Everyone is tired. Everyone is stressed. Everyone is freaking out about something.
We all go through a lot of the same things on a day-to-day basis that make life hard. With that, we get lost in our daily lives and forget what it's like to be happy. I am a huge culprit of it myself. I have a schedule, I abuse that schedule, I live on my schedule. My schedule is the only thing that keeps me sane in this crazy, random world. I know so many people who are just like me and live this way. And this is definitely not a bad thing. It is good to keep yourself organized, on track, punctual, and ready for the days coming. However, it can become a bad thing if it is taken out of control. You get lost in the routine. You go through the motions, constantly looking at your schedule and the activities you have planned for yourself. Often, you forget to schedule in times for yourself, for your family, for your friends, and for your mental heath. Scheduling those things in are just as important (if not, more important), than making sure that you get to your desk an hour early just to get a little more work-time in.
Making sure to be around for your family, your friends, and even yourself will help you so much in the long run. Even if you are taking away time from the things that seem the most crucial right now, it will pay off. You will be happier, less stressed out, less overwhelmed, and you will feel less alone. If you take an hour or two out to see your best friend, read your favorite book, or go out to lunch with your Mom, you will feel so much more supported and at ease. It will help you to remember who you are, who you have around you, and what you love.
When you are so confined to a schedule, you begin to feel like a robot. Monday through Sunday, you wake up at the same time, brush your teeth at the same time, eat the same food at the same time, drive to the same destination at the same time, drive home at the same time, shower at the same time, etc. All of this happens every single day, without fail. That kind of schedule does not leave much time for anything but stress and pressure on yourself to not fault this perfect routine you have constructed. And this is exactly where problems arise. Where is the time for smiling? Where is the time for communication with others? Where is the time for laughing?
Something that many people don't seem to understand is that laughing is ok. Laughing is good. Laughing is so important for your wellbeing and your overall happiness. Just taking a few minutes out of your day and doing something that makes you smile or laugh is great. Just because you have a crazy schedule does not mean that you cannot have a happy, laugh-filled life.
They always say that laughter is the best medicine. And it's true. Laughter will relieve your stress, will remind you that there are positives in life, and will give you the push to keep working towards your goal, all while maintaining your sanity and happiness.
So, in the midst of your crazy, stressful lives, don't forget to smile. Don't forget to take time for yourself. Don't forget that time will pass and things will turn around. Don't forget to laugh.