Life is hard. Adulting is hard. Dealing with any type of human interaction on a regular basis is hard. However, it seems that we as humans like to make things infinitely more miserable for ourselves every single day by adding tiny stressors into every possible situation. Letting go of things beyond your control can do you a world of good, if you're willing to put the focus into it. I often find myself raging over the smallest of situations once I'm in a bad mood, and all that really does is continue to strike the chip on your shoulder. Making a conscious effort to eliminate negative thoughts in the following situations has been an actively tasking process, but ultimately a huge avoidance tactic.
1. Road Rage
There's few things more momentarily traumatizing than when you are going about your business driving to take care of adult responsibilities (or picking up your third coffee for the day) and a car pulls out right in front of you and your life flashes before your eyes, or you're trying to get to the cell phone store before they close because you've dropped your phone in the toilet yet again, but grandma is out on a leisurely drive in front of you.
This one is tough-but one of the biggest impacts on your day. Working to forget about the moment once it passes instead of cursing grandma at every event that ensues will benefit you endlessly. Trust this coming from someone who absolutely thrives on a held grudge.
2. Make your bed and put away your laundry.
Taking the time to fold the laundry that has been sitting clean in your hamper for a week while you binge OITNB for the third time will please future you as they prepare to rummage through the wrinkly mess in the morning only to discover your clothes are orderly and are where they belong. Add that rummaging time to your allotted snooze button uses, and life will start out much better each day.
Additionally, making your bed will make your end of the day self happy as a clam-especially if you have dogs. Making your bed the minute you get out of it prevents returning before it is acceptable as well as keeping your animals off of your sheets. Even if it's just untangling and folding the covers over everything, it will feel nice to plop onto at the end of a long day.
3. Save the social media for the end of the day.
Social media can be the best and worst procrastination tool throughout the day. Put your phone down and be productive. Reward yourself at the end of your day with a glass (or bottle) of wine, eighteen episodes on Netflix, and catching up on everyone else's business. You will be more attentive walking down the street, less concerned about what your crazy aunt said next, and you will have full entertainment for when it's time to wind down. It's easy to pick up your phone and start scrolling while your friend is driving, but maybe give your conversation your undivided attention or take a look outside-the world is cool and you should pay attention.
