I thought I would write about something slightly different on my blog today - happiness. Happiness is literally top of my list right now. I saw a quote the other day and it literally sums up how I'm feeling at the minute - "my only goal in life right now is to be happy".
Obviously everyone has goals - do well at work, join the gym, eat healthier, spend more time with friends or family - but being happy is central to everything in life. If you feel down or fed up you're not going to necessarily want to go out, you might have no motivation to exercise or eat well and maybe work pressures might get on top of you. This is normal!
The last year or so has been really tough for me personally and at times I have really struggled to stay positive and happy throughout but it has shown me how important happiness is. Life is too short to be anything other than happy. As cliché as it sounds, you do only get one life so why would you spend it dwelling on pointless things rather than being happy and living your life to the full?
Here's 5 tips from me on how to keep happy. If they worked for me, hopefully they will work for you too!
#1
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
I think every girl is guilty of this. In today's society focused on social media, we are always comparing our lives to others, even if we might not necessarily realise it.
"I wish I had her figure"
"I wish I had the money to buy as many clothes as her"
"I wish I had her lifestyle"
Little thoughts like the above are all a prime example of comparing ourselves and our life to other peoples'. What we don't see through social media are all the things that aren't perfect in those peoples' lives: their own personal insecurities, their family issues, the list goes on.
What we also don't realise is that for the hundreds of times that we wish we had a life like someone else or their figure or wardrobe, there are people thinking the same about us.
I definitely don't view myself as the prettiest girl and I'm not in the shape I'd like to be right now but it's all about being comfortable and confident in your own skin. Instead being envious of other peoples' looks or lifestyle, admire these things but don't compare them. By doing this, you will gradually start to feel happier in yourself.
In today's society, people can be very similar. A lot of girls dress similarly, do their make-up in a similar way or even their hair but personality and the little differences are what makes you you so don't try and change it - embrace it!
#2
FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE DOING
This is so important - I can't stress this enough. Naturally, when you are doing something that you enjoy you are going to feel 10x better. It can literally be anything - exercising, dancing, baking, drawing - whatever works for you!
My love is blogging. I started blogging last August and it is one of the best ways for me to take my mind off anything that might be bothering me but it also makes me feel relaxed and stress-free. Finding something that you enjoy doing will make you feel a lot happier in yourself and may even boost your self-confidence!
#3
DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK
This tip sort of links in with the one above!
Blogging is something that I had wanted to do for months prior to actually starting and initially I was really nervous to publicise my blog / tell people about it. However after the first couple of posts that I wrote, the amazing, lovely comments that I was receiving from both complete strangers and my friends and family stopped me from worrying.
I realised that some people probably would think having a blog was stupid or wouldn't understand it but that didn't matter because I loved doing it (and still do) so who cares what anyone else thinks about it?!
This is the same generally. I know that I won't be everyone's cup of tea but I've stopped worrying about this now because I have amazing friends and family around me who love me for being me so why would I want to change to please other people?
There's always going to people saying negative or nasty things but that says more about them than it does about you so don't let it bother you. I know that is easier said than done and it did take me a while to realise that these comments don't reflect on me at all and, actually, they really don't matter so there is no point letting them get to you.
#4
DON'T BE AFRAID TO CONFIDE IN PEOPLE
Sometimes talking things through is the best therapy. This can often be easier said than done - as I've realised myself!
We don't always want to show emotion to people as there can be the idea that this is weak. Sometimes putting a brave face on and pretending that everything is okay is so much easier than actually admitting to people that you're upset about something or going through a difficult time.
There's also the feeling at times that people might not understand how you're feeling or that they might judge you but, let's be honest, everyone has down days and everyone needs a bit of love sometimes - I know I do.
If at first you are really struggling to talk about something, write it down. It might seem silly and you probably think, "what good is this going to do?!" It actually does work! Keeping things bottled up inside isn't the answer - it might seem easier at the time but eventually it just leaves you feeling worse. Getting your worries / anxieties out in the open is the best therapy, whether this is jotting them down on a notepad before bed to clear your mind or talking to a friend about it. Either way, it helps!
When I was going through a difficult time, I didn't confide in a lot of people but when I actually did later down the line, I wished I had earlier. My friends and family were so supportive and cheered me up consistently and it really did help. The people that love and care about you just want to help so don't be scared to open up about how you're feeling.
If at first you are really struggling to talk about something, write it down. It might seem silly and you probably think, "what good is this going to do?!" It actually does work! Keeping things bottled up inside isn't the answer - it might seem easier at the time but eventually it just leaves you feeling worse. Getting your worries / anxieties out in the open is the best therapy, whether this is jotting them down on a notepad before bed to clear your mind or talking to a friend about it. Either way, it helps!
When I was going through a difficult time, I didn't confide in a lot of people but when I actually did later down the line, I wished I had earlier. My friends and family were so supportive and cheered me up consistently and it really did help. The people that love and care about you just want to help so don't be scared to open up about how you're feeling.
#5
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
"Positive vibes only"
This is definitely the way to a happier life. If you surround yourself with negative people - people that are always judging others, gossiping or putting you down - how are you going to feel positive? It is really draining to be around negativity and it's hard to not let it drag you down.
Everyone can be slightly negative at times, we're human, it's how we are. However, this isn't the atmosphere that is best and eventually you will be affected by it. Surrounding yourself with inspiring, positive and supportive people is definitely the key to happiness. It's worked for me!
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So there you have my 5 tips to a happier life!
I hope that you've found this post useful. If you have any other tips that have helped you personally or that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear them. Just pop a comment below or email me at xthelifeofm@outlook.com ♥.
Love,
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