Only you can make the change

Not everyone is happy all the time. Sometimes, people are actually unhappy. Though this isn't groundbreaking thought, the fact is not everyone needs to be as unhappy as they let themselves be. There are ways to brighten your life up, but the choice is up to you. Here are some simple ways to help perk up your day:

Do something for yourself: While we all have the ability to be selfish, not everyone does something for themselves each day. You can’t help others if you can’t please yourself, so treating yourself daily is necessary. It doesn't have to be big either. A simple walk in the park, making time to read or even packing a small sweet in your lunch can make a world of difference. Find something small that you can do to make yourself happy.

Listen to music: Remember when you used to get excited to actually go buy that new CD, then you would go on a long ride so you could listen to each track? Do that again. Find a new artist you like, turn off the shuffle and pop in the headphones on your commute to work.

Exercise: Not everyone needs to be a gym junky, but exercising is healthy. Find the time to do something active a few times a week, if not every day. This could be as simple as biking to some of your errands or work or walking if it is within distance. A few steps will go a long way, and a little endorphin kick never hurt anyone.

Sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is a Godsend. Though falling asleep may not come naturally to everyone, you need to do it. Normal sleep patterns can do a number for a person’s health.

Make the change you've been putting off: Everyone has something that they want to change. For some it could be small, while others may be facing something monumental. Regardless, there is no better time than the present. Stop putting off the change and do it right now.

Learn to forgive: This one goes both ways. Everyone needs to learn how to forgive those who have wronged them, as well as forgiving themselves. If you can’t forgive people, they have power over you, and will always seep into your day-to-day life. If you can’t forgive yourself, you’ll never grow, move on, and reach your fullest potential. Everyone fails and everyone makes mistakes. If you can accept this, you can learn to forgive.

Photo courtesy of Credit Action