A Snapchat memory notification popped up on my phone and upon seeing what I looked like a year ago, I was shocked that my current appearance looked so much brighter, clearer, and overall better. I realized that I wasn't only noticing physical differences, but I was looking at an old self with a completely different state of mind. My mentality and emotional aura throughout my life had affected my hair, skin, and physic in general, so I began focusing less on products and more on my happiness, which has provided with me a more consistent well-being.
There are many changes I have made in my life which have affected me and the people around me positively, and these are the most important changes and actions that increased my inner happiness.
1. Dealing with stress
I have always succumbed to anxiety and overthinking mostly concerning school, friends, or my future. Within the last year, I have learned not to worry about anything not in my control because of the amount of time I spent stressing was wasting the valuable time I could have been using to fix my problems.
2. Toxic people
The best way to surround yourself with better energy is to expel the negative energy in your life. Although it's difficult to cut people out of your life, the benefits of not having to be surrounded by people who don't have your best interest in mind outweigh the loss. The negative words and thoughts that toxic people fill your mind with rub off on you, making it easier for that energy to slowly engulf your mentality.
3. Purpose
The best way to progressively become happier is to find a productive task, whether it be school, work, or a hobby that gives your everyday life more meaning. Having a purpose elicits motivation to improve what you are working on, ultimately inspiring a better work ethic that translates into how you view and treat yourself.
4. Being more positive
Although the theme of positivity sounds repetitive, it's a vital factor concerning the way you view yourself and your environment. If you look at the bright side in every situation and begin to appreciate the little things that are looked passed in life, your inner happiness will increase.
5. Self-care
Sometimes people tend to get carried away by focusing their time and energy on everything but themselves. I struggled with finding a balance between helping my friends with problems, getting work done, and taking care of myself, which was very apparent a year ago. Self-care isn't just about a face mask, it's about putting yourself and your happiness first before attending to anyone else, and it's about accepting that you're beautiful and most importantly it's about realizing you're worth.
Stress, negativity, and a lack of self-care can all contribute to hair loss, breakouts, muscle or nerve pains, and many more physical symptoms. Finding your inner peace and happiness not only alleviates physical stress on the body, but it gives you a new perspective of yourself and your life.