If you feel like there are areas of your life that could be improved, take a moment and scroll through this list. Maybe something here will help lessen your stress and get your life back on track.
1. Get a big calendar.
I'm talking one of those big paper desk calendars they have at Walmart. I have one in my room hanging up. Each block is HUGE and allows for all of your activities to be listed out for each day. Every time something new comes along, write it down! If you're not good at time management, this will help you out a lot. List out what you need to accomplish, their times, and set alarms in your phone to remind yourself of your tasks throughout the day!
2. Keep your house organized.
I can't focus on anything until I know my house is clean. Take time to do the small things - as you go about your day, put things where they belong after you use them so you have less clutter to take care of later. Cluttered house = cluttered mind.
3. Stick to a routine.
Eat all three meals. Wake up at the same time every day. Take naps at the same time every day. Making a routine for yourself means there is a solid guideline to follow, reducing ambiguity and stress in your life.
4. Prioritize.
This is a big one. Focus on the most important things first, the things of somewhat importance next, and the things that aren't as important last. Don't think of every task you need to complete in a week, think of the tasks that need to be completed that day, the next 3 days, and then finally the next week. In your mind, number each task in order of urgency, then act accordingly. If it's not urgent, it can wait.
5. Call your loved ones.
Who better to talk to than your parents, siblings, best friends, etc.? I make an effort to call my parents at least once a week. Catching up with those people that care about you will lift your spirits and motivate you to continue through your week.
6. Work on yourself.
Pick one thing that you're not fond of about yourself and take strides to fix it. When you've improved, pick something else. For example - I struggle with being nice to people. In order to work on that, I decided a few years ago that every day I would purposefully go out of my way to compliment someone. I still do it! This has helped me realize there is a lot to appreciate in other people, and I have become more friendly.
7. Take breaks to relax.
You are not superhuman. You need to take breaks for your brain to reload.
8. Show up.
Go to class. Go to work. Volunteer. If a friend needs you, go to them. Show up in life, and life will gift you with wonderful opportunities.
9. Help others.
Nothing is more fulfilling than going out of your way to do something for someone else. Sacrifice some of your time to help out a friend in need, volunteer at a shelter, make someone's day at a retirement home, etc. I considered myself a rather bitter person until I started volunteering at local shelters and fostering dogs. Now I feel like I've improved and I've become a warmer presence.
10. Pat yourself on the back!
You may think your life is in shambles, but it most likely isn't. Give yourself some credit for what you've accomplished and remind yourself of these accomplishments all the time. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you're a badass, because you are!
