If you know me, you will know, for the most part I am a positive person. I like to be upbeat and full of energy and positivity. I have to admit though, I have been having a difficult time doing this. Being happy has not come easily to me over the past couple of years and I had enough. I decided it was time to make a concious effort to add some happiness in my life.
I know a lot of people feel the same so I thought I would share with you my top five ways to be happy.
Schedule Some Me Time
Always feel like you never have enough time in the time? There is that TV Show you want to get caught up on or a friend to grab a coffee with but you just cannot seem to find the time? I have been there, and it does not feel nice. You end up feeling worn down and it can spiral in to this negative momentum mentally. I found scheduling 'Me Time' works for me. What I do is put a spot of time for me. I will crawl in to bed about half an hour before I go to sleep, read a book, watch a Youtube video ect. I also use my eating time and me time. So if I am going to have lunch I make it a slightly big deal. I turn my laptop on, grab my food, switch my headphones in and I am in lost in an half an hour show or a 15 minute youtube video. In that time I am lost to everything else around me.
Spend time with friends and family.
I have a core group of friends and very close to my family. I love spending time with them. This can sometimes be tricky as my weekends are taken up making videos, taking pictures for the blog and writing post, preparing them for the week. The way I get around this, is when I can do as much downstairs surrounded by my parents and sister. When we have family gatherings, however impromptu they are, if I am going I will be there completely. I will forget about the things I need to do, regardless of how anxious I feel. 99% of the time I know I will appreciate it and will be in a better place mentally because of this.
Remove Negative Vibes
It is true what they say, the people you surround yourself with are a reflection of you. Surround yourself with people who strive to guide you, inspire you, you admire. The type of people who if they will not agree with something you say, will explain to you why and aim to help you. Stay away from people who just want to bring you down. The type of people who have nothing positive to say about anything. The more you surround yourself with those people you can trapped in to their negative thinking. Trust me, I have been there, and as harsh as it seems, you will appreciate getting out in time.
Quit being self critical
We are all our own worse critics. I am completely guilty of still doing this. I am very hard on myself. I always feel the need to strive to be the best. Be it the best daughter, co -worker or friend. I have this desire to please everyone and get upset when I cannot do this. The reality is this. You cannot please everyone. All you can do is strive to be the best version of yourself. Be it in your work or home life. That is all anyone (especially yourself) can expect. Placing unnecessary pressures on yourself can lead you to depression. I became a horrible person to be around. The mantra, being the best version of yourself is something I have been working on a lot recently.
Treat your body well
This really does make a difference. When I don't eat, I get a serious case of hangry. I am not even joking, when I shopping I have to have something in my bag to chew on because I know I am going to get hungry. If I haven't slept for at least 6 hours a night. I know I do not perform to my best and as the previous point sleep helps me the best version of myself. I also feel great after doing some exercise. I will admit, I need to do this more but it is something that makes me happy and feel good.
I am not a expert, far from it. I am still figuring out this thing we call life but I am working on it. Let me know how you strive for happiness and if any of these tips helped you.
