We've finally made it to the second month of the year and many of us have probably already forgotten about those resolutions we made and swore we'd stick to. So you may have not actually started using that gym membership or started a new career or opened yourself up to new relationship possibilities—those things can be scary and time consuming and that's what makes them so hard to commit to. But, instead of focusing on what we didn't accomplish and feeling down about it consider instead focusing on ways we can improve ourselves and what makes us happy.
Here are a few things that we should stop and start doing as we forge our way through the second month of 2016!
Things To Stop Doing:
1. Playing the victim card
Leave behind the part of yourself that blames the world or others for your misfortunes. When you point your finger at someone there are three more pointing back at you.
2. Making excuses
There's no excuse for not doing something that you want. If you wanted it enough you wouldn't be making excuses in the first place. So maybe, when you find yourself saying it's okay to not work towards something or get something done consider if it's something you actually want. And if it's not, then let it go. You don't need that negativity and uncertainty in your life.
3. Letting society tell you how to live
The best thing you can do for yourself is to live for yourself. You are the one who decides what is necessary in your life. You don't need the same things as everyone else. It's better to be an individual than a clone.
4. Relying on others to make you happy
Once you learn that your own happiness comes from yourself, your life will become so much simpler and easier. It's not your friends, family, or significant other's job to make sure you have a smile on your face everyday—that's your job.
5. Doubting yourself
The worst thing you could ever do to yourself is doubt the ability you have to succeed in life. When you stop thinking negative thoughts you'll realize that you can do anything you set your mind to.
Things To Start Doing:
1. Enjoying alone time
The best way to learn about yourself and to accept yourself is to spend time alone. Take up a new hobby—try yoga or meditating to work towards living a healthy lifestyle
2. Turning off gadgets and going outside
Technology has become a huge distraction in our daily lives. It's important to spend at least an hour a day away from all of that. Turn off your laptop, TV, and phone and spend sometime exploring the town you live in or sitting outside to read. This break in your day will feel refreshing and improve your mental health
3. Positive thinking
Positive thinking is the surest way to live a happy life. There's always going to be things that don't work out or go the way we plan, but maintaining a positive attitude will make any situation easier to deal with.
4. Believing in yourself
As cliche as it sounds, you can do anything that you set your mind to. It's all just a matter of trusting that you can.
5. Making your own happiness
Understand that happiness is something that comes from within ourselves. We dictate the way that we feel about things. And realizing that happiness is something we create for ourselves will allow you to accept a more happy lifestyle.
6. Expressing your creativity
Everyone has at least a tiny bit of creativity in them. Of course we can't all be Picasso, but taking up a crafting hobby like scrap-booking or knitting can improve your mental health in many ways. It's a great feeling to actually create something with our hands.
7. Making your own happiness tips
Only you know what can make you happy. Take a few minutes and write down these things and put them somewhere you will see often to remind yourself of what you need to be happy and that it is possible to do.
8. Helping others realize they can make their own happiness, too!
Share your happiness tips with friends and encourage them to consider what makes them happy too. Helping other realize their happiness will only increase yours.
