It doesn't matter how old you are—if you're unhappy, you need to make a change. Life is too short to be anything but happy, so here are some tips for achieving that happiness. And out of all of them, there isn't a large focus on money. Money can buy things that might make you happy for a short while, but it can't buy you a long, happy life. Remember that.
1. Be grateful.
Wake up each day and remind yourself of what you have and who you have in life. Never take any of it for granted.
2. Don't regret.
You are going to make mistakes in life, that's inevitable. But the key is to learn from them and move on, knowing better for next time.
3. Surround yourself with good people.
Make friends with those who make you happy, make you laugh, and support and love you no matter what. As well as those who are positive and motivated in life because you'll retain these characteristics, too.
4. Learn when to say "yes."
As you go through life, you are presented with many opportunities. As the popular saying goes, "seize the day" and take advantage of what is offered to you. If it's beneficial to your happiness as well as your future, go for it. If it's an extracurricular that your friend asked you to join, just make sure you can fully commit. Which brings me to...
5. Learn when to say "no."
This is something I struggle with—you can't do it all, hate to break it to ya. Every time there's something you're mildly interested in, you think why not? I'll tell you... It's extremely difficult to prioritize when your life becomes too busy. You push things to the side and end up disappointing others and yourself. Think before you saying yes. You'll be okay, if not relieved, not having one more commitment.
6. Put down your phone.
I cannot stress this enough (as I sit on my computer writing this)—limit your screen time. Not only will it force you to bond more with others, it will also make you appreciate nature, too. It goes without saying that things have changed since I was a kid, and life is a lot simpler without technology. Go ride a bike instead of liking another person's picture on Instagram.
7. Practice forgiveness.
This one is important—you will become a miserable person if you cannot find it in your heart to forgive those who hurt you. Holding grudges is unhealthy and only makes things worse. Accept what happened, be sad for a little while, and then move on—for the sake of yourself and others around you.
8. Try new things.
This can be anything. Eat a food from a different culture. Attend a foreign play. Go to a church of another religion. Travel to a place you've never been. This keeps life exciting and helps you stay cultured and aware of the many differences in our world.
9. Listen more.
When someone is talking to you, give them your full attention (refer back to No. 6). If they're looking to vent, think how much they must trust you to confide. If they want advice, give it, but don't become pushy. If they just want to chat and catch up, engage and carry your side of the conversation. You should be able to remember what you spoke about—if not, you were distracted and it's rude.
10. Pay it forward.
Do something nice every day. Tip 25 percent on the bill. Hold the door open. Carry groceries for your mom. I often let people in my lane as I'm driving because I know how annoying it is when you're waiting and no one lets you go. Make a difference in someone's life, because not only does it make them feel good—it makes you feel good, too.
11. Exercise.
Even if it's for 20 minutes, just go to the gym (or outside) and sweat it all out. This is a healthy way of relieving stress and anxiety, as well as creating endorphins for happiness.
12. Read/educate yourself.
Open up a book. Check the news. Enough said.
13. Eat your vegetables.
Besides making you feel really awesome? Carrots improve your eyesight. Red peppers diminish the risk of cancer. Broccoli fights disease. Eggplant supports mental stability. Convinced yet?
14. Give back/volunteer.
Once a month (at least), you should make time for community service. Examples: soup kitchen, altar-serving, handing out water to runners at a 5k, making crafts for kids in the hospital and more. Nothing feels better than helping someone in need. Very humbling experience!
15. Start the day early.
Have a cup of coffee, put on a nice outfit, and get your crap together. There are so many more hours in a day waking up at 7 a.m. versus waking up at 11 a.m. You will feel like the most productive person in the world and you will be able to fully relax at the end of your day knowing you've accomplished all you've needed to.
16. Laugh more.
If you're laughing, it is pretty much impossible to be in a bad mood. Hang out with your friends, catch up, laugh about old times. Laugh so hard your eyes tear up—it's so worth it.
17. Be consistent.
In all that you do, because it's how progress is made. Be consistent in how you act towards people. Be consistent in your daily habits—sudden changes in behavior create conflict and uncertainty.
18. Respect yourself and others.
If you do not respect yourself, you will not gain the respect from others. Be straightforward in what you want, how you feel, and set boundaries from the beginning. Be confident, love yourself, and don't take anyone's shit.
19. Be on time.
Because it not only makes you look like a responsible, trustworthy person, but also because your anxiety level will be increasing lower. Be 20 minutes early, because being even two minutes late isn't okay.
20. Be spiritual.
It doesn't matter who or what you believe in, just believe in something. It connects you to something of another power and instills a sense of consciousness. You can do yoga, meditation, or personal reflection if religion isn't your thing.
21. Stop trying to control everything.
Let things happen, even if it scares the hell out of you, and believe me, it does. Open yourself up for whatever is meant to happen, good or bad. Everything happens for a reason, and we must trust our journey.
22. Let go of negative people.
People who constantly bring you down or undermine your efforts to improve your life are not people you need to surround yourself with. If they bring nothing beneficial to the relationship, let them go. You owe it to yourself. Let. them. go.
23. Treat yourself.
Had a hard week at work? Midterms/finals? Finally finished up that group project? Treat yo'self! Get a mani/pedi. Buy those heels. Eat a steak instead of a salad. Remember to give yourself rewards after working hard.
24. Set achievable goals.
Be specific. Be realistic. Know what you want and how you're going to get it. If you can do this, you'll succeed.
25. Be mature.
If this is all you ever do, out of all 25 things I just listed, is this, I'll be happy. I don't think anything good ever comes out of being immature in a situation, especially as an adult. Take responsibility, know what's expected of you, and be mature about it.
