If you're anything like me, then you probably know the constant struggle of being down in the dumps. Not to mention we're girls and I'm pretty sure 99 percent of us all have some type of emotional disorder. You know what I'm talking about, the ugly cry one minute and the next minute you're rapping to Nicki Minaj. You can't deny it, we all have it. My constant struggle is the result of college. Study this, study that, pop quiz, and so on. Of course instead of studying I sit on my laptop and scroll through Pinterest as I create my $50,000 dream closet and pout about why I'm not currently vacationing/traveling to all these amazing destinations. I know I can't be the only one that has hidden boards so your friends and family can't see how much time you actually spend creating your dream HGTV home. Let's be real, though: college is tough. Life, in general, is tough. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and wishing we had more.
It's time to stop. If you constantly focus on what you don't have, how will you ever be happy in life? We focus on the materialistic aspects of life instead of what's important. I know that better than anyone. Sometimes we just have to take a step back and reevaluate the situation. If you don't like how something is going in life, change it. You can't sit around and just dwell on it. Life is a struggle and it's not easy but we shouldn't make it any more of a struggle than it already is. Sometimes it's hard to stay positive and seems like the whole world is crashing over you but you've just got to stay strong and find the good in every situation.
You are a powerful, confident, incredible, beautiful, and amazing women. Nothing should bring you down. Below is a list of seven things that might help you to get off the struggle bus:
1. Try To Be Healthier
I know this one might sound odd and unrelated to the daily struggle - but I promise it's not. Spending time outside can ease depression and help to make you feel happier and improve your outlook. Not to mention, getting on a healthy eating kick makes me feel like a rockstar so that's always a plus.
2. Puppy Playtime
I might not have any scientific studies to back this one up but I can assure you that this will not disappoint. Depressed? Go play with puppies. Annoyed? Go play with puppies. Confused on what you're doing in life, yep you guessed it - go play with puppies. Not only is this good for the soul, it is also so beneficial when you go to a local animal shelter because these animals need attention and love. You might even find one to bring back home :)
3. Volunteer
Some great ways to volunteer include: feeding the homeless, habitat for humanities, food drives, helping kids that don't have help at home, etc. To me, this is the most beneficial of them all. If you want to get a new perspective on life this is definitely the way to do it. If you're feeling sorry for yourself remember what you experienced, and if you forgot - do it again. This is a great experience as well. It puts a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart to help someone in need, but it also makes me sad and reminds me how fortunate I am. You don't have much to complain about in life after this experience.
4. Do Something Good
There are so many ways you can do some good. Just by brightening someone else's day your day can be improved as well. Compliment someone, or send a text letting someone know you're thinking about them. There is literally an endless list of possibilities. It can be something as little as holding the door open for someone, or smiling at someone passing by. If you're feeling really generous pay for the person behind you in line when you're grabbing a bite to eat, or buy a meal for someone in need.
Points three and four will make a great impact on your overall attitude in life. Remember that you're doing it because you care and you want to, not because you want to be appreciated or thanked.
5. Invite Your Friends Over
A GNO (girls night out) is ALWAYS a good idea. Stay in and watch a movie and pop some popcorn, or have a night out on the town and get dressed up. No matter what you do, relaxing and taking the time to enjoy the little things is definitely a mood booster. I know nights like these spent with my friends contain endless laughter and enough funny moments to keep me laughing for the rest of the week.
6. Treat Yourself
This doesn't have to involve spending money. It could simply be setting time aside to take a hot bath and read a book. Life is very busy and every now and then we need to take some time for ourselves to de-stress.
7. Spend Some Time With God
Out of everything I've mentioned above this is the most important. I am a firm believer in not stressing. I do become a nervous wreck when I have a big event or exam approaching but that's normal. You have time to prepare for that and everyone gets stressed about those types of things. However, that's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about that heavyweight you've been carrying on your shoulders struggling to shake off. It's going to be okay. He never gives you more than you can handle. I promise it will seem so small once you give up your stress and worry to Him. Sometimes we don't have someone to talk about what's happening in our lives with, but He's already listening. He knows your struggles and He wants you to ask Him for help. Just try it. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Remember that in the grand scheme of things whatever your struggle is, it's probably not as bad as you think. Try to think positively, and care for others. Everyone has struggled, ours just seem so much larger because it's our own. Stop stressing and smile. It's all going to be okay. Remember you're not the only one going through it.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28