Over my winter break, I had the rare-but-blissful opportunity to read for fun. Yes, you read that correctly: during my glorious month of sheer freedom from academia, I opted to pick up a paperback rather than binge-watch Friends for the umpteenth time. To any literary enthusiast, there is nothing more thrilling than a book that not only captivates you from cover to cover, but encourages you to keep its message in the back of your mind long after you’ve returned it to your shelf. Over break, I found a novel that did just that: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
The Happiness Project chronicles the author’s yearlong mission to maximize the amount of happiness that she can feel in her day-to-day life. Although she admits that it’s impossible to feel completely euphoric 24/7, Rubin resolves to make reasonable changes throughout her daily routine in order to “generally have more fun.”
Rubin’s project revolves around the lifestyle of a woman in her late-30s with a husband and two young daughters. While (thankfully!) that point in my life is still many years away, her successful results hold a hopeful promise to readers from all walks of life: no matter how content you think you are, it is possible to become just a little happier.
That’s why this year, I’ve made it my personal crusade to start my own Happiness Project: College Edition. Just as I won’t have to resolve to fight with my husband a little less as Rubin did, my resolutions might not fall exactly in line with the changes you wish to make in your daily routines. I don’t plan on taking any drastic measures, and I don’t expect to see a complete reduction of my stress (I mean, c’mon. It’s college!). Although this is not my complete list, here are ten simple ways that those who dare to accept my challenge can smile and laugh more through even the most grueling weeks of the semester:
1. Have a Dorm Room Dance Party
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s website, individuals who regularly exercise “decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize [their moods], improve sleep, and improve self-esteem.” Even if you don’t have time to make it to the gym, you can still experience these same results by dancing along to your favorite songs right in your dorm room. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you and your roommates are dancing along to your favorite songs, even if it’s just during a five-minute study break.
2. Find a Happiness Anthem (Or Playlist!)
If you give a college student the opportunity to have a dance party, she’s going to need a killer playlist to go with it. Even on the days when you just need a little pick-me-up on your walk to class, few things are better mood boosters than your favorite songs. There’s no need to go full-on Pharrell Williams “Happy.” (Although I’m not judging if you do!) My personal playlist includes everything from Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” to Noah and the Whale’s “5 Years Time.”
3. Send Snail Mail
Remember how excited you were the last time you received a letter or care package in the mail? Chances are you can help make someone else’s day just a little brighter simply by taking five minutes to handwrite (no, not type!) her a note. It’s a classic gesture that’s so much more meaningful than a text or phone call (and if you’re lucky, it will lead to a letter in the mail for you, too!).
4. Say “No”
If you’re anything like me, the primary cause of your stress derives from your inability to turn down any offer or request that gets thrown your way. Do you want to go to the meeting for the Chess Club? Probably. Can you jot down the notes for me? Sure! Are you going to run for an executive position? More than likely. At some point, you have to decline some opportunities for the sake of your sanity and your sleep schedule.
5. Say “Hi”
While we’re adding the word “no” into our daily vocabulary, we might as well add another important two-letter word: Hi. When you’re walking to class, take your headphones out, put your phone in your pocket, and smile at the people who you pass on the sidewalk. Sit next to someone new in class. Give more than a “’sup” nod to the girl you always brush your teeth next to. You never know what incredible friendship just might become of it!
6. Wake Up Early, Get Ready Slowly
Whether your first class is at 7:30 a.m. or you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to roll out of bed at noon, do yourself a favor and set your alarm early enough to give yourself time to eat breakfast, drink some coffee or tea, and take a few minutes to catch up on social media. Developing a morning routine allows you to start your day more peacefully than you would if you were rushing around, and will ultimately keep you more awake throughout your day.
7. Find a Feel-Good Outfit
For some, a feel-good outfit might consist of leggings and a sweatshirt. Others may find comfort in a twirly dress and riding boots. No matter what ensemble makes you feel the most confident, when you get dressed in the morning, put on what makes YOU feel comfortable and dressed to impress. Embrace the good vibes your favorite outfit brings you—don’t crush them by spending your day judging others by what they’re wearing.
8. Take Time to Color
… or paint or take pictures or just doodle in the margins of your notebook. Any sort of rhythmic, methodical pastime such as crafting and coloring has been proven to relieve stress and boost moods. Not only will working on your project help clear your mind—you’ll have a work of art to proudly display when you’re done.
9. Eat a Chocolate Chip Cookie
… WITHOUT worrying about gaining the Freshman (or sophomore, junior, or senior) Fifteen. Sometimes, the best way to make your day a little sweeter is by sinking your teeth into your favorite junk food, and that’s okay, as long as it’s not your only go-to pick-me-up. At the very least, patronizing Insomnia Cookies counts as doing your part to stimulate the economy, right?
10. Don’t Skip Class—Skip to Class
Though perhaps the most ridiculous of my challenges, it is undeniably the most fun. Instead of trudging to class each day, set your dignity aside and skip across campus. C’mon, stop rolling your eyes at me! It’s impossible NOT to smile and laugh when you’re using the preferred method of transportation of every kindergartener. And hey, you might just make a few strangers’ Snapchat stories while you’re at it.
These actions might seem unnatural at first, but I’m willing to bet that they will quickly become ingrained into your daily routines. So, are YOU up for the challenge?