Tips on Feeling and Staying Happy

Do you ever find yourself just angry?

Angry at whatever: grades, life, people, the fact that you're broke, whatever it may be. Maybe something in your life is keeping you from happiness, and it's frustrating to you. Maybe life is just really pushing your buttons, and you feel stuck. Maybe you're trying your hardest in school, but for some reason, it isn't showing. Life has many obstacles, whether we're prepared for them or not. We, as humans, have to be able to combat these obstacles without losing our sense of happiness.

How you might ask? Well, I'm here to give you some tips and tricks that I use to stay sane in college, with a boyfriend and two goofy animals, and somehow having a very happy life. I want you guys to find happiness, and it would mean the world if I could help you.

The first question is: What does happiness mean to you? Seriously. Is it being stress free, is it good grades, is it the feeling of success or contentment? Pin point what the meaning of happiness means to you, and baby let's dig. Here are my tricks that I believe will be a huge help.

1. RELAXING / ALONE TIME

Whether you're trying to sort through bills, study on the weekends, or deal with people all day at work, one step towards happiness is relaxation. Relaxation is so essential to a healthy mind, and it gives you time to focus on oneself. Find an empty room, a bathroom, your car, outside, any area where your mind can really clear of negative thoughts. Give yourself a few minutes (or longer), enough time to feel calmer and more clear.

The hard part isn't necessarily finding a place however, it's finding the time and commitment. You have to give yourself alone time, and you have to be committed in order to see results! We find ourselves rushing through the majority of our day, so finding some few minutes to spare really will make a difference in your attitude. I have found it to be so beneficial to give myself AT LEAST 15 minutes alone (every other day), making sure that I can clear my mind with any anger that has built up. It really is an amazing exercise, and it gives you the ability to bring awareness to your breath and body. Try it out! Practice some breathing exercises, be able to feel comfortable alone with just yourself, and I promise you'll feel calmer and happier.

2. BEING POSITIVE

I know this can be a tough task, especially if you're having a terrible day. However, I have found that even on my worst days, acting positive around others makes me feel more positive. It's kind of like reverse psychology. Smiling, saying hello to people you pass, just being happier to others can actually make you feel happier. If you continue your day like this, you'll eventually feel a difference, as if the negative thoughts didn't even matter in the first place.

Also, I know it can be hard not to lash out at others when you've had a terrible day, but I just repeat to myself that no matter what, being and acting angry won't solve anything. I suggest you give at least 5 compliments a day. Whether that be to others, yourself, or your surroundings, complimenting five things out of your day will make your day better and you'll see how even the smallest words can make someone else's day too.

3. LETTING THINGS GO

You woke up this morning, and you can already feel that today is not going to be your day. Maybe it was because you didn't work out yesterday, you ate something that has given you no energy, or maybe you were arguing with someone the night before and can't seem to get past it. And that's okay. It happens to the best of us, trust me. However, dwelling on things you cannot change is the number one issue that can hold us back from being truly happy. Didn't work out yesterday and you're feeling guilty about it? Get up, do some push ups, and get your day started. Ate two McDonald's large fries yesterday without blinking an eye and now you're regretting it? Get out of bed, drink some water, and appreciate that life isn't just about following diets and guidelines. Had an argument with a boyfriend? Again, get out of bed, talk things through, and apologize to each other. We spend so much time thinking about things we cannot change, when we could be brushing ourselves off and getting prepared for a new day. You decide how your day goes, and it all depends on how it starts. Let it go, kick some ass, and conquer the day ahead of you. I promise letting things go will result in more happiness, because there's nothing more thrilling than turning your day completely around.

4. EATING POWERFUL FOODS

There's an old saying, "You are what you eat." Coming from a girl who loves her chicken nuggets and pizza, I can personally tell you that eating more powerful foods can definitely have a huge effect on your day and attitude. When I choose to eat whole foods rather than highly processed ones (like nuggets and pizza), I feel better, I look better, and I have way more energy to get the day started. It's amazing to see the difference in yourself from just having a great, healthy breakfast. I know you might think eating more powerful foods can be costly, however I have found that it's actually cheaper. Shopping in the produce section saves you money, saves plastic from packaging, and will provide you great energy. Now, I'm not saying make yourself completely miserable if you're not really into vegetables. I suggest trying them one at a time, and if you like one, keep it in your food lifestyle. Look up different recipes that you'd like and get creative with it. It can be so fun organizing what you eat! Come up with your own twists, and I'm sure you'll find cooking meals so worth it.

5. Know your self worth

In order to find happiness, you have to be happy with yourself. Realizing that you are a beautiful human being, no matter the scars, no matter the flaws, starts with knowing your worth. Knowing your self worth isn't about focusing on what's on the outside, it's about focusing on what's on the inside. You're capable of doing and achieving anything you put your mind to! Our minds can be our worst enemies. Don't let self doubt talk you out of achieving your goals, or talk you out of being the best person you can be. You are worth more than your past, your flaws, and your mistakes. You're human, and it's okay to mess up. Go out there, be the best version of you, and the rest will follow. :)

Unfortunately, this concludes my tricks and tips on finding happiness through this hellacious ride that we call life. I hope you guys found some benefits in these, and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask! Thank you for showing love to my blog, and as always: Stay Loving and Stay Kind, My Friends.

XOXO,

Hannah