This post is collaborative, but all opinions are my own
This year, I am determined to make it my happiest one yet. 2020 was a shocking disaster, but I've learnt a lot from it, and it's time to make a change. It's hard to be happy in a world that always seems to have negative things going on, but it's how you grow from it that counts. I know I've been sulking for a while, and it's not been beneficial to my mental health. The last few weeks have been a big learning curve for me. Here are some of the things I've been doing lately to lead a happier, healthier life!
Cut Out The Negative
There is bad news everywhere at the moment. While it's important to keep up to date with global affairs, there's a lot you don't need in your life. I've seen bloggers hate each other for being successful. I've seen people destroying the planet. Where possible, cut it all out. Don't get involved in arguments, especially where you're not concerned. Unfollow pages that upset or anger you. Let go of all the negativity you have built up, and happiness will follow. Forgetting social media, there can be a lot of negativity in day-to-day life. I don't like the way I look, so I say horrible things to myself. Learning to love your body and accepting yourself also helps you to live a happier life.
Look For The Good In Things
Looking for the good in things can seem like a chore when the world is filled with bad. 2020 was an awful year, but there were some good points too! For example, tampon tax on the 1st of January for England and Scotland now provides free access to sanitary items! When you're unhappy, write down why you're not, and come up with some positives. I get sad about my appearance, but I remember I'm loved, worthy and strong. There are so many good things, it just takes another perspective to realise it.
Do What Makes YOU Happy
This seems like a simple concept when creating a happier life, but it's highly effective. While we must care for others, you shouldn't give up your happiness for someone else. It's easy to put other's wants and need before your own, but it can lead to feelings of neglect for ourselves. Don't do something just because you'll make someone else happy. I was nearly pushed into university as all my friends wanted me to go, but I knew it wasn't the right path for me. I'm now happier out of school and in an apprenticeship. While it's valuable to listen to other people's opinions, you should follow your heart. Do what makes you happy otherwise you could be leading a life you're not excited to develop.
Practice Mindfulness and Wellness
I'm learning a lot this year, and mindfulness is one of the things that has helped me to stay happy. Mindfulness means to be aware of something. It's where you accept your thoughts, feelings and functions and acknowledge when something isn't right. When I am stressed, I take a break. If I feel upset, I figure out what's wrong instead of ignoring the problem. I have also fallen in love with yoga. My goal is to get the best yoga certification over the next few years and see where I can take this part of life. Taking a course means you’ll learn how to develop bespoke yoga routines, alongside crucial breathing techniques and safety protocols. If you want to teach yoga, even on the side, it's worth looking into a certification. I have been a lot happier and less achy since I have started my wellness journey. Working an office job means I need to move my body more and meditate in my free time. It's something I highly recommend doing if you're looking to find a bit of happiness.
Get A Good Night's Sleep
When I'm tired, I stay in bed for longer and feel guilty later. Going to be an hour earlier can boost your mood, improve your productivity and supports brain function. Keeping a good sleeping routine can help you to lead a happier life. I tend to go to bed at 10pm as it allows me to get a good 8 hours before work. Treat yourself to a comfy set of pillows, relax beforehand and aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Waking up earlier can also help you to feel happier. It allows you to get on with your day without too many distractions, and the earlier you finish your to-do list, the quicker you can relax!
Use A Planner & Schedule Your Time
I recently did a blog post on how I manage a blog, school work and my full-job. Planning makes me incredibly happy and helps me to avoid burnout. Whether you make a to-do list or a full-on bullet journal, plan out your week! Organising your time improves productivity, avoids burnout and means you don't forget things. Planning can also be really relaxing and therapeutic. Giving yourself a small schedule can make a big difference to your mood, so don't underestimate the power of a good planner! What are you waiting for? Go and treat yourself to some gorgeous stationery and go crazy!
Spend Time With Your Loved Ones
If the lockdown has taught me anything, it's to cherish every moment and surround yourself with people that love you. If you want to leave a happier life, keep in contact with people who make you smile. Try to book lunch dates when cafes open up again. I love spending time with my boyfriend, so after lockdown, we will book lots of dates. It makes me happy to be in good company with food, games and laughter. It's funny how a few hours with someone you appreciate can change your whole world. Don't underestimate the power of a day out. Maybe say yes to an invite you're unsure about!
Allow Yourself Time To Destress
Self-care is something everyone should embrace more. Things are tough right now, so allowing yourself time to relax is key to your happiness. You could pamper yourself, watch a movie or just simply meditate for 30 minutes! All these things are great for keeping a healthy mindset. If you're looking for more self-care ideas when you're limited with time, I did a whole blog post on it! Give yourself a break. You work hard and deserve it, plus burnout isn't a fun thing to deal with! Listen to your body and what it needs. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break!
Let Things Go
Letting go can be very hard for some. I build things up or hold a grudge which doesn't make me very happy. While a difficult task, you'll find yourself a lot happier if you let the past go. You can't change things now, only improve from them. Forgive that person, move on with your life and show them what they're missing. Forget that mistake, work hard and achieve an even more impressive goal. When you're not overthinking things, happiness will find you a lot easier!
Give Things A Makeover
I am obsessed with cleaning and reorganising at the moment. I'm in the process of completely redoing my bedroom before moving on to the rest of the house. Things will get tired, and giving them a fresh look can improve your mood. Whether you set a Sunday for cleaning the house or try out some DIYs, you'll find yourself feeling happier once things look nicer. I pride myself on having a pretty house, especially when it gets a few compliments from guests. Plus, when lockdown comes to an end, it's a nice way to impress your guests as they wouldn't have seen it for a while! I also find that switching up my style makes me feel more confident. I currently love mom jeans and a long-sleeved top with Vans. It makes a change from loungewear and makes me feel a lot happier when I look good.
Allow Yourself To Be Inspired
Being inspired by something doesn't make you weak. The world is a beautiful place, and inspiration is everywhere. Something I learnt recently is that by opening your heart and your mind can lead to happiness. Look at things differently, and you'll find happiness, in things you never even knew where there. Letting go and embracing new things can feel very freeing, and I've been more inspired to write and be productive than ever before.
Know That People Aren't Out To Get You
Yes, in this world there is a lot of competition. You could be applying for college or getting a job, and there are 100 other people all doing the same thing. But they're not there to watch you fail. For a long time, I would think people are against me or trying to beat me. I would get annoyed when people do more than I do, or if they seem to have achieved more. You need to realise that they're on their own journey. Who knows, maybe they're jealous of you? Letting go of jealousy, fear and anxiety over "competition" can lift a huge weight. You're on your path, everything you do is amazing, and you should be proud of what YOU'VE achieved. It may seem like a competition, but when one door closes, another opens. I believe that everything happens for a reason.
It can take a while for you to build a life you love, so don't worry if you aren't happy instantly! You can force happiness, especially when other things are going on. Listen to your body and figure out any issues first. Remember, you can't be happy all the time! Take the bad days with the good and keep growing. You've got this! What things do you do to make a happier life for yourself? I'd love to know what tips I have missed off this list!
