With the stress of classes, boyfriends, girlfriends, club meetings, and trying to keep up a social life, it is easy forget the things that help you get rid of all that stress. There is one important thing to remember, and that is: Nothing is worth it unless you are happy. If you ever get lost in the craziness of life, just remember these simple steps:
1. Stop living your life around other people. I am the type of person to put other people’s happiness and needs over my own. I have learned it is totally okay to step back and take some time for yourself. When you are constantly making sure everyone around you is happy, you forget about your own needs.
2. Recognize your own passions. Some people like movies, some like art, and others like to play musical instruments. Whether you fall into one of these categories or not, there is something out there for everyone. Finding something you are passionate about gives you an outlet to de-stress and free your mind. For example, I love to play guitar and write. When I am stressed out or upset about something, I either play guitar until my fingers bleed, or work on a kick-butt article until I feel better.
3. Find your person. If any of you people out there are Grey’s Anatomy fans, you know exactly what I am talking about. For those of you who are not, this one is simple. Find that person that will come pick you up when you are too drunk at 3 a.m. or who will randomly dance with you when you feel the need to blast Beyonce or Taylor Swift at full volume. This person is there for you no matter what, and they will do anything to make sure you are happy. They are the one you turn to with all of your needs, whether it be venting about that annoying person that just got on your nerves a little too much that day, or holding your hair while you regret every decision you made on a wild Saturday night. She will never judge you or shame you because she is your person, and you would do all the same things for her.
4. Spend some time by yourself. I know, being alone can be scary. However, if you are constantly surrounded by people, you can easily get lost in them. After a while, you will get tired of them. Take some time to be alone so you can recharge. Take a nap, do some homework, or just eat all the snacks in your room while watching Real Housewives for six hours. Whatever you choose to do, have fun doing it. Who says you have to be around people to have fun?
5. Be kind. We have all been taught the “Golden Rule” since we could comprehend words, but that rule holds true. When you do nice things for other people, it feels good and it feels right. If people see you doing good things, they will typically reciprocate. Even if they don’t, at least you will be happy enough not to worry about them in the slightest.
6. Surround yourself with good people. When you have good friends, everything else seems to fall into place. Just like finding your person, try to find a group of friends that shares your passions and supports you in whatever you choose to do. These people will be there no matter what, and any time you are feeling down, they will be there to lift you up and make you forget about that “D” you got on a quiz or that boy that never called you. Nothing else matters when you have good friends that are there for you.
There are so many reasons to be happy, and if you follow these steps, you are off to a pretty good start. Life is so much more fun when you stop worrying so much and just enjoy yourself and your company. We are always told that our college years will be the best years of our lives, so why not be happy while we are living them?