Simple Pleasures

With the world creating quick solutions to problems, like drugs and therapy, I wanted to grace the topic of ways to make your life more full-filled without medicating yourself to the point that you don't feel feelings anymore. When life gets you down, as it so often can do, give these simple pleasures a try and see what happens.

*Be kind to strangers. You would not believe the kind of euphoric high it can give you knowing you did something nice for someone else. It can even be as small as smiling at someone, slowing your car so another can sneak in through traffic, helping an older person with their bags, or paying someone a compliment.

*Get just the right amount of sleep. Too little adds up and makes you look and feel tired and sluggish, and too much sleep can put you in that coma all day long. I think 8-9 hours is perfect.

*Spend some time with people you love. I find myself seeking out my cousins and their children when I'm feeling particularly low. The love they show me is enough to bring me out of any sort of funk. Especially Ella, the 18 month old--she can drag any bad mood out of me in five seconds flat.

*Make your bedroom your sanctuary. I always feel better when my room is cleaned and it looks nice. Light some candles, turn on a fan, and enjoy the quiet.

*Surround yourself with positive people only. If someone is a negative influence on your life in any way at all, cut ties immediately. Laugh, as often as you can.

*Drink! I'm not talking get hammered every night, but I love sitting down with a glass of wine or sangria.

*Workout. Find something physical that you love to do. It releases endorphins and makes you feel better about yourself.

*You spend most of your life at work. If you hate your job, FIND ANOTHER ONE. It's not worth wasting your life.

*Find something you love to do and make a hobby out of it. For me, it's writing and the beach. Either join a sports league, book club, learn to knit, etc.

*Read the news. There is always someone having a worse day than you.

*Find a place that always brings you a sense of peace whenever you are there, and go to it whenever you're feeling low. For me, it's the beach. I remember going at sunset when my Dad was getting really sick. Watching the sunset always helped me.

*Figure out who you're best friends are, and go out of your way to spend time with them.

*Do you have a significant other? Love them, and show them you love them every chance you get. If they don't reciprocate, get out of it.

*Finally, realize that there are things you can control, and simply things you cannot. Trust in a higher power, your friends, and most importantly, yourself.