In all of our lives, there are things that get to us and take away our happiness. Ultimately, they’re not worth the pain they give us. Some things are harder to fix than others, but here are a few that are actually easier done than said.
1. Have a little “me” time.
Summer work schedules can be pretty hectic, sometimes leaving only the five minutes before bed to relax, but use that time wisely. If you have other times where you can unwind, use them to your advantage as well. But if you’re really boggled down, don’t use the few minutes before bed to check social media. Instead, try breathing rhythmically or even try starting to meditate. Both of these techniques are great for relaxation and will prepare your body for a better night’s sleep.
2. Cut out toxic people from your life.
This one is a little more advanced than the last but still fairly easy. Since you’re dealing with other people now, instead of just yourself, things can get sticky. Honestly, though, cutting out toxic people isn’t as hard as you’d think. First, you can start by initiating conversation less and less. That’s not to say you shouldn’t say hello or start a conversation if you run into them (being cordial is always the best option), but you don’t have to cross town just to say hello to someone or go out of your way to make sure you run into them to start a conversation. From there, it should get easier, and you’ll feel the negativity fading from your life.
3. Clean your room.
This one seems a bit silly, but trust me, it will help. Not only will you be able to think clearer without all of the clutter, but you’ll feel like you have a fresh start for the summer. With no school, or possibly a summer class or two, and work schedules beginning, it can be pretty easy to lose track of everything you’re working on. Start small by tackling “the chair” (oh, you know which one I’m talking about, and if you don’t, see the photo below) today and working your way up to your desk or closet. Doing one drawer a day in your desk and going through your closet by seasons should help make the process go by quicker!
4. Change the way you think.
Every feeling we have in life is created by our thoughts. Once you change your thoughts, you change your feelings and behaviors. This is essential to changing your life. Start small by choosing to see trivial things for what they are: trivial. Is it really a big deal if your coworker ate the last cookie in the break room? Probably not. Yeah you might have been craving it, but don’t hold a grudge over him all day. Be happy for him that he got to enjoy it, and you’ll see how negativity vanishes from your life. After you’ve accomplished small battles, start taking on larger ones like changing how you think when someone insults you. “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” -Buddha
5. Be in nature.
It doesn’t matter what you do, whether it’s go for a leisurely walk or play a vigorous sport with friends, but being outside can drastically change your mood. Even just doing something outside that you’d usually do inside, like read or watch Netflix on your laptop, can help. Sunshine and salt water are Mother Nature’s medicine!
