How to Live a Happier Life

I am not a psychologist or a doctor of any kind. However, I have been through hard times and have faced Depression. I have found a few things that work for me and I want to pass them along in hopes of helping someone else.

2. Turn off the TV: Don’t get me I do watch TV, but not for hours at a time. It is a waste of time-time that could be used to enjoy your own life and not spent watching someone else’s. Many people complain that they have no time to do this or that-I bet they could find a few extra hours right here! Also I find that after I watch TV I feel tired and sometimes sad about my own life-why don’t I have more money?, Am I as beautiful as those girls on TV? As skinny? Could I be famous? I am an adult and realize that it is stupid to compare your own life with anyone’s no matter how fabulous they may seem, because we all have our own demons to deal with. However, I sometimes do get sucked into the TV trap and ultimately I find that I feel happier when I don’t watch it. TV should be an occasional pastime, not a daily part of your routine.
4. Develop a Passion for Exercise: I discovered dance a few years ago and it has changed my life. Like many teenage girls and young women I had some serious body issues, I was self conscious and afraid to show my body. Through dance I found an appreciation for my body, for all that this amazing machine can do. When I dance, not only am I getting exercise, but I feel so happy and in touch with my true self. So many of us have desk jobs or jobs that require repetitive motions and we are not using our body to its highest capacity. Your body is a gift, enjoy it!
6. Cook: A few weeks ago, I had micro waved one too many frozen burritos. How unnatural I thought. Where is my connection with food? Where is all the money I have spent on take out and prepared meals? There has to be a better way. So I bought two cookbooks online and began my quest for my inner cook. There is something peaceful and rewarding about the act of cooking, about seeing the process through from beginning to end. Since then I have lost weight and saved money. Also I find that my cooking is actually better than eating a restaurant because I have full control of what goes into the food (I like to use natural ingredients). Also I know my kitchen is clean-I have had some truly gross restaurant experiences. If you are strapped for time cook a few meals on Sunday or whenever you have time off and eat it throughout the week.
8. Get a Hobby: In today’s world many people feel isolated and unsure of how to reach out. Hobbies are a great way to meet people who already have something in common with you. One of my hobbies is Salsa. I have a class every Tuesday and it feels good to be a part of a community; to have friendly faces that I see each week. If you don’t have a hobby try something you think that you may be interested in-challenge yourself! You may be pleasantly surprised.
10. Meditate: What? I’m sure many of you are thinking that this article has gotten too new age for you. I used to feel the same way! Hear me out. Many of us go through life without really knowing how we are feeling and why. This is absurd! When you mediate you are setting aside time to ask yourself how am I feeling today. For example, if you find that you are feeling angry concentrate on this feeling until it vanishes. When you do this you allow for feelings to leave your body that would otherwise remain enclosed. Try it! I guarantee you will feel lighter and happier!

I hope you have enjoyed my suggestions! Please let me know what you think!!!