Life deals out a great amount of stress, and it is easy to get lost in the stress and lose yourself in the process. Especially for college students, it is easy to feel like you lost grasp on your life, and can't control much of what life throws at you. Luckily, these 16 small changes are proven to better your life, set you forward in your ways, and to help you feel like you actually have control over something again.
1. Wake Up Early: This one, although it sounds cringeworthy, is proven to boost positivity in many respects. Waking up before most of the world is awake helps you to see your surroundings in a different life. You are able to appreciate nature in its' full beauty, encompassed by a beautiful, early morning haze. Not to mention you will feel wide awake for the rest of the day.
2. Eat A Big Breakfast: Right after you wake up early, make yourself breakfast. No, I don't mean grab a granola bar or a piece of fruit. Actually make breakfast. Take time to fry potatoes and sauté tomatoes and onions. Make your breakfast look physically appealing. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it starts the body's metabolism. Make yourself want to eat breakfast. Take it by a window and admire nature's beauty as you indulge in your little, early morning creation.
3. Take Time To Exercise: Exercising is the key to success and happiness. Don't believe me? Exercise releases immense amounts of endorphins; chemicals released in your brain that make you ultimately happier. Exercising gives out mental and physical benefits, making it a no brainer to include in your every day life.
4. Make Daily Lists (And Complete Them): One of the best ways to feel in control of your life. Laying out what you have to get done and actually accomplishing your tasks makes you feel liberated and helps you to stay on top of what is essential in your life.
5. Read More:Reading is one of the most mediative and peaceful exercises to take part in. Not to mention, it is extremely interesting. Take time to pick out a great book that genuinely interests you, and wrap your mind in it every now in then. Even if it is for only five minutes,, you will feel yourself becoming more connected with your own mind and interests.
6. Listen To More Music: Music is food for the soul. Literally. It helps you relax by yourself, connect with others, and get your feelings and emotions under control. It is one of the best ways to connect to your thoughts and what you are feeling at any given moment. By incorporating music into your life, you will without a doubt be better connected to yourself.
7. Keep A Journal: This one is a bit more time consuming, but worth the time it takes. You don't need to do this every day, but it is great if you are able to. Write in small, five minute doses if you need to. Pour out your thoughts, what you did that day, and anything on your mind. By laying everything out in front of you, you are able to clear your mind and better figure out what exactly it is that you are feeling.
8. Reach Out To Others: This is something that will not only make you feel better, but help others to feel better as well. Reaching out to someone and asking how they are goes a long way. It not only shows that you care about them, but it also makes the person feel as though they matter. This is sure to brighten anyone's day.
9. Call Your Parents: Few people are happier to hear you than your parents. Calling them (and asking them questions about themselves and their lives) puts massive smiles on their faces. And what's better than making the ones who shaped your life into what it is today as happy as possible?
10. And Then Call Your Grandparents: And the few people that are happier to hear your voice than your parents are undoubtedly your grandparents. Not only will you make their day with a simple phone call, their voices are sure to make your day better as well; leaving you happy, warm, and content.
11. Eat Clean: This is one that can be somewhat difficult for all of us to deal with, especially us college students. It's hard to believe, but your general mentality and overall mindset and physique improves when you start eating cleaner. It's an addictive process- once you start eating clean, you won't want to stop.
12. Keep Your Spaces Neat And Clean: Another one that can be extremely difficult for college students. I know I personally struggle with this one at times. However, it is scientifically proven that you become more efficient and get quality work done when you work in a neater space. It influences thoughts of success, which will directly motivate you to get more work done.
13. Get Outside: A breath of fresh air is completely guaranteed to boost your mentality. There is nothing like being in touch with nature. Being connected to what's around you, from the plants to the a animals, is sure to ground you and provide you with a fresher, happier mentality.
14. Limit How Much You Save (And Keep Track Of What you Spend): By successfully doing this, you not only will have enough money to fulfill all of your desires, but you also won't have to deal with the stress and horror of not being able to afford what you need when your debit card declines. Being smart with your money is one of the best qualities you could have.
15. Take The Time To Make Yourself Look Nice: This one is important. If you look nice, you physically motivate yourself to do better. Not only is it good for your own personal outlook, but other people will respect and admire you more if you look nice and well dressed. Take that extra half hour to style your hair and put on makeup in the morning, and lay out your outfit the night before. This one works like a charm for yourself and those around you.
16. Say I Love You: The most important one of all. Be sure to tell your loved ones every day how much you love and appreciate them. It sounds cliche, but you really never know when your own or someone else's life will change. It could happen in the blink of an eye. That's why it is always important to be upfront with your loved ones, because you never know if you will get the chance to say it again. Not only that, but it will make someone's day hearing how much their presence is appreciated by you.
Obviously many of these small changes are not easy, and it's difficult to implement many of them in the short run. But soon, short run will turn into long run, and you will be feeling fresher, happier, and more positive than ever.
