Things I do to be Happier

While physical health is important to me, so is my mental health.

Nobody is perfect, physically or mentally but I try to be the best I can be, because life is short. My goal in life is to be as happy as I can be, while being serious when needed. Life isn't rainbows and butterflies all the time for anyone. So before you look at someone's Instagram, Facebook or YouTube feed and feel they have perfect lives; NO BODY DOES. You don't know the real story behind their picture, video or post.

An example of this is Essena O'neill, at the age of 15 she was "instafamous" and modeling already. She was paid to wear clothing, use products and advertise using her famous account by posting "happy, perfect and beautiful" pictures using the products. The goal was to get ordinary people like you and me to think "wow she has a perfect life and looks happy, beautiful and etc." to buy the product or gain more followers. After a couple years she couldn't handle the fake life anymore. She revealed how she was paid to look like she had a perfect life but was far from it and it wasn't healthy. She then went back to her old pictures, and re captioned the truth behind the picture.

I can't imagine how hard that must have had been for her but she is so much happier and herself. Not everyone is this bad but here's more examples of ordinary people below. This goes for couples even. There are some people that really believe there are perfect couples out there, secret is that there are none; not even Michael and I. Couples might post their sweetest, most romantic and steamy pictures portraying a perfect relationship but the reality is that all couples clash here and there but it's how we react and respond that makes a healthy relationship. No one is going post their worst memories but they will post their best. So before you comment "GOALS" on someone's picture, video, or post; remember no one is perfect.

The point is that no body's life is perfect, but it's how we react to our life and what we make of it. Don't compare yourself to others but rather your old self. If you have a negative outlook on life, I'm going to assume you have a negative lifestyle, or if you have a positive outlook on life I'll assume you have a positive lifestyle.

Here are some tips to think more positively and be happier

1. Be more grateful

You often find those with less to have more. The less someone has, the more they appreciate what they do have. This develops gratefulness which leads to happiness. You can spend a minute, hour or day just focusing on things that you are grateful for that some people just don't have like food, water, a family, clothes, a bed and etc. Practicing gratefulness can cause almost an immediate shift in your perspective. Reflect daily on your accomplishments and challenges. Keeping a daily gratitude journal, even digitally, can help remind you to keep life’s blessings at the forefront of your mind.

2. Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils

I love candles. Something about scents bring me to a happier mood and I'm sure it will for you too!

3.Make an effort to see and catch up with friends regularly

How many times have you questioned why you aren't a social or out going person? But every time you're invited to something or have the chance to go out and interact, you come up with an excuse to stay home where you feel comfortable? This was totally me a year ago! Be more open to invitations. All I have to say is that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

4. Take a bubble Bath

Bubble Bath, favorite drink, binge watch YouTube/TV/movies, play favorite music, light candles, meditate and/or facial mask. Enough said.

5. Two Steps Forward

At first it might be hard to stop the negative flow of thoughts. Be patient with yourself because this shift takes time. See if you can catch yourself judging others, focusing on failures, complaining about work, or criticizing yourself or your body. When you observe these thoughts, take a moment to counter each negative thought with two positive observations or gratitudes. Think of it as taking two steps forward after your one step back.

6. Make Your Health Your Priority

Being physically healthy will make a positive life so much easier. The more you take care of yourself physically the more likely you'll take care of yourself mentally. Go for a run, eat a whole foods meal, floss, take regular showers, go to bed on time and/or avoid drugs & alcohol.

7. Treat Yourself Every Once in Awhile

If you occasionally reward yourself the more you'll be inclined to further your journey to a positive and happy life. Go watch a movie at the theater, buy a new outfit, sleep in, get your nails done or enjoy and meal out. Don't do it too often or else it'll become a lifestyle rather than reward.

8. SMILE

Another way for your body to “trick” your mind into being more positive is through smiling. The simple act of smiling, even if you don’t necessarily have anything to smile about, can instantly change the way you feel internally. Whether you are sitting at your desk, driving in your car, or walking down the street, smile. You will be amazed how your mind reacts.

9. Call your family more often

This is one I want to work harder on because family is so important to me. Nothing can compare to the bond you have with your family whether you see that now or later in life. Maybe plan a call once a month or week, take them out to eat or gather around to watch a movie together.

10. Meditate

I feel stronger mentally every time I meditate because sometimes the world today is too fast paced, stressful and toxic and all I need is 20 minutes to meditate, You can simply meditate on your bed, while doing yoga or in the shower/bath.

12. Get Rid of Negative Influences

Surround yourself with positive people. It's hard to maintain a positive perspective if you are constantly pulled down by the negativity of friends, family, or co-workers. If you get trapped in a negative conversation, gracefully try to change the subject to something more positive. However, if you are surrounded by a large amount of negative influences, it may be time to reevaluate your circle of friends in an effort to be surrounded by uplifting individuals. It can even be a bad habit that is creating a negative influence.

13. Adopt a New Hobby or Pick One Back Up

Having a hobby gives us a purpose in life. It can be as simple as doing some photography, cooking, learn how to play a instrument, or join a club or committee.

14. YOGA

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga. I picked up yoga in my weekly routine a couple months ago and I am so happy with my results. Not only do I get a get a great stretch that my body really needs but I can relax my mind and "zone" out. Most aren't going to be super flexible at first but give it time. You can use videos all over YouTube and do it from home!

12. Set Some Goals

Setting goals gives another sense of purpose. You can set a goal for a day, week, month, year or up coming years. It can be as simple as waking up on time or going to college to pursue your dreams.

13. Write Down Things You Love About Yourself

There will never be another you! Everyone has their own unique talents and skills. Appreciate them.

14. Enrich yourself with new books and/or classes.

The point is to focus on something other than yourself and continue to learn. Reading can take you to a new world and give a break from this one.

15. Unplug For a Few Hours

Occasionally I do this on the weekend where I won't upload any pictures, chat or get on social media. Sometimes you need a reality check and realize the world around you and not the one in your phone. I hate seeing friends going out together, families at dinner tables or strangers alone in public more involved with their phones than the people and/or potential around them. I only use my phone to snap pictures if I go out or spend time with my family because I love taking pictures and documenting memories.

16. Plan a trip

It's good to get out of the house every once in a while and see something new, try new food or experiencing something different. Once in a while Michael and I like to go to Chicago and trying vegetarian restaurants, window shopping and trying Chicago food. This Spring Break Michael and I are going to Florida together for the second time, and just like last time we will try absorbing as much as we can of the area because you don't get to be in Florida everyday (unless you live there) so why do things you'd normally do at home?

17. Go For a Walk Outside and Get Some Fresh Air

I notice more than others when I've been cooped up inside too long. That's why I go for walks often. Not only is fresh air good for you but you'll also squeeze some cardio in. Go venture your local park or even backyard.

18. Find New Methods to Relieve Stress

I've struggled with this myself so I know what it's like to have a negative stress reliever. I would spend a lot of time on media to get away from my responsibilities and stress, and it ended up hurting me more. Now I plan a "To Do" List to make sure I get done what needs to get done and if I am still stressed out I like to run, do yoga and cook which are some positive stress relievers.

19. Write Hand-Written Letters to Loved Ones

I write hand written letters to Michael and my parents often because to them it's makes it so much more precious when you spend time into it, texts don't last forever. I still have all my Birthday & Christmas cards, letters from Michael when he went through basic military training and notes given to me. I adore them and will probably never let them go.

20. Make an Effort to Meet New People

As important as it is to catch up with your friends now, it is also important to make new ones. Being nice and friendly makes it easier to be open and inviting to make a friend. If you go somewhere like your regular coffee shop, favorite store or concert; you're surrounded by people that have one thing in common with you already. You both enjoy the same coffee shop, clothing or music. Having a variety of friends can open your eyes.

21. Brew Up Some Tea

I first tried tea in middle school and hated it. I didn't give it a chance because I was so used to soda and thought tea was gross. Then high school I gave up soda and slowly started taking care of my body. I tried it again with hope and liked it with almond/soy milk and sugar at first. Then with time I've pitched the milk and sugar and I like it with just hot water. It took some time to adjust but was well worth it. I really like tea from Adagio Teas and I prefer their decaf tea the most because caffeinated tea makes my eyes twitch. I really enjoy the fruity teas and recommend them the most.

22. Volunteer

An act of selflessness builds character and gives a sense of purpose. Occasionally Michael and I like to go volunteer at the no kill animal shelter "Here Kitty Kitty" or you can just simply ask what can be done around the house, work or etc.

23. Take a nap

This tip works miracles. When is sleep not a good answer?

24. Make a list of fun to-dos and cross one off each week

While having a productive "To Do" list is important to get responsibilities done, it's also important to have one for fun. I recommend doing one a week so it will feel more rewarding and exciting because too often might distract you from what you need to get done. Thing's I put on my list are travel somewhere new, try a new coffee shop, go see a movie, and etc.

25. Document happy moments to look back on throughout the year.

This is one of my absolute favorites of all the tips. I love taking pictures, especially in the moment and natural ones. I've printed off my favorites and hung them up on my wall but if I were to print them all, you wouldn't be able to see my wall. A picture lasts a lifetime and they are so precious to me. When I went to San Antonio to see Michael graduate from the Air Force, I took pictures as well made a video. Michael's family didn't realize how much taking pictures and recording meant to me so they were kinda weirded out when I had my phone and camera out constantly; but when the pictures and video came through they loved it! Yes leaving the phone behind to be more in the moment is nice every once in awhile, but the pictures and videos I take/make are so incredibly precious, dear and priceless to me. It's such a great reminder and nice to look back on to bring me to a better mood. I keep them as my wallpapers on my computer so I can see them everyday.

26. Note the things you would've changed about 2016 and find Ways To improve

Looking back on my old self (not comparing myself to others) and improving makes me feel like a better person. Last year I felt I was very judgmental, even on myself and this year I have been working on it and I'm feeling so much better. It's not like nobody is judgmental but I want to be a little as possible. I have time management problems and I have been working on this by organizing and timing out how my days will go so that I am on time without wasting time. And at the begining of 2016 I was in shape but not that great. I ran a mile here and there and maybe did a workout video on YouTube. But ( I have half days at school now which gives me a little more time in the morning) now I run two miles watching TV or a movie and then do P90X and my Alexa Jean Fitness program. I'm very proud of how far I've come and only want to get better, and I know you can too.

27. Do Something Kind

Today I feel like as a nation we need to work on this one more. Not everything has to be centered around us. It’s easy to get absorbed by our own world of misfortune and to forget about the people around us. Stepping outside of your daily routine to help someone else can provide amazing perspective and fill you with positivity. Strive to do one nice thing for someone else each day. Here a 30-Day kindness challenge, you can try all 30 days or pick out your favorites and do your own thing.

I know it's really hard to do all these things at once so remember to give it time and work on one and move on to the next, or pick your favorites to start with. . It is our own perspective that ultimately determines our own happiness. Here are some of my favorite quotes that motivate me "Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone" & "Be Somebody You Would Want to Meet"

Thanks For Reading!