When it comes to the end of a school year, every student has mixed thoughts. Some are happy, some are sad, and some are just downright stressed. This is an example of my thoughts over the course of a few days.
Dogs are honestly the happiest creatures on this planet. No matter how bad their day was at the vet, how cold it is outside, or how dirty their water source is they never complain and they never seem to be anything less than happy. They love us unconditionally, through every flaw, every mood swing, and every bad day we go through. Dogs are always there to listen to us, no matter the subject, and although it may be because they have no clue what we are talking about, they still don’t change their mood, never wavering from their happy state of mind.
Only when they become sick, hurt, or abandoned do dogs begin to show that they can’t always be their happy selves, yet somehow they still seem to have brightness in their eyes. When they grow old, they still find ways to stumble to their human counterparts, always looking to receive the same compassion and love that they have given us. From puppies learning how to eat proper food, to the senior dogs who would rather lie down by a warm fireplace than go on a long walk, they are always there as our companions.
Dogs are honestly one of the most versatile animals that the human race has been blessed with. From K-9 units, rescuers, therapy workers, senior home companions, wartime heroes, and best friends, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and responsibilities. They have been with us for centuries, working by our sides since their domestication and continue to be more than just man's best friend.
Dogs all go to heaven because they do more for us than we do for us. They could care less about the quality of food that they eat, yet care more about the mood we are in. No matter the breed, the love and affection rarely wavers, and they rarely care who you are. Dogs never complain about the life they are given, and although they have no voice in this human run world, they still manage to show us how much they love their lives and the people they are surrounded with.
You might not even realize it, but many of us spend most, if not all, of our days locked indoors. It’s amazing what a little fresh air and beautiful scenery can do for the mind and our mood. In fact, science can actually prove that fresh air increases your energy and boosts happiness. Research shows that the scent of pine, grass and numerous flower species can decrease stress and instantly up your mood. So take your five-minute coffee break outside on the patio, find a bench or opt for a scenic hike. Just go outside and take advantage of our world's natural beauties.
Stop and smell the roses – literally.
Fact: It’s impossible to be unhappy while eating In-N-Out. OK, maybe there’s no scientific evidence to back that fact up, but eating your favorite unhealthy food should instantly provoke a smile. Indulge. Eat that Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream, Chipotle Burrito and slice of pizza all in one night, and don’t you dare think twice about it. This is a quick, effective and delicious way to up your mood.
PS: Calories don’t count when you’re not happy. They just don’t.
Do you realize that a dog’s main purpose in life is to be human pleasers? Pets rule! They practically die of happiness every time you come through a door, even if you just left for five short minutes. Pets don’t have bad days; they don’t get upset over difficult people or offended by something someone said. Instead, they are here on Earth alongside us humans, minding their own business, providing us with constant companionship and unconditional love. Go see a friend's pet, go to a shelter or hey, even better, adopt your own. I guarantee pets are a promising solution to boosting your happiness.
Just not a ferret. I don't trust those things.
I don’t know what is so empowering about being on an open road with some good tunes, but it certainly is. Your brain literally lights up with endorphins when you play your favorite music. So go ahead, scream "Sorry" by Justin Bieber at the top of your lungs, dance your heart out and see how you feel. I dare you.
And don’t worry about the people stupendously staring at you with awe at a red light. Embrace it, own it.
If all else fails, call it a day and avoid your emotions with some good, old fashioned sleep. Sometimes, our mood can truly only be mended by some needed ZZZ’s and a good night's rest. We all know sleep is important for allowing our bodies to recover from the day's work, but it also has an impact on our happiness level. Studies have shown sleep-deprived people have a hard time recalling pleasant memories but recall unsettling memories just fine. Another study showed less sleep increases sensitivity to negative emotions. So, maybe all you really need is some well-deserved sleep.
Go ahead. Sleep. Right now! I don’t care if its 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Sleep it off and wake up with a positive attitude.
What are you waiting for? Get happy!
As August comes to an end, fall approaches quickly with Halloween candy and decorations creeping onto the shelves of drugstores just a little too early. It all happens too fast. Here's a reflection of all the things we are desperately holding onto as our summer comes to a close and classes begin:
That tan you started working on even before spring break will soon fade away as the UV index drops and the sun begins to set before that 8 o'clock sunset time you became used to all summer.
How many times did you opt to wear those Nike shorts and t-shirts out and about? Those warm days that let you do that won't last for long.
As the semester begins, your paychecks either will completely disappear or your work hours dwindle away as you now try to juggle classes, commitment to organizations, and social life into your busy schedule. Now it's time to be thrifty.
Those adventures out-of-town, out-of-state, out-of-country, etc. You were packing up and getting away just when your work week got to be too much.
90 degree days at the beach relaxing and watching dogs play in the water. Kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, fishing all the water activities you can think of.
You spent your summer finally catching up with your hometown friends and then soon enough you're parting ways once again. You promise to keep in touch better this school year.
There's nothing like being home and having your favorite home-cooked meals almost every night after you have consumed a less than desirable amount of meals from your school's dining hall.
