Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Health and Wellness

5 Tips and Tricks to Live Happily

5 Ways to Improve Your Life

Hannah Grace Goodwin

Jul 11, 2016

Georgetown College

Michael Goodwin

Some things that really bother me about living in a first world country are the amount of unhappy people. While the majority of us have clean water, healthy food and sufficient shelter; we often get caught up in the little things. I know I am a prime example of this. When the new Jeffree Star liquid to matte lipsticks drop for the summer, I know I am going to want to buy all the colors! (Especially the yellow one. I mean how can you not want that!)

Besides just wanting the new lipsticks from Jeffree, I know we all are wanting to buy new limited edition pieces this summer. I know every time Kayne endorses something all the boys (and girls) I know jump at the chance to drop hundreds of dollars to "fit in" and when Kylie drops a new lip kit we all are refreshing the page to buy new lipsticks or glosses. Or when Taylor Swift writes another song about a failed relationship, every heartbroken girl (or boy) on the entire planet rises up in hate towards that poor man that she (T.S.) dated and the guy who dumped her (or him). Also, who can look away from HiddleSwift? Are they really together? Is it a ploy from the media? Who Knows!

https://www.facebook.com/DcMarvelUniverse1/photos/...

I'm not trying to spread hate about the pop culture, I'm trying to point out how much money and time we spend on things that bring us immediate joy and gratification, instead of working and cultivating lasting joy and gratification. On that note, here are my easy ways to live a happier lifestyle:

5. Find some sort of religious practice

It doesn't mean you have to go to church every Sunday, but having some sort of connection to an all powerful being (or beings) is incredibly wonderful. It could be yoga every night, or even just going for a run. Taking time to yourself and being connected to the people and beings around you opens you up to the world in a completely different way. It broadens your mind and opens up your soul. Breathe in Joy and Kindness. Breathe out Hate and Despair.

https://www.facebook.com/event1996

4. Write about your day

https://www.facebook.com/event1996

Having time to reflect on everything that has happened during the twenty four hours you were not writing about really helps to keep reality in check. It doesn't have to include what you ate (unless it was really good) and it doesn't have to be all knowing. Just writing down the important things will really help you stay in check with reality. Plus, when you are having a bad day, reading about the good days you experienced will lighten your mood. You don't even have to write if you don't want too, drawing a picture, putting stickers on pages or just doodling will help you relax. Taking this small amount of time for yourself will ultimately help you to lead a happier lifestyle.

3. "Weed your garden"

https://www.facebook.com/event1996

We all have that one person in our life who is so toxic to us, but we are so scared to cut ties with them. I'm hear to tell you to cut ties. Weed your friend and family garden. Keep in the people who push you forward. Keep in the people who try to make you into a better person. Keep in the people who help you smile, and make you laugh. Keep the positive energy flowing. Pull out the people who at the end of the day don't respect you for who you are. Pull out the people who drain you of energy. Pull out the people who don't push you to be the best version of you that you can be. It doesn't matter how long you've known them. It doesn't matter how you know them, pushing out the people who are toxic in your life will only benefit you. It hurts, but no pain, no gain, love.

2. Make the change

https://www.facebook.com/event1996

We all have that one thing we've been wanting to do for the LONGEST time EVER! Time is short, so if you want to improve your happiness, you have to go for it. No good things come to those who wait. Good things come to those who go out and get it for themselves. If you want to eat, you have to go out and kill the beast. In the words of Blair Waldorf, "Destiny is for losers. It's just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen." And we can all trust Blair, because she is after all Queen B. But in all reality, life is short. You may get 70+ years, and do you really want to waste them? Want to lose weight? Get to the gym! No excuses! Want to change your diet? Start today! Want to kiss that boy (or girl)? Go out and talk to them! Get their number! (Sidenote: I do not condone random makeout sessions with strangers, love takes time) Be the changes you want to see in the world. If we all said and did what we really felt, I'm convinced we would all be so much happier.

And lastly,

1. Be.U.

https://www.facebook.com/event1996

In my sophomore year of high school we had a small but very powerful revolution of love and self acceptance. It was so beautiful. People told coming out stories, stories of healing from self harm and addiction, and some people just told stories of how they found who they really are. Our whole school united for maybe at the most three minutes, but in those three minutes the amount of love expanded exponentially and everyone felt it. The release of the good vibes and hugs shared in the Be.U. campaign really changed the way our students reacted to each other and how the staff treated us. We grew as a people, a united front. Like I said earlier, life is incredibly short, and the best way to spend that time is by being you, through and through. Love everyone and most importantly, love yourself.

I know it can be incredibly hard. In fact, I think it is almost easier to love other people. The only way to experience a full and happy life is by first loving yourself. Be the best version of yourself and I can guarantee you will see a happier and healthier version of you. Choose yourself every day. And don't forget to be goofy! These are just my tips and tricks on how to live a happy and healthy life. I've implemented all of these into my life and I've seen a positive change. I hope these can help you live a happy, healthy, full life! Remember to "Have Courage and Be Kind". ~Disney

https://www.facebook.com/MommaIsAHippie44/

Disclaimer: I am not a certified health coach or therapist by any means.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Student Life

12 Most Annoying Things About Working In Sales

No, I can't help you.

Oakland University

134

Working with the public can be a job, in and of itself. Some people are just plain rude for no reason. But regardless of how your day is going, always having to be in the best of moods, or at least act like it... right?

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

Keep Reading...Show less

sales

Entertainment

11 Things That Happen When You Suffer From Resting B*tch Face

It's just my face, I swear.

Christopher Newport University

122

Hercampus.com

RBF, or resting b*tch face, is a serious condition that many people suffer from worldwide. Suffers are often bombarded with daily questions such as "Are you OK?" and "Why are you so mad?" If you have RBF, you've probably had numerous people tell you to "just smile!"

While this question trend can get annoying, there are a couple of pros to having RBF.

Keep Reading...Show less

rbf

Lifestyle

16 Things Blondes Are Tired Of Hearing

Please hold your blonde joke.

Rutgers University

224

Yify

Another day, another Elle Woods comment. Can’t us blondes get through the day without someone harping at us over the typical stereotypes about who we are? I never understood why a person was judged based upon the hair color they were born with, or the hair color they choose to have (unless you dye your hair blue like Kylie Jenner, I’m still trying to understand why that’s a trend). Nevertheless, as it should be assumed, not everyone is the same. Not all blondes like bright colors and Lilly Pulitzer, and not all blondes claim to identify with Marilyn Monroe. I think the best suggestion to give to people before they make such radical claims is to stop judging a book by its cover. Or in this case, stop judging a blonde by her hair color.

Keep Reading...Show less

blonde

Entertainment

A Year At JMU As Told By 'Bob's Burgers'

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

James Madison

1315

collegian.com

A year at JMU promises many great adventures. The journey of becoming a duke and learning what being a duke is all about is really exciting and a lot of fun. Of course, we all know that James Madison University is the greatest university in Virginia (perhaps even the entire country). There are many events and moments at JMU that are cherished and remembered by all dukes.

Keep Reading...Show less

bobs burgers

Entertainment

15 Things That Happen On Your Birthday

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

University of Southern California

5186

My birthday has never been my favorite holiday. I've found that I'm more excited to celebrate my friends' and family members' birthdays more than my own. I don't like being the center of attention, so I usually celebrate over dinner with a small group of family and friends. This way, I can enjoy myself naturally without feeling like I have to entertain everyone and make sure they are satisfied. In the past when I've had large parties, I was so nervous that people weren't perfectly content that I didn't enjoy myself at my own celebration.

Keep Reading...Show less

birthday

Recommended for you

5 Tips and Tricks to Live Happily

5 Ways to Improve Your Life

Subscribe to our Newsletter

No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

Subscribe to our
Newsletter