Hey Collegiettes, it’s been a while. I’m sorry I have been so MIA. Last year was a tough year for me overall, so I want to write a piece to help us both. These are five things you can do to make this year better.
- Visit a shelter and play with animals
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Take time out of your day to go visit some animals and feel the joy of being with them. I recommend Wayside Waifs. It’s an excellent place to volunteer and to just see animals. Who knows, maybe you will leave with a cutie too! If you have allergies, my friend, I recommend the fish. The way they swim can be incredibly relaxing to watch. Sometimes you need something to help you relax and a break with an animal could be exactly that.
- Make a memory jar
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Get a jar. Every time something good happens, write it down and slip it in there. Whenever you feel sad, pull one out. Now you have a memory to visit and can remember that not every day is bad. We all have a little bit of good in our day, but sometimes we just need a pick-me-up to keep going. This jar will give you that.
- Take a walk
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Turn off the music and take in the world around you. The people, nature and the world. Close your eyes and think about how right in this moment, 7 billion people are having good days and bad days. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you might feel alone, but you never really are.
- Spend a whole day alone.
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Date yourself. Those shoes you’ve been saving for a special occasion? Wear them. Life is too short to deny yourself pleasure. Make yourself smile because if you don’t, who will?
- Create a gratitude journal
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Try to write three things you are grateful for every single day before you go to sleep. A gratitude journal can go a long way in healing yourself and reminding yourself that you can keep going.
I hope these ideas were some help to you. I struggle with depression and anxiety and these are the things that have kept me going through to February. I hope they help you carry your weight too.