways to deal with the big questions of life. Thankfully, they left behind some tips that are surprisingly handy for us now living in the fast-paced 21st century. Here are eleven life hacks from some of the wisest minds of ancient times. Beyond your typical self-help tips, these tips will give your daily routine that little extra that it needs. It’s time to change your life for the better!
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Start Your Day With a Question – Socrates
Instead of starting your morning with a groan at your alarm clock, try asking yourself a simple question—”What’s my purpose today?” Socrates was the guy who invented Western philosophy and he was a big supporter of self-reflection. When you ask yourself this question, you’re beginning the day by thinking about your goals & values and this gives it a direction before you even begin working.
Embrace Change – Heraclitus
Heraclitus believed that you can’t step into the same river twice. Why? Because life is always changing, just like the water in a river and rather than fighting against the current of change, Heraclitus tells us to go with the flow. Essentially, he argued that we need to be adaptable. He said that we should see change as an opportunity instead of a roadblock.
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Find Joy in Simple Pleasures – Epicurus
Of course, Epicurus didn’t believe in indulging in every pleasure that came his way. Instead, he found happiness in the simple things like good food, great friends & the joy of living. He thought that real happiness doesn’t come from having a ton of stuff. What you have is what matters— especially the little things that make life sweet.
Practice Stoic Acceptance – Marcus Aurelius
Most people know Marcus Aurelius as a philosopher but he was also a Roman Emperor, so you can bet he faced his fair share of tough situations! His preferred strategy was to accept what you can’t change & focus on how you react to things. You need to find inner peace. Once you’ve done that, you won’t allow the outside chaos to disrupt your zen.
Cultivate Self-Discipline – Seneca
Seneca was a big fan of self-discipline as he thought we should take a good, hard look at our own lives—then figure out how to make it better. Just think of it as being the boss of your own actions. You should call the shots on what you do & don’t do in order to make sure every choice you make gets you closer to the kind of life you want to live. Grab the steering wheel of your life firmly with both hands!
Seek Wisdom Through Dialogue – Plato
Conversations can help you find the secrets of the universe and Plato believed this. But it wasn’t idle gossip he was after. Rather, he was convinced that by batting ideas back & forth with others, you’d stumble upon some incredible truths. Never be afraid to question and be questioned. That’s how you grow!
Embrace Minimalism – Diogenes
Diogenes was the original minimalist—way before it was cool. Instead of decluttering his space, he decluttered his whole life, although living in a barrel might be a bit much for most of us! Yet his point was clear. Happiness comes from living simply and valuing what really matters instead of all the things that you own.
Exercise Regularly – Hippocrates
Centuries before the first gym membership was ever sold, Hippocrates shared lots of useful health advice. He knew that keeping your body moving involved more than building muscles or losing weight. Instead, it helps keep your mind sharp & your spirits high. Go ahead and lace up those sneakers! Every step, jump or lap is a step toward a healthier you.
Practice Gratitude – Cicero
Honestly, Cicero was onto something when he argued that gratitude was one of the greatest virtues. It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have. Yet taking a moment to appreciate what’s right in front of us changes things because it makes us recognize the good stuff in our lives. Doing so makes the not-so-good stuff seem a bit less daunting.
Balance Work and Leisure – Aristotle
While work-life balance might be a hashtag now, Aristotle preached about it long before that. He knew that all work & no play wasn’t the way to live a rich, fulfilling life. You have to find a balance. It doesn’t matter if you’re into painting or just binge-watching your favorite show—you need leisure time.
Cultivate Friendships – Confucius
Confucius knew that life’s a lot better when you have good friends to share it with. With these people, you’ll create strong connections that stand the test of time. These are the people who cheer you on, pick you up when you’re down—they make the good times even better! Investing in friendships will help you, year on year. So never stop doing it!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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