This week was awful. Everything happened from midterms to sleep deprivation to an emotional roller coaster to getting over being sick. However, in the back of my mind, I knew that there were good things in life. There are still some aspects of life that bring joy. Here's a list of little things I do that help me get by when I'm having a bad day. They're simple things, for sure, but when life is draining you, even something little can make all the difference.
1. Blessing
Think of two or three things that you’re actually blessed to have in your life. They don't need to be big things. Write them down, so you can look at them later to remind yourself that there actually are some good things in life.
2. Fulfill a Purpose
Focus on your work or homework. Focus on something that fulfills a purpose (aka, not Netflix or Hulu).
3. Don’t Wallow.
Sure, if something bad happened, take a while to process and accept. But then, take a deep breath and try to get back up.
4. Self-motivate
Wake up and say that today will be good. If you tell yourself it'll be okay, it can actually make everything seem more tolerable.
5. Be a Superhero
Try the superhero stance. It’s been scientifically proven.
6. Plan it out
Plan what you’re going to do in a day. I use a planner (okay, well, multiple planners, I'm kind of disorganized in an orderly way) and it helps me to focus on what needs to get done. And then I get to cross it off. Which is kind of a minor accomplishment.
7. Self-love
Give yourself some free time to do what you love… and actually do what you love. Draw, read, watch a twenty minute show, go on Tumblr, do something for a short amount of time that relaxes you.
8. Don't Waste Your Time
Don’t waste your time watching Netflix all day. You'll regret it. Really. Even if you DID manage to finish watching season two of Reign in twenty-four hours.
9. Talking
Call someone- your mom, dad, a friend, anyone. Talk it out.
10. Service
Help someone in need, even for an hour. You'll feel like you contributed to the world.
11. Finish Something
Complete a task (like making your bed) where you’ll see an end result quickly.
12. Free Read
Read a book (one not assigned in class!). An actual book you'll enjoy.
13. Music is Life
Listen to cheerful music…. Nothing sad or sappy. You get enough of that.
14. Fake it- or Smile for Real
Smile because sometimes ‘faking it til you make it’ actually works.
15. Be Open
Tell someone how you’re feeling. Being vulnerable to the right people is actually really, really good.
16. Dance
Dance it out. Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey had it right.
17. Journaling
Write in a journal. Two words, two sentences, two paragraphs, two pages. It doesn't matter.
18. Connect to Family
Snapchat your sibling or cousin- they're probably around your age, and even if they don't say it, they have a soft spot for you.
19. Love Others
Compliment someone on their outfit or hair or literally anything you appreciate about them. Make others feel loved. You'll love yourself.
