We live in a stressful, anxiety-ridden world. I get it. I have plenty of bad days, but I've been able to find ways to make myself happy and not let my bad vibes ruin my day or other people's.
1. Do things that make you feel good. When I'm feeling down, a few things help me start feeling a bit better. I like to hang out and start joking with my boyfriend, make a delicious cocktail, find pretty things to look at on Instagram, or read my blog comments. Whether it's calling your best friend, dancing ridiculously in your living room or watching Netflix, when you feel crappy you really need to find what it is that will make you feel better and do it. At least until you feel a little better, and can continue on with your day.
2. Perspective. Perspective. Perspective. I say this in every single inspirational post I write, because life is really all about perspective. This is something I have a hard time remembering myself, and it's something my boyfriend has taught me over the years. Sure, I can choose to be in a bad mood and be grumpy but why am I truly grumpy? Because I got an annoying email? Because I have a mosquito bite? REALLY? There are people in the world that don't have food or water, and I'm bitching about a mosquito bite or the fact that my nail polish is chipped? That's when I have to tell myself to get a grip. Perspective is about taking your feelings and weighing it into the grand scheme of things, in order to realize that perhaps what you're grumpy about is in fact, not a big deal at all.
3. Don't go to bed angry. I've learned this one over the years, because if I'm all wound up and feeling crappy, chances are I'll wake up in the middle of the night because I can't sleep. OR I take the bad energy into the next day. Anytime I've gone to bed angry or upset, I usually wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning, can't go back to sleep and decide to get up. This makes me so sluggish during the day and it's just not worth it. Handle the emotions and problems before getting a good night's rest. You'll sleep better and you can truly start the next day fresh.
4. Fake it until you make it. Pretending to be happy and pretending to be in a good mood helps, because after 30 minutes of pretending you're going to realize things are fine and you're okay. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but remember that even if you're feeling bad, pretend you're not and in a little while you may even forget what annoyed or made you grumpy in the first place.
5. Make sure to move your body. Everyone says exercise is one of the best things for the brain, body and spirit. I agree with this, and I remember when I was actively doing cross country and track, I always felt good. I was far less angry, less grumpy and less moody back in the day. I know it's hard to find time to work out, but doing even a little bit of it will make you feel better. I've opted for walking around my building for 15-20 minutes a few times a day, and even that helps get me outside and just moving. Exercise also helps to get the negative vibes out, because the endorphins will kick in and you'll feel great whether you work out in the morning or night!
6. Do something about it. If something is not making you happy, then you need to figure out how to change the situation. If you're unhappy with your relationship, fix it. If you're unhappy at work, figure out how you can be happy or start looking for a new job. Lots of times we feel like prisoners, but we have control over our happiness. It's either fixing perspective, altering the situation or removing yourself from the situation. Do something about what makes you unhappy so you can be happy.
7. Sleep. Self-explanatory but not sleeping makes me incredibly cranky and many studies have shown that sleep helps with overall happiness. I sleep 6-7 hours a night (minimum) and can't imagine people who regularly get 3-4 hours a NIGHT. I can't function on such few hours of sleep and I easily get sick, feel sluggish and gain weight. So I sleep.
8. Money can't buy happiness. So cliche, but true. If you buy a Chanel purse, yes it'll be exciting and amazing, but it's not going to fix whatever it is that's making you unhappy. No point in masking emotions, by thinking monetary things will fix it. We've all seen celebrities go down, and it ain't pretty. Money makes people comfortable with life, but it does not buy happiness. Happiness is within us and we need to work at it over time.
9. Go on vacation. ...well shit maybe money can buy happiness since money buys vacations? But seriously we all love vacations, and after working with a few international clients for my day job, I've noticed that other countries are doing "holidays" so much better than the US. We do not get nearly enough vacation days, and many of us don't even take our paid time off! If you have the means to take a vacation, unplug from work, then by all means go enjoy the Bahamas for a week. Spending quality time with your family or friends will boost happiness and the relaxation will feel so good. You deserve it!
10. Be satisfied. There's several journals and ways to document things that you are thankful for and things that make you happy each day (5 Minute Journal for instance) and I do believe it's important to remind yourself of all the reasons you have to be happy. Be thankful for your significant other. Be thankful for your job, the food on the table, your loved ones, your friends, your health. The list goes on and on. Keep reminding yourself that you have more to be happy about, then you have to be unhappy with. Perspective baby.
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