I used to often find myself worrying about the littlest things that I shouldn’t let get to me, but unfortunately, I allowed it to consume me and take over. After a while, I decided to take control and focus on the great things life has to offer. So whenever I’m beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed, I remember these ten things to get me through the day. It reminds me that there are too many good things in my life to allow the little things to ruin my day.

1. Looking Forward to the Future

I find it so calming to know that one day the stuff I’m worrying about won't matter. The small things I worried about in high school, like breakups, SAT scores, and all the other tiny things I stressed over don’t even matter today. It took me a very long time to realize that I can’t control every aspect of my life because everything happens for a reason. I’ll give it my all to do the best I can, but in the end I’m not going to worry about the events I can’t control, because it probably won’t matter in a few years from now.

2. Having a Support System

Sometimes all I need is someone to vent to, or someone to take my mind off my problems. The best way to do this is to surround yourself with people that make a fun, positive impact on your life.

3. Beach Trips

I could sit at the beach with my toes in the warm sand, starring at the waves for hours on end. The sound of the waves crashing and the sun beating on my skin brings me to my happy place.

4. Finding Your Creative Outlet

I do not consider myself a creative person whatsoever, but one way I relieve stress is through my makeup. I wouldn’t even call myself a makeup guru, but something about the process of applying my makeup calms me. It’s an interest I’m good at and enjoy doing.

5. Crawling Into Bed After A Long Day

If I’m having a really bad, long day, my favorite things to do are jump into the shower and afterwards, curl up into a clean bed with a cup of coffee. It’s a great way to relax after a stressful day.

6. Knowing That I’m Not The Only One That Feels This Way

One of the most difficult things to realize was that I’m not alone. I thought I was the only person in the world that dealt with these problems. It made me feel like something was wrong with me. The best thing I did for myself was open up to my friends and family. I saw that many others deal with the same issues that I’m going through. It’s comforting to know that everyone, even the most put together people, have a breaking point.

7. Dogs

In my opinion, dogs are the most pure, perfect, kindest creatures to ever walk this planet. So whenever I’m feeling down or stressed I spend some time with my dog (or any dog that happens to cross my path).

8. Memories

All of my friends and family tease me because I’m constantly reminiscing through pictures on my phone and laptop. I know they’re only joking with me because my pictures are one of my stress-relievers. I love that a picture speaks a thousand words. Behind every picture lies some funny or happy memory that I needed to capture at that moment. Looking back on pictures takes me back to that exact moment and helps me forget my worries.

9. Healthy Lifestyle

I feel the best about myself when I’m eating healthy, exercising, and surrounding myself with happy people. I feel like those are the three keys to not only relieving stress, but feeling good about yourself.

10. Remember: Nothing Lasts Forever

No matter what I’m going through, I know it won’t last forever. In the moment every hardship that I’ve faced feels like I’m never going to make it through. But at the end, I realize that it has only made me a stronger person. Knowing that nothing lasts forever helps me remain calm in the most stressful situations.