Live a Little Happier

Hi,

This week I thought I would do something a little different and do a lifestyle post.

Now this is something that works for me and I've seen it work for others, but at the end of the day everyone is different. I don't claim to be an expert on giving lifestyle advice, in fact far from it! This is just what works for me and believe me I've been in some dark places, so this helped me regain my sanity.

These are a few things I do when I'm feeling low and some of which I do on a daily basis.

- Positive Mind = Positive Vibes = Positive Life
This is something I try and do everyday. If something is really getting me down I turn it on its head to make it positive, no matter how s*** things get. For example, "I feel lonely" turns into "Well at least I can get away with joggers and no makeup without feeling guilty". Or ,"Why did she say that about me? That's so nasty", turns to, "Well at least I now know and I can concentrate more on those who matter".

- Exercise
Now I'm not the best at this one but I try and at least go for a walk once a day or even do some sit ups. Getting some exercise helps keep those endorphins running through your system which have been proved to make you happier. What a good excuse to go for a walk! :)

- Fresh Air
This one is simple, but so effective. When you're feeling down nothing is worse than a stuffy house. Open up those windows, sit in the garden and regain your sanity. Take in a deep breath and remember tomorrow is a new day.

- Healthy Diet
Again, not one I'm the best with but I do try and eat a balanced diet. Just a few changes to your everyday routine and it could help you eat more fruit, drink more water and feel less groggy and more human. It's amazing how much of a difference you'll notice.

- Surround Yourself With Positive People

It's amazing how much of a difference it can make by surrounding yourself with the right people. People who encourage you to think things from a different perspective, who help you achieve your goals and who believe in you. One key feature in all those people though is they need to be positive. If they complain every time you see them, or focus on only the negative then you will subconsciously do it too. To help you stay positive and focus on your goals to be a happier person you will need happy and encouraging friends.

- Declutter
This one may sound odd to some but this really helps me. I think a cluttered house resembles a cluttered mind. To help me think clearer I clean and tidy the house, or even just a room. It helps me feel more at 'home' as it's one less stress to worry about. My surroundings then feel more comfortable and homely, meaning I'm happier.

- Do What You Love
This one sounds simple enough but in busy lifestyles sometimes it can be easily overlooked. Make sure you have 'down' time, 'you' time. Find yourself again and do whatever it is that you love. Listening to music, going to the cinema, seeing your friends - make sure you make time for what makes you happy. I try and do something everyday, no matter how small - a nice coffee from our tassimo machine, a nice walk, chat to a friend, have a bubble bath, etc. Find at least 30 minutes for 'you' everyday.

- Music
Music is the sound of the soul and I'm a firm believer of that. Now I'm a lover of music so this may not work as well for everyone, but whenever I need to lift my mood up I listen to upbeat music. Something that makes me want to sing and dance my way through life. No matter what life throws at me, music has always helped me through it all.

- Reflect
This one again is one that is easily forgotten. I think it's important that once in a while you sit and reflect on how far you've come. What you've achieved, what you've survived. Wow 5 years ago I was... and since then I've learned, I've changed, I've gained, I've gotten through, etc. You've made it this far, what new adventures are out there for you? What will today bring? :-)

Well that's my blog post for today. I hope you've enjoyed it and I hope this helps some of you who may want to live life a little happier.

Jess x