It's easier said than done and there's no one-size-fits-all cure for it, but I'm sure you've heard it before: staying happy.
In the busy, motivated and constantly moving world we live in today it's often something we forget or comes with the benefits reaped of hard, grueling work. But often we toil and struggle for these benefits and we're left with the feeling of having outdone ourselves, or being to stressed to enjoy what we have in front of us. Summer is a time where we can relax, unwind, and take a load off after a year of classes, exams, internships, or anything else stressful. And yet, at least for me, there is still some anxiety that comes about.
We're scared when we feel we've done too much. We're ashamed if we feel like we haven't done enough, and we feel like we need to do anything and everything to keep the three months of break that we have as eventful and lively as possible. And then at the end of the day, we feel too burnt out to sit back and be at peace with what is happening in the moment.
But I've learned that it's easier than you think it is to have a positive mindset even in the lowest of moments or dullest of days. So, I have some tips that will hopefully make your summer, your month, or even year better
1. Make plans with friends, but leave time for yourself.
It's easy to get caught up in being in three places at once: lunch with one group, dinner with another, mall meet-up with your high school friend. At the end of the day it's OK if you didn't get to meet with everyone you wanted to because there's always time, even if it is limited. Have some space for you so you don't feel overwhelmed
2. If you start feeling like you're out of things to do or unmotivated, take up a hobby.
It can literally be anything you can think of. Knit. Fly kites. Maybe it can be a small part-time job like babysitting or dog walking. Volunteer. Hike or bike. Write something new. This way even though you have no real "work" to do per say, you'll still feel accomplished when you take up and stick to a task you enjoy
3. Go on adventures.
This is a personal favorite for me, being a spontaneous person (though they don't have to be on a whim)! Explore beaches or lakes nearby. Go on a road trip to visit national parks or museums. Go around cities. Go camping. Have photoshoots with your friends. Go to food festivals. Anything that's new for you and makes you feel relaxed is a great way to stay happy, try new things and even learn something new.
4. Know that you're going to miss out on one thing to experience another.
In modern days we jam-pack our schedules so that we can see and experience everything possible, but in reality, it's really not possible. You'll find yourself a lot happier if you pick something and ride it out rather than jumping from place to place. Soak in the moment and be content with your choices-you'll be more relaxed
5. Lastly, be optimistic.
Yeah, I know it's another thing that's easier said than done, right? But there's a difference between thinking positive and believing positively. Believing means you can actually see yourself doing or having whatever it is you wish, and by visualizing what you want, you have a better chance of getting it. So if there's something you desire, be active in it rather than just have it being a fleeting thought. Plan for it. Pack for it. Even daydream about it. And you'll find that it'll just as easily come to you.
Remember that you and only you are in charge of making your summer and the rest of the year amazing- so get to it!
