We always hear about makeovers for physical appearance but not so much about how to restore our mental and emotional health.
Even if you look great on the outside, it’s not going to matter if you are unhappy.
We all get into these dreary slumps every now and again, but when you see that specific activities or people are perpetuating your unhappiness, it’s time to reconsider all of your options.
Do you have to stay friends with everyone?
To be frank, no. Just because someone was your friend at one point doesn’t give him or her the right to stomp all over your feelings. Think about your relationship with this person. Is it a two-way street? Are both sides giving an almost equal amount? Can you rely on this person? If you can’t affirmatively answer these questions, it might be time to cut your losses and move on. It’s a hard lesson to learn – and it’s nowhere near easy – but if this person is bringing unneeded drama into your life, it’s probably time to move on.
Well, I hate my job. Now what?
You are still young and (hopefully) don’t have a lot of baggage. If you’re going to make a major change, now is the time to do it! Even if you have to make less money or even take out loans to go back to school, isn’t it worth it to be happier in the long run? My brother just decided he wants to be a physical therapist and found out his first year of college basically didn’t count after he transferred schools. As frustrating as that sounds, my constant advice to him is to think about the long term. Yes, he could graduate in less than four years with a business degree, but is that what he really wants to do? Consider the long term in your decision-making process.
I’ve got too much on my plate.
Oh yes, overachievers unite! Been there, done that. The best advice I can give is to make a list of everything you’re involved in. There are some non-negotiables: school and work. Obviously, you can’t give up either of those. For the other activities, list what you get out of participating in the activity. Are in in that organization only because you like the people? If so, couldn’t you still hang out with them but just in your spare time? If you can’t find multiple, valid reasons to stay involved, you need to reconsider its worth in your life. Could you live without it? And if you did, would you have less stress? Probably so.
Additional steps to take:
- Clean your room/car/office
- Clear out your inbox of unnecessary emails (My motto: Clean inbox, clear mind)
- Rearrange your room, if you feel the need
- Make a list of all the long-term things you need to do instead of letting them clutter your mind
- Buy a calendar (if you don’t have one already)
