Friday, January 2, 2015

10 Life Practices For A Happier You.

I hate the term "new years resolutions" it speaks as if we can change our entire selves overnight, which we can't. instead, I've created a list of general guidelines to keep in mind in my daily life.

1. Enjoy The Little Things.
Just take a look around. You'll find beauty in things you never took the time to notice before. Whenever i'm having a bad day, even something as simple as petting my dogs will cheer me up. I share some of my favorite little things in my previous post.

2. Do More Than What's Asked.
Going above and beyond is a great way to improve upon your skills, and leads to a final product that you are truly happy with. 

3. Stay Organized.
I have always struggled with this. I am, for lack of better words, messy. Whenever my life is tidy, my mind is tidy and I feel so much more in control. "organized desk, organized life."

4. Don't Be Over Critical Of Your Body.
Big nose, overbite, little eyes, big hands. These have always been my biggest insecurities over the years. I have learned to let go and realize that there is nothing that I can do about them other than stop hating them.  I have always felt like everyone is constantly noticing, when really...they aren't. Whatever sticks out to you, I'm sure is just another feature to everyone else.

5. Don't Compare Your Beginning To Someone Else's Middle.
I saw this quote on Pinterest and it really made sense to me. I constantly look at other blogggers and youtubers and think "I'm not nearly that good" when they've been at it for many years and this is my first year. Just keep doing your best and you will arrive where you want to be.

6. Treat Yourself. 
Or, "treat yo-self" in the words of Parks and Recreation. Buy yourself flowers, get a massage (it works wonders), or take a bath filled to the top with fluffy bubbles. It's nice to relax one in a while.

7. Stop Procrastinating.
Do I really need to explain this one? It makes #2 much easier, and you will be less stressed about deadlines if you just "get 'er done" Trust me.

8. Learn To Be Content.
Nothing seems as nice once it's actually yours. I personally need to be content with what I do have instead of always wanting more, which leads me to my next tip.

9. Less Is More.
Living a de-cluttered life allows you to appreciate what you have, and also know where everything is and stay more organized, as #3 shows.

10. Smile More. 
This one is not that hard, yet it makes a world of difference. Try it right now. Don't you instantly feel happier? I don't know why this works, but whenever I feel down I put my biggest grin on and I instantly start to feel better.