The past few months have been especially stressful. My school went on strike a few weeks ago, I had my senior piano recital (I am a piano major and I go to music school), and the US election actually happened. Everyone seems a little fired up about the election right now - whether they are happy or unhappy with the end results. That aside - the events happening around me have been kinda stressful... (and that is an understatement!). When stressful or troubling events happen around us, what can we really do? Well, there are lots of things we can do. For one, we can continue trying our best to make the world a better place - we can truly be the change we wish to see in the world. Here are my top ten ways to make a positive impact and change the world around you:

1. Love Yourself

Before we can make an impact on others, we must be able to make an impact on yourself. We need to love ourselves. We need to accept ourselves - acknowledge our flaws, strengths, likes, and dislikes. We need to make time for ourselves - this also means making time to eat, sleep, and exercise in a healthy manner. If we cannot do good for ourselves, it will be a hell of a lot harder to be a leader to the world around you.

2. Give A Teary-Eyed Stranger A Hug

Have you ever been in a public place and seen somebody get really upset? Like just break down and cry - all alone? If you have not, then be thankful because it is really heartbreaking to witness! I have witnessed this myself, and I have also been this person. There is nothing more humiliating than having no control over your emotions in a public place where people see you. Put your pride aside and give the person a hug. Maybe you are thinking, what if they hate hugs? I guarantee if they are crying and alone there is a 99% chance they won't bite if you reach out to comfort them. Sometimes an unexpected kind gesture can go a long way. You don't know what the person could be going through - it could be as serious as a crisis.

3. Smile

Getting a smile can be very reassuring. Smile at your friends. Smile at strangers. Smile at your neighbor. I love when strangers smile at me. It makes my day a little brighter.

4. Listen!

Learn how to be a great listener. In other words, don't be so quick to respond or offer your opinion to a friend or someone confiding in you. Learn how to put your needs aside temporarily and offer the person opening up to you the support they are seeking. Being too quick to respond, or not giving full attention to someone can be invalidating.

5. Let The People In Your Life Know You Appreciate Them

Basically, say thank you. Did your professor give you an extension on a project? Write her a letter. Did your grandmother bake cookies for you to take to college? Invite her for lunch. Did your little brother get you a present because he missed you? Take him out for ice cream. Sometimes the little things in life are the most rewarding. Appreciate the small beautiful moments in life - and don't let them go unnoticed!

6. Apologize

Did you make a mistake? Is your best friend feeling hurt? Just say sorry. Saying sorry does not mean you maliciously hurt somebody. Sorry means you are acknowledging a miscommunication and you want to fix the problem. Sorry takes honesty, vulnerability, empathy, and courage. Not everyone has these things.

7. Community Service... YAS

Don't sign up to "put it on your resume." Do it because you want to. For example - I am actually doing a lot of community service right now. For one, I recently trained to become a Crisis Text Line counselor. I love talking about mental health and helping those in need, so I am incredibly excited to finally begin helping real people (I just finished my training). I am also obsessed with animals. I was in Petco last week, and there were LOTS OF CUTE PUPPIES VISITING FROM THE SPCA. They told me and my friend I should volunteer - play with puppies? Heck yes - I am in. If you got nothing from that schpeel- volunteer by doing something you enjoy. There are so many places you can volunteer or service at - I promise you will find something!

8. Recycle

You heard me - I am about to go all green on you. Finished your Lucky Charms? Recycle them. Don't like your last season Free People tops? Donate them. Have extra leftovers? Invite a friend over to help finish them. Do you know how many people are currently on planet earth right now? Multiple that number by 1. Let's say each person has thrown something in the trash to sit in the landfill at least once.You know how many items of trash (that will probably not decompose) that consists of? Pretty scary right? The air and climate will not fix itself. We need to do our part. We need to stop thinking about ourselves and think of our future generations to come. How can we trash the one place that gives us life and the ability to live? I don't know, seems pretty selfish to me.

9. Reach Out To Someone Struggling

Is your peer struggling in class? Does someone you know eat lunch every day alone? Is someone you love struggling with depression? Are there homeless pets in your neighborhood? Do something. By offering a small gesture, you can end up saving someone's life.

10. Donate Money To Street Artists And Musicians

Art is what keeps the world alive. I am a musician, so I am sure you can understand, it is very hard for me to imagine the world without art. Sometimes art speaks messages words cannot compare to. Art creates culture. Art connects people. Show gratitude for the things in life that make you smile.

I dare you to try one of these things. I dare you to make the world a better place. Let me know what happens in the comments. :)