6 Tips for a Happier Life in 2016
With 2015
coming to an end and 2016 on the horizon, I thought this post would be a great
idea! This time last year I was in a rubbish place and there were so many
aspects of my life that I wanted to change. I felt like I had SO many goals
which I *still* hadn’t achieved. I decided that 2015 would be my year (like we
all say on December 31st lolz) and you know what – it’s
actually been pretty great. I honestly believe that if you follow these tips
that I’ve shared below, you can have a happier life in 2016.
1. Find what you love and go for it
Sadly not all of us land our dream job straight away. Most of us
don't even know what we want to do when we leave school or university! The new
year is not only the perfect time to change jobs but to really figure out what
it is you love, and to go and get it. At the beginning of 2015 I was working in
finance which I hated. Like seriously I would cry in the toilets once a week,
not fun. I was desperate to escape, and after some soul searching decided that
I might like PR. Getting into a different industry is soo hard, but if you are
persistent and passionate someone will give you a chance. Luckily I was given a
chance in PR and it transformed my happiness levels for sure. Even if you have
to start on a slightly lesser salary in your new industry, if you love it,
you'll work hard and the money will eventually follow. Money is obvs to an
extent important I'd rather do what's good for my soul ANY day. What I'm trying
to say, paraphrasing a Steve Jobs quote - don't settle, do what you
love.
2. Write
down your short term goals and take action
We all have little
things that we *keep* saying we’ll do ‘this year’ then never happen.
Whether it’s to lose 10 pounds or to learn
French. Mine was to learn how to drive in 2015. Thankfully I was able to do
this and I passed my test in August. This didn’t just happen though. It
involved a lot of time and sacrifice at the expense of my social life. PLUS omg how expensive are driving lessons? I don’t get home until late during the week so I always had to do my driving
lessons on Saturdays. Friday nights were a big fat write off for what felt
like FOREVER. Visiting friends in other cities for the weekend was really hard
too. It really was horrible (first world problems eh?) BUT it was so so worth it to finally pass and know that I
had actually achieved one of my goals for 2015. So whatever it is that you keep
saying you’ll do, write it down and stick to it this year if you know
it’ll make you happier. It’ll feel amazing next December when you know you can
tick it off the list!
3. Cut ties
with people who are a negative influence in your life
As sad as
it may sound, I've felt much happier in my life after disassociating myself
with a couple of people in 2015 that I was previously close to. From speaking
to lots of people it's become apparent we all have at least one person in our
lives who has a negative influence - maybe you fight with them, maybe they
bitch behind your back, or maybe simply they're just not there for you. It
could be a friend, family member or a boyfriend. I honestly feel that I've been
happier and my life has been going really well since cutting ties with people
that weren't a positive influence. The people in your life should bring out the
best in you. They should be fun to be around. Most importantly it should be
easy to be around them. This probably sounds brutal to some people, but it's important to look out for yourself!
4. Find what de-stresses you
and incorporate it into your life
I'm
talking about meditation or exercise here. Taking up yoga is not only relaxing,
but boosts your mental and physical strength which can only have a positive
effect. I personally am planning to start Pilates in 2016, which builds core
strength as well as relaxing you. Or there's the good old fashioned gym session
or team sports which definitely can help you distress you in a really fun,
positive way. Whatever you choose to do make sure you keep up with it. Exercise
and meditation can work wonders for your inner peace.
5. Find a
skin care regime you can actually maintain
This is my resolution every
single year. Don’t get me wrong I love trying new cleansers and moisturisers -I
buy heaps of them - but I’m oh so bad at regularly using them. I’ve got a lot
better lately, but I still miss a few days in a week. From what I’ve told you
so far it sounds like having a regular skin care regime wouldn’t make me happy (ha) but, has anyone ever regretted cleansing after they've done it? Nope! It might be that you want to start using a serum every day (I probs should be) but it's just extra effortttt. This year
I’ve had quite a few break outs (so sexy at age 23) which I hadn’t suffered from before and well,
I’ve basically felt rubbish about my skin. Adding something into your every day
routine is hard, but you'll thank yourself when your skin is FLAWLESS.
6. Listen to your body
I have a difficult time doing
this sometimes! It's easy to get into a bad sleeping routine where you're going
to bed late or only getting 5 hours sleep every night. Or you might be getting
ill and you carry on working long hours, when you really need to chill in bed
with a hot chocolate and watch friends. Or you keep going out every weekend
when your body is just screaming NO, like seriously Nicole just have a nice
bubble bath and do not consume any more white wine. You HAVE to listen to your
body and understand what's best for your well being. Everyone (especially when
you get in your mid twenties) needs time to chill the hell out, and think what
you really should be doing. Should you be going out getting smashed like you're
18 when you didn't sleep last night, and have spent last week feeling
horrendously ill? - nope! Let your body recover from whatever it is so that it
doesn't have to suffer.
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