In life, there is always room for improvement. Maybe becoming a happier version of yourself isn’t as difficult as you might think.

We all have had those days or even weeks where maybe we didn’t feel like ourselves; we just felt alone and unhappy. Maybe you were even discouraged and overwhelmed because you weren’t your fun and happy self.

Start by thinking of a time you were happy and write a list of things that were different then compared to now. Add to that list, people, places or events that made you feel good as well.

Based on that list, try to see if you can incorporate those factors into your daily life. For me, I had a lot of names of friends that made me feel happy and most myself.

Now, a few times a week I try to catch up with those friends, whether it’s over Facetime, grabbing a tea in between classes or hitting a Tuesday night kickboxing class. It really has surprised me how much of a difference seeing these people had on my mood.

I feel like now I give off different vibes than I might have months ago when I was overwhelmed 5 out of 7 days a week. Incorporating healthy eating, friends, exercise and fun events has really helped me.

Now, being happier, I am more approachable to students in my classes that reach out for help. I am more energetic and eager to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone.

Everything in my life has been very positive and it feels so good. Give yourself realistic goals to work towards so that you can see the improvement.

Even when I have a stressful week, I try to plan some event after all my school work is done with to destress and enjoy life. Last week, I had two important tests but I was planning a photo shoot with friends and brunch over the weekend so that that helped me stay positive and realize day by day what I needed to accomplish in order to push through to the weekend.

It is crazy how much of an influencing having a healthy support system in your life is. You should hopefully laugh and smile more often than you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed.

Just know your friends are here to support and listen to you. Feel free to lean on them and try not to feel like you are drowning when you could rely on others to help you.

My life has truly changed for the better once I let go of stress I couldn’t control and replaced it with fun-loving friends that I wish I saw more often.

Whether it is cookies and cream ice cream, a mile run or spending more time with your friends - do something for your everyday.

Honestly, try this and let me know if you feel this helped you. After changing my mindset and incorporating my favorite people into my life more frequently, I can truly say I am the happiest I have ever been.