Happiness is extremely complex. We can't just snap our fingers and be happy; we have to genuinely feel it from within. And that's not always easy. The good news is that we create a lot of barriers for ourselves, and we're in control of breaking down those barriers. The first step is recognizing them so that we can work to stop creating them. Here are, in my opinion, the 3 most common barriers to happiness that college students, and plenty of people in general, need to overcome:

1. Stop telling yourself something is missing

A lot of people have the tendency to picture something that they don’t have, a relationship for example, and tell themselves they’ll be happy once that thing comes. Wake up call: living vicariously through a distant idea is going to bring you down. I saw a quote the other day, it read “happiness is not a destination, it’s a way of life.” We’re all guilty of thinking we’ll be happier IF this or IF that, but it’s time to start living in the moment. Why not be happy today? It’s easier said than done, but accepting your life for what it is and working to make any positive changes you need to will make you so much happier. It’s ultimately much more fulfilling to be happy on a daily basis than to wait for happiness to come later.

2. Don’t let your weight dictate your life

As college students, a lot of us have put on extra weight that we wish we didn’t. These extra pounds are totally fine, but you have to decide if you’re okay with it or not. If you want to live a “YOLO” lifestyle and eat whatever you want while you’re here for 4 short years, go for it! However, if the extra pounds are going to bother you, do something about it. I know people who have found happiness turning to fitness, and I also know people who have found happiness eating whatever they please. The people who aren’t happy are the people who don’t like their weight but also make no effort to change it. My best advice would be to make a decision and stick to it.

3. Don’t stress too much over your future

I can’t deny that it’s important to pick the right major, get good grades, find internships, and all that good stuff. But it’s also important to live in the moment. Chances are, as long as you’re trying your best, everything will turn out okay. I always hear people stressing about their career, and although this is a valid concern, we’re going to be working for the rest of our lives. As long as you do what you’re supposed to do in college, you will find a job one way or another. So for now, take the steps necessary to set up your future without driving yourself crazy. Enjoy this awesome, wild, unique phase of life you’re currently in.