10 Simple Tips That Will Make Your Life Just a Little Bit Better

Over the years, we’ve doled out countless tips for making your life a little easier. We hope REAL SIMPLE is your go-to source for doing it all: learning how to keep your plants alive, maintaining solid friendships, and caring for your loved ones—including pets! These are 10 of our best tips that will make your life a little better.

Check the Stems When Buying Flowers

To get the freshest flowers, peek under the paper and look at the stems, says Calvert Crary, author of Flower School. Mold, browning, or softness is a sign of age. When in doubt, ask yourself, If this bouquet were edible, would I eat it? If the answer is no, put those blooms back. 

Steer Smarter if Your Car Starts Skidding

The old “turn into a skid” protocol needs a tune-up. That guidance helped when most cars were rear-wheel drive. Today new advice applies: Look where you want the car to go, and steer in that direction. To avoid skids and spinouts, never stomp on the gas or brake pedal. 

Make an Impersonal Gift More Personal

Though giving gift cards can feel like a fallback, research (and experience!) suggests people like getting them. Just make it special. For instance, Visa lets you put a personal photo on the card, says Patrick Kucharson, a gift consultant. Or you can add an extra present that hints at how the recipient might spend the balance—wrap up a spatula along with a gift card to Williams Sonoma, for example.

Ace Any and All Small Talk

Ask someone what they’ve been up to and you’ll likely get a “nothing much.” Instead, ask what they’ve been reading, listening to, or watching lately. You’re bound to get a good answer. Maybe even some good recs!

Keep Pets Healthy on the Road

Being away from your pooch is ruff. When bringing your four-legged pal on road trips, keep his tummy from getting queasy by rolling the windows down a few inches and watching his food intake, says Sara Lewis, DVM, managing shelter veterinarian at the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota. “Don’t feed him a full meal for six to 12 hours before your trip,” she warns, adding that it’s OK to offer small amounts of water so he stays hydrated. The same rule applies to flying.

Avoid Interruptions to Minimize Procrastination

“Identify the stimuli that frequently distract you, then remove them, or put yourself in a new setting,” says Alexander Rozental, PhD, who researches procrastination at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. If your surroundings—chatty coworkers, a kitchen full of snacks—cause you to lose focus, head to another location, Rozental advises, whether it’s a public library or a deserted conference room somewhere in your office.

Plan a Relaxing Vacation

Want to finally chill out on vacation? Then it’s important to plan a trip conducive to doing so. For example, something low-key, like a lake house, is a good choice in terms of destinations. Before booking your accommodations, remember that renting a house may involve cooking and cleaning duties, which can put a damper on relaxation. And a week of sightseeing is recharging only if you get restless sitting around.

Give Your Room a Glow Up

Use light to change the vibe of a room. For example, using 3000K bulbs and some nice floor lamps can make your home feel more cozy.

Choose a Better Office Chair

Lara Heimann, a physical therapist in Princeton, N.J. recommends looking for a chair that supports the lumbar (lower) spine, which allows you to maintain a neutral spine (not curled forward or arched back). It also keeps your head and neck aligned over your torso. Your seat should allow your feet to be flat on the floor and your knees to be level with hips, providing support for legs and spine. Your body should create a series of natural 90-degree angles.

Pack Simple and Smart

Whether you’re checking or carrying on, limit your color palette so everything can be mixed and matched, advises Nina Ruggiero, senior editorial director at Travel + Leisure. (Black, white, and a pop of color will never let you down.) Put accessories in a clutch that you can use for dinners out.