Little Lessons on Happiness

Anyone who knows me well enough will know that I have an issue with control. I have a constant need to be in control all the time. Throw in a load of perfectionism and you get someone who expects maybe just a little too much of others. Anywho, after years of battling being upset/disappointed by people, I've discovered some little tips that might just be the path towards self happiness.

1. Recognise that happiness is a product of one's mentality
Happiness is abstract. There is no universal criteria for happiness, it stems from how much one values something/someone. My lecturer once told me something that stuck with me for life "we are responsible for our own distress". This explains why some people are exceptionally affected over an event, while others experiencing the same issue can remain calm and collected. So keep calming yourself, reassure yourself and know that your happiness isn't in anyone's control but yours.

2. Do one thing at a time
In a world where efficiency and speed expected for many jobs/life in general, trying to do everything at once might lead to you getting nothing done at all. Having too many things going on at the same time can lead to unnecessary mental stress, which takes a toll on your happiness without offering any productivity. This is something I'm guilty of often. I have so much to do that trying to do everything at once exacerbates my stress tenfold. Currently, I am opening the facebook tabs necessary for recruitment, planning my study schedule, researching potential living areas in Australia, and trying to do my online assignments all at once. This isn't very productive right now.

3. Lower your expectations
Ok so I'm the queen of having expectations. Especially for people I care about. But people can't always live up to your standards, and it's unfair on both you and the ones you love to have to live by a benchmark. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself of point number 1 when you find yourself mulling over this.

4. Go have fun
Positivity is a product of your surroundings. Being in a negative environment will unconsciously have an effect on your mentality, causing you to feel more depressed than you actually are. Surround yourself with positive people, positive vibes and positive energy! Go out, get some fresh air and sunlight, and have a blast. Whenever I've been feeling pent up and stressed, a night out with my friends or a date night will always bring my mood up!