With the everyday stresses, anxieties and pressures that come along with your daily routine, life can become overwhelming and filled with negativity. When I'm stressed, I like to remind myself that everything is all in my head. Inside your own head you create panic attack, harbor fears and overthink about work, or family, significant other, or anything; why do we do this to ourselves? At that point, it is what it is and there isn't much you can do to solve the problem, therefore, you should open your mind and realize that everything you're thinking or feeling only exists in your own head. It'll drive you crazy if you try to figure it all out, so my advice is to remember to make yourself happy, which is easier said than done.
Some simple things you can add to your everyday life to help keep you happy, balanced and focused on what is actually important could include:
1. Drinking water.
I'm not a doctor, but I know water is definitely good for you. I googled it, and 75% of your brain is made up of water, so drinking a little extra in your day will help keep you hydrated refreshed, and your brain will thank you.
2. Exercise.
For some, with busy schedules and life always getting in the way, exercising becomes this word you hear about often, dread thinking about, but love to wear the clothing for because it's so comfortable and now socially acceptable, but the addition of even a little bit of cardio or weight lifting, or even walking can do wonders for your mind. Your body releases endorphins when you work out, so whether you dread the gym or not, your body and mind will thank you.
3. Sleep.
Sometimes sleep becomes optional- but that really shouldn't be the case. You have a paper due tomorrow for your 8 AM, well who needs sleep anyway? Um, you actually do need sleep, your body needs the time to recover and recharge. Imagine not charging your phone after using it all day, it's going to be useless the next day, so make sleep a priority.
4. Wear 'The' outfit.
You know that top you've been saving for a night out, that dress you bought but don't think you have anything to wear it to, the shorts you bought- wore and posted a pic of them on Instagram so you "definitely can't wear them again" - wear it. Don't put it off any longer, there is no such thing as over-dressed, if you look nice than rock it, if you already wore the outfit, it worked once it'll work again. Life is too short to keep putting it off.
5. Take a risk.
Want to switch your job? Want to ask that girl out? Feeling stuck and unhappy? You have the power to change any of that. Although starting new may be out of your comfort zone, beginning fresh gives you the power to take on your own life. It might be scary but you never know what good it can bring until you try.
6. Get the large.
Whether you are talking about the size of your milkshake, or the sweatshirt in the souvenir shop, my advice is usually get the large. All things are good in moderation, so if you’re ordering the chocolate milkshake from McDonald’s on the way home from work, just get the large, because you’re having the calories anyway you might as well skip pretending that getting the small will be sufficient. The large side of fries can be split between all your friends so you won't feel as guilty about it, and the large sweatshirt will be your new go-to comfy sweatshirt. You're welcome.
7. Take a deep breath.
When you’re angry, when you’re hurt, even when you’re happy, allow yourself to feel the emotion and then let it go. Taking a deep breath will remind you that even though whatever it is seems like the biggest thing of your life is at the moment, that really you are just one small part of this huge universe around you, and everything will be alright.
8. Look up.
I’m guilty of it; when I walk around my head is always down, my mind is somewhere else, I miss so many things. Walk with your head up and shoulders back, instead of pretending to check your phone so you don’t have to have an awkward moment with a stranger, try throwing them a smile, spread the happiness.
9. Thank the people you love.
Saying thank you and showing appreciation is something that is powerful yet underutilized. A simple thank you for someone doing something as small as holding the door for you, giving you advice or listening to your problems; it can never hurt to tell someone that you appreciate them.
10. Put yourself first.
As selfish as it sounds, you have to take care of yourself, you’re no help to anyone else if you are unhappy and upset all the time. Make sure you take them time to reflect on things you do well, and appreciate yourself, and also look at the areas of your life you can improve on. No one is perfect, but the only way to get close is to be honest with yourself. Being kinder to yourself will only help those around you. Be willing to learn, love, laugh, help and be happy- and ultimately everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
