Many people find it difficult to cope with stress that surrounds them, whether it be related to loneliness, demotivation, lack of companionship, subjugation, difficulties with friends and family, or their environment in general. While many people deal with depression, there are a handful of people who feel incredibly low, simply due to their environment and the people they are surrounded by. These emotions are valid and people need protection from this general harm. It is time to realize that in many cases there is hope to change a situation around. Other than seeking help from professionals, there are plenty of things that individuals can do to improve their happiness.
Listening to music
Listening to music is one of the greatest things that people can do to get their minds off of terrifying life situations. It is an escape from reality and a reminder that your relaxation and positive brain productivity matters more than the stress accumulated from your surroundings. Studies prove that listening to music for at least one hour a day can significantly increase dopamine levels/happiness levels. My escape through music may be listening to Enrique Iglesias' "Euphoria" album, listening to Jodeci or any 90s R&B music, or even revisiting nostalgia from the past (and one's happy moments) through listening to Disney artists such as Aly and AJ, Jesse McCartney, and Hilary Duff. According to your personal preference, listen to the music you love for at least an hour a day.
Walking and exercising
Power walking outside for at least 30 minutes a day can prove to get your heart pumping and the oxygen that you can get from being in the outdoors can improve your lungs. This habit can form great health results, and in turn, lead to happiness. Other powerful forms of exercise can include dancing, doing high intensity workouts, or playing sports such as soccer or basketball, even if it is with oneself. There should be less excuses and more value put on this work.
Practicing a hobby (especially arts and crafts)
Hobbies are great ways to relieve anxiety. Personally, henna art, clay making, painting, drawing, or playing an instrument can be helpful. Singing may be a great way of soothing the voice and the vibrations produced from this may be therapeutic. Drawing things that you love or scribbling over things that you hate, may also have the same effect. Make life colorful! Rather than neglecting one's emotions, it is better to recognize them and act upon them through an appropriate manner.
Checking something off of a bucket list
Whether this bucket list be a list of things that seem big and heavy, or small and light, it is good to cross something off of it. You may consider putting movies on your bucket list, or TV shows that you have been meaning to watch. Contrary to popular opinion, doing such activities is not a sign of laziness but productivity; it comes with learning and gaining ideas. Some great movies that are promised to cause joy are: "Amelie," "Howl's Moving Castle," "Home Alone," "Love and Basketball" and "Elf." Animation is also a good source.
Getting a good night's sleep
One thing that people do not emphasize enough is rest. Without resting for a good period of time, one may feel a lack of energy or extreme frustration. Going to sleep at a time that allows one to wake up for work, or a healthy meal is important. Along with this, the amount of sleep an individual gets (8-10) hours is very helpful for refreshing the mind and causing more productivity, and increasing energy.
Having a hearty breakfast/eating well
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should include whole grains, fruits, or natural starches. Breakfast should be filling enough to get one throughout at least half the day, with snacks between that time and lunch. Dinner is important as well, because one cannot go to sleep with an empty stomach or else it will cause irritability. Use detox methods. Bone broth is also an incredibly good dietary option. Organic foods such as fruits and vegetables, along with proteins as well, could get one into shape and the fitness one needs to be joyful.
Replenishing oneself with good skin products and self care
Feeling tired or anxious may actually be a result of personal hygiene and de-nourishment of the body. Brushing the teeth and using floss allows the prevention of bad bacteria from entering the body or from getting irritable gums. For this, it may be a good idea to use skin products like soap on the face every time one enters the bathroom. Good mixtures like lemon and strawberry may allow one to feel more relaxed, and this can tighten and soften the skin. You do not necessarily need to take frequent showers, but every time you choose to, it should be with the right products such as coconut shampoo, conditioner, cocoa butter, etc. Lotion, Vaseline, and cream do magic.
It is good to remove oneself from one's unhealthy environment for a period of time, before reentering it and dealing with life once again. But during this period of difficulty, there are ways to improve happiness. It is always a good idea to prioritize self care. If you do these things on a daily basis, you are off to a good start.
