10 Things That Deserve More Hype Than They Get

June 9, 2026

—

10 Things That Deserve More Hype Than They Get

I believe there are small things that do big things for us. They help us, improve our lives, and quietly make our days better, yet we rarely give them the credit they deserve. Every now and then, I think about them and wonder why people don’t talk about them more. Some things get all the attention. Others quietly improve our lives without receiving nearly enough credit. Today, I’m giving some of those things their flowers.

1. A Good Night’s Sleep

Nothing will humble you faster than realizing that what you actually needed was sleep. A healthy person is one who sleeps well. Whenever I wake up after a poor night’s sleep, my entire day feels different. I’m slower, less patient, less focused, and generally not at my best. Sometimes all you need is a good night’s rest. Not motivation. Not coffee. Not food. Not a pep talk. Just sleep. Life feels significantly better after eight uninterrupted hours of it.

2. Good Health

Good health deserves far more hype than it gets. We often don’t appreciate it until something goes wrong. We assume our bodies will keep showing up for us no matter how we treat them, but eventually they ask for our attention. The older I get, the more I realize that feeling good is a privilege. Having energy to move, waking up without pain, breathing easily, and being able to go about your day without limitation are things many of us take for granted. Good health influences everything. Your mood, your productivity, your relationships, your confidence, and your quality of life. As someone who has become more intentional about exercising, eating better, and paying attention to what my body needs, I’ve learned that health is not something to neglect and hope for the best. It requires effort, consistency, and care.

3. Drinking Water

Water fixes more problems than we give it credit for. Have you ever had a headache and someone immediately told you to drink water? Annoying advice sometimes, but surprisingly effective. I’m always shocked when people say they barely drink water. How? Why? I genuinely wouldn’t survive. I drink a lot of water and, much like tea, it has a calming effect depending on how and when you drink it. Cold water on a hot day can feel life-changing. Water during or after a workout feels earned. Water first thing in the morning feels like a fresh start. Add cucumber, lemon, or lime, and somehow it feels even more refreshing.

4. Walking

Walking is free, simple, and somehow makes everything feel a little less dramatic. A walk helps me clear my head, organise my thoughts, calm my nerves, and occasionally convince me not to make a questionable decision. One of the best things about walking is that it doesn’t require much. You don’t need special skills, expensive equipment, or a gym membership. Just a comfortable pair of shoes and a little willingness. When you’re tired but still want to move your body, take a walk. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

5. Stretching

I didn’t used to take stretching so seriously. I used to wonder what all the fuss was about. I remember when I started Shaun T25 back in the day, there was a whole video dedicated to stretching. Then I started stretching before and after every workout and attending a weekly Pilates class, and I quickly realized my body really needed it. Stretching improves flexibility, reduces stiffness, relieves stress, and helps your body recover better. This is your reminder to stretch. Your body will thank you.

6. Reading

I know, I know. Here I go talking about books again. But honestly, reading deserves all the hype. You can learn a new skill, improve your knowledge, travel to a different country, solve a mystery, fall in love, survive a war, and experience heartbreak all without leaving your bed. Reading introduces us to different people, cultures, perspectives, and possibilities. It challenges how we think and sometimes helps us understand ourselves a little better too. That’s magic if you ask me.

POSTS YOU SHOULD READ:

7. Having Something To Look Forward To

One thing that keeps me going is having something to look forward to. This is often overlooked, but it plays a huge role in my mental health. It could be a trip, a birthday, a party, an event, a concert, a performance review, a date, a book release from your favourite author, a random Saturday plan. The thing itself doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes the anticipation is enough. Life feels lighter when there is something exciting waiting for you on the horizon.

8. Trying New Things

Every once in a while, you should do something you’ve never done before. One thing I take pride in is my openness to new experiences and learning opportunities. Some of the best things that have happened in my life came from situations I never planned for. I once spoke to someone at a learning conference. A few weeks later, she told me about a job opportunity. I ended up working there for five years. That connection only happened because I started a conversation. Trying new things is not something you should ignore. Take a class, attend an event, visit a new place, order something unfamiliar on the menu. The worst-case scenario is usually a story. The best-case scenario is discovering something you love.

START YOUR WRITING JOURNEY WITH 69% OFF YOUR WORDPRESS PLAN WITH MY AFFILIATE LINK – GET IT HERE

9. Community

Life is easier when you have people. People to laugh with, learn from, rely on and build with. People to call when things are going well and when they aren’t. As adults, it’s surprisingly easy to become isolated without realizing it, especially when you work from home like I do. Work, responsibilities, and routines can slowly shrink our circles. Community reminds us that we’re not meant to do life alone. It can be a fitness community, religious community, creative community, career community, etc. Don’t just join a community, rely on the members too.

10. Minding Your Business

This is not a joke. Minding your business is an underrated skill that requires more attention than it gets. It’s a gift because there is so much peace in focusing on your own life, your own goals, your own growth, and your own happiness. I’ve prioritised peace in adulthood and it has made my life way easier. Not every opinion requires my attention and not every situation requires my involvement.

The things that make life better are not always the biggest things. Sometimes they’re small, simple and ordinary. And if you ask me, they deserve far more hype than they get.

What would you add to this list?

Mariam Shittu

START YOUR WRITING JOURNEY WITH 69% OFF YOUR WORDPRESS PLAN WITH MY AFFILIATE LINK – GET IT HERE