Do you ever feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Chores are piling up, everyone seems to want something from you, and you're being pulled in a million different directions.

Yeah, me too.

I spent years of my life stuck in rut of depression. I felt I had no control over any aspect of my own life, including my happiness. I didn't know what to do to change my situation. I didn't know how to be happy.

What do you do when you feel like your life is spinning out of your control?

1. Just Stop

This is much harder than it sounds. Deciding to radically change your views and outlook on life is a difficult road to travel. It includes losing friends that don't understand the change in you, and fighting day and night to not allow yourself to slip back into the routine of being sad.

2. Learn to Say No

I find it very hard to let others down. I want to be there and do everything I can for everyone else, sometimes at my own expense. Learning to politely tell others "No, I'm sorry, not this time" is so valuable when it comes to your emotional and mental health. We are all human. We can't do everything. Others understand this and will respect you for your honesty.

3. Set Aside Some YOU Time

Take a bath, read a book, go get your nails done. Go do whatever it is that calms your nerves and resets your mind. Taking time to step back and let the stress of the day (or the week or the month) melt away is critical when keeping your spirits lifted. I know how hard it can be to justify taking this alone time with the burdens of life weighing on you, but it is 100% necessary for your happiness.

4. Take Life One Step at a Time

The mile long To-Do list that we all create in our minds can seem so overwhelming. There are always a thousand things that need our immediate attention. If you look at your To-Do list one item at a time the list will seem so much less stressful! Focus all of your energy on completing just one item on your list. I promise your stress will slowly melt away and you will be left feeling accomplished and much less stressed.

5. Ask for Help!

No matter how down and alone you may feel there is always someone in your corner. Whether it be a parent or grandparent, a sibling, friend, teacher or coworker. Even if you don't need physical help with something, sometimes just a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on can make you feel better. All you have to do is reach out and ask.

Life is complicated, busy, and stressful. If you, like me, are the type of person that lets the burdens of life weigh down on you I challenge you to do something about it. Don't continue living like this! Don't allow yourself to be hurt, sad, or stressed any longer. Make a change. Fight back. Take control of your own happiness.