You know those days when you feel like everything went wrong and you can't pick your head up? Those days when you are dragging your heavy body down the sidewalk? Don't be shy, we all have them, some more than others. Here are some simple things to do for yourself that have helped me to have a lot less of the dull days and more of the wonderful, light days. I hope one of these will help you!
Lets start at the beginning...
1. Drink more water.
I know, I sound like your doctor, or your parents. The fact is though almost half of America is not drinking enough water. This should be done all throughout the day, but should start as soon as you get up in the morning. I personally cannot sleep without a glass of water. Get your eight cups a day, kids.
2. Sun Salutes.
Whether you are a beginner or a yogi, the Sun Salutations are an energizing way to begin your day. Do this on an empty stomach. If you are a newcomer, instructional yoga videos are everywhere, just pick one that works for you! This only takes up as much time as you need it to. We are constantly overstimulated and constantly multitasking. It is important to be balanced in order to take on the rest of your day. Bonus: this can be done at a slower pace before bedtime too!
3. Music is a factor.
Whether it's in the shower, while you cook breakfast and drink your morning coffee, or on your way to work, the first music you listen to can really dictate your attitude for the rest of your day. Try not to listen to anything too sad, angry, or intense. A few Pandora Stations I love to listen to in the morning are A Tribe Called Quest, The Beatles, The Spice Girls, and Bob Marley.
4. Eat breakfast!
I get it guys, I am not a morning person and sometimes waking up early enough to make yourself breakfast before work or class seems like the last thing you want to do. If you can relate to this, try making yourself breakfast the night before. I do feel better when I wake up earlier, but we all have different jobs, therefore different times we sleep. No matter if you are waking up at 7am or 1pm, just make sure you eat a meal within about an hour of waking up otherwise your day can go very negative very fast. After all it is the most important meal of the day!
5. Get outside. There is a whole world out there!
Trust me, the occasional day in my bed with the blinds down and Netflix at my fingertips is a wonderful thing. You know what is not wonderful though? A sore butt from never leaving your bed. I find it so much easier to go to sleep if I have been physically active during the day, or have not been in my bed throughout the day. It is just that much more satisfying when my head hits my fluffy pillow at the end of the day. Even if you do want to spend your day binge watching, take a break and take a walk outside or go get some coffee. The sun loves you!
6. Practice common courtesy.
This one may seem obvious. Treat others as you would treat yourself. The modern world makes it very difficult for a lot of us to be aware of our surroundings. Its as simple as making eye contact with someone when they are speaking to you. This is another thing that may seem obvious, but if you have ever worked in any customer service based field, you know many people cannot be bothered to do this. Say please, say excuse me, say thank you.
7. Spend some time away from social media and your phone.
Don't be prideful now, studies have shown that Americans check their smartphones for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and many other social networks 17 times a day. That is a lot considering that theres only 24 hours in a day. Is it that important to refresh your Instagram feed once every hour?? Realistically, how many photos have really been uploaded in that last hour? Just set the phone down, even 30 minutes of not holding your phone feels like a huge weight has been lifted. Don't worry, all of the Facebook posts that inform you that "it's hot outside", which you can easily find out on your own, will still be there in a few hours.
8. Meditate.
This may sound intimidating, but once you get in the groove it can actually be quite effortless. Maybe you already meditate everyday, and honestly, if you do, then you are way better than me! Maybe you have never meditated though. It can literally be done anywhere! Its really quite a beautiful thing. It can last anywhere from 1 minute to hours. Close your eyes and do it at your desk at work or on the bus ride to school for a couple minutes.
9. Compliment someone.
You never know what someone could be going through inside. Little compliments can go a long way. If you like your coworker's shirt, then tell them that! It might be an extra confidence boost that they need. If you like your classmate's presentation, tell them that! It feels great when your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Or maybe it's someone you love, so you know exactly what their struggles are. Remind your best friend how much you love laughing with them! Make it as deep as you want it to be.
10. Always do something relaxing before you go to sleep.
This can be a number of things. Preferably something light hearted, soothing or even boring since it will most likely influence your dreams, which will definitely have an effect on the kind of sleep you have. Read something easy, my mother and sister often read autobiographies of comedians at bedtime. Watch a nature documentary. My favorite for bedtime is Disneynature's Oceans. Listen to calm music, drink some chamomile tea, lie in child's pose. Stress down so that tomorrow can be as great as today.




















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