If you're like me, New Years resolutions aren't the easiest thing to stick to. Sometimes all you need is a push, some sort of indication other than January 1st to make those little changes you've been wanting to make all year. Well, good news! Let this be your sign, your push, your #inspo. Join me in my journey of 13 ways to be happier this spring.
1. Go outside.
I'm gonna start with an easy one. With the constant gravitational pull of Netflix, and your warm bed right there calling your name, sometimes it's hard to remember that mother nature exists. If it's a nice day, try and go outside! Take a walk, read, or do your homework on a blanket in the grass. The sun will be good to you, I promise.
2. Try new things.
As we kick off spring semester, it's easy to fall into your usual routine and stick to what you know. Try something new this spring. Join a new club, go to a new free museum, or try a new food. Anything that will get you out of your comfort zone!
3. Study for your classes.
Required reading can get really annoying sometimes, especially if it's a less than exciting course. Try to do all of your assignments without skipping. Challenge yourself to get great grades this semester. Your confidence (and GPA) will thank you.
4. Choose a fun workout.
Even though we're constantly being reminded of our fitness goals by scrolling through Instagram or flipping through a magazine, going to the gym can get really repetitive. Plan a new workout you've always wanted to try. As the weather gets warmer, go on a hike, or a bike ride with friends. Some colleges even offer weekly fitness classes like yoga, Zumba and kickboxing.
5. Be your own Beyonce.
College can be stressful sometimes. It's important to stay in touch with yourself and stop sweating the small stuff. When I'm stressed, I like to put on my favorite song, ("Pillowtalk" by ZAYN is doing the trick for me right now) and just jam out. Whether it's with your friends or by yourself, forcing yourself to be silly and loosening up can sometimes be just the right medicine after a long day.
6. Stop waiting for the boy to text you back.
I have spent way too many days checking my lock screen every 5 seconds to see if a boy texted me back. This is an epidemic people! This torturous process can lead to missed opportunities, and serious pent up anger. Do yourselves a favor and try to stop checking. Do something else that makes excited. Don't put your happiness into someone else's hands.
7. Buy yourself a present.
Sometimes after a long week, rewarding yourself with a little present can be a really good idea. Go out and spend a few hours window shopping at the mall. Buying a cute new shirt from F21 or Brandy Melville can get you excited for your weekend. But beware, spending too much can make you the opposite of happy this spring!
8. Play with animals.
Being away from home is tough for anyone, especially if you have pets. Take a trip to your local pet store or animal shelter and play with a puppy or a kitten. Their furry little faces could cheer up anybody.
9. Turn off your phone.
OK, turning it off completely might be a little far-fetched. But challenge yourself for a few hours a day to not check your phone. Our generation is hooked on the idea that what's on our screens is more important than the beautiful world around us. It's not true! Stop and smell the roses once and a while, you'll be surprised at how different your day will be.
10. Compliment someone.
Getting compliments is great, right? Well giving them is really satisfying, too. Try to compliment a few people every single day. Making a habit of showing appreciation for people in your life, or even people you don't know can change your outlook completely. Remember that everyone is going through something, so your kind words could be exactly what someone needs.
11. Eat good food.
Eating your favorite food can be an instant mood changer. Don't over stress about sticking to a certain diet to get ready for bikini season. Eating healthy is important, but it's not everything. Treat yourself to some of your favorite foods throughout the month. I promise, one burger or ice cream cone won't hurt ya.
12. Have a G.N.O.
Dreaming of boys can be fun and all, but it's nothing compared to hanging with your girls. Block out a day every couple of weeks to get together with your best friends. Go get your nails done, make a throwback playlist, or just watch your favorite rom-com. The quality time with the ladies you love most is super valuable.
13. Be confident!
This last one is important. Take time every morning to think of at least 5 reasons why you love yourself. You can only be a young college lady once in your life, so embrace it! We are all beautiful in our own unique way, so don't wait for someone to convince you of that. Control your own destiny, don't compare yourself to others, and do what makes you happy, not anyone else.
