In today's busy world, it's easy for me to become overwhelmed with the hectic life that's bustling all around me. Balancing schoolwork, a job and somewhat of a social life while trying to maintain my own sanity and happiness proves to be quite the challenge. I often find myself putting my own needs last on the list of things I need to worry about, which ends up leaving me feeling drained and unsatisfied at the end of the day. I admit it -- I'm not always happy and fulfilled with how my day or week is playing out. My mind is always jumping to the next item that I need to accomplish or even stressing about events that happened weeks ago. I don't believe I am alone in this. This is not how I want to live, or how I want anyone else to live, stuck in this endless cycle of putting themselves last. When my mind does jump far ahead and nothing seems to be going my way, I like to take a step back and replay reminders over and over in my head to let me stay focused in the present. These 25 daily reminders and feats will surely help everyone take a break from their active minds and active lives, giving them a healthy dose of perspective to keep going. Happy mind, happy life.
1. Step out of your comfort zone.
Do things you've been itching to do but have been too afraid to try. Dye your hair that bold color. Talk to the person you've been too shy to even make eye contact with. Pierce your tongue. Go skydiving. The world is at your fingertips. Make it yours.
2. Keep an open mind.
Stop counting yourself out before you even try. Count yourself in for once and see what happens for a change.
3. Take things one step at a time.
Leave the past in the past. Break down enormous tasks that you've been stressing about into little parts that you can manage each day. The task will get done over time. Just relax.
4. Speak your mind. Always.
Don't hold your ideas and thoughts in that you have to offer the world. Be innovative and be just. Don't hold back, because you never know when your ideas may change the whole outlook on something.
5. Remind yourself that what problems you’re facing today won’t matter in 10 years.
In 10 years, your life isn't going to be ruined from one bad decision. One failed exam, one awkward social encounter, one class that you slept through because you were up so late cramming for another class. All hell isn't going to break loose. It's okay. It won't even be the least bit important years down the road.
6. Hydrate.
Drink your water. Fuel your body. Refresh your mind. Take care of yourself. You will instantly feel better.
7. Moisturize.
This one's important, but far too often overlooked. Take care of your body and your skin. One word: SPF. Protect yourself from the sun and stop those wrinkles in their tracks. Don't put your heath at risk. It's not worth it.
8. Accomplish things that put you closer on the path to where you want to be.
These don't have to be oh my God, how am I going to get this done today things. I'm talking little things. Make a plan and figure out small steps you can take to get closer to reaching your goals either personally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. Go for a run. Apply for an internship. Make yourself stand out.
9. Understand that sometimes napping is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Rough day? Nap it out. Let yourself take this time to yourself and just give in to the fact that you gave it your all and the world has exhausted you. It's alright. Catch some zzz's and wake up with a newfound motivation.
10. Give your time and energy to those who need your help or are struggling.
Step outside of your own world a bit and reach out to those around you. Volunteer. Giving yourself to those who may need your time can prove to be one of the most self-validating and worthwhile things you need to help you get your mind back on track.
11. Laugh more.
Make stupid jokes. Let yourself laugh until your sides hurt and feel like they can't take much more. Bring on the laugh lines. It's therapeutic.
12. Make your mental health a priority.
Listen to what your body is telling you. Instead of letting anxiety, depression or anything else consume you, make the decision to take the day for yourself.
13. Stop taking everything so seriously.
Lighten up. There's humor in almost anything.
14. Step out of the past and stop stressing about the future.
The past is in the past, and there's nothing you can do to change it. The sooner you realize this, the sooner your happiness will begin to flourish. Live in the present and leave the future to play out for itself. Whatever is going to happen, will happen. It's as simple as that.
15. Do things you actually enjoy.
Go for a run. Bake a cake. Color some coloring pages. Write a short story. Go do Zumba. Go climb a mountain. Just go do something that feeds your passion and soul.
16. Stop looking for validation and constantly trying to make others happy.
Although hard at times, live for yourself and no one else. It's impossible to please everyone, so start worrying about pleasing yourself instead. Those who truly care for you will want you to make yourself happy, and they will truly be happy for you when you do this.
17. Understand that life is short.
Life's too short to constantly stress or be in a state of unhappiness. Do something about it. Understand that this life is uncertain, and you never know when it can be pulled out from under your feet. Drown yourself in everything that life has to offer you while you can.
18. Tell those that mean the world to you that you appreciate them.
Reach out to the ones you love. A simple letter, phone call, text, or meeting can mean the world to them. "I love you" is sometimes lost in the craziness of everyday life, but it needs to be kept in mind more often.
19. Reflect on the progress and accomplishments you’ve made.
Although it hasn't always been easy, you have come so far. All the struggles have been worth it. You have made it thus far, and you have so much more to accomplish in the future.
20. Stop apologizing for being yourself.
Never be anyone but yourself. If there are toxic people who ask you to change, cut the ties with this negativity. You do you.
21. Exist loudly.
Make your mark and presence known. Don't dull yourself down.
22. Watch the clouds.
Take a few minutes and just watch the sky float by. Understand how truly beautiful life is and how it's always changing. Everything passes with time.
23. Just breathe.
One breath in. One breath out. One breath in. One breath out. Clear your mind and take in the fresh air.
24. Remind yourself that you are enough.
More often than not, these words lose their meaning. We see them and then they disappear in our minds without us fully absorbing what they mean. Despite the criticism, judgment, or other struggles you face, you are enough. You are enough to change your world and give yourself happiness.
25. Treat yourself.
Be kind to who you are. Splurge a bit and get yourself the things you've worked hard for. Buy some ice cream with two extra scoops of chocolate fudge. Purchase the purse you've been eyeing for weeks in the store. Check out on the cart you've been building up while online shopping. You've earned it, and there's absolutely no harm in taking pride in your hard work sometimes.