Don't worry, be happy.

There's never a dull moment in my life, be it uni, family or anything in between, there is always something going on. This month has by no means been an exception, its been a rough patch to say the least. I won't go into detail because it's probably a pretty boring topic for most, and it drains me to keep thinking about it! If one good thing has come from this chapter of my life, it's been to realise that whatever life throws at me, I can continue and it can only make me stronger. This leads me to the point of this post; I thought I would write about things that have helped me get through each day, one at a time, not only so that I can remember how to deal with something like this in the future, but maybe it will help someone else when you think everything's gone to pot! Some seem pretty silly, or painfully obvious, but they've worked for me!

1. Sing in the shower. 
Yep, I sing in the shower and I'm not ashamed! The louder the better. I read somewhere a few days ago that it reduces stress and blood pressure, which probably explains why it has helped make me happier! If you don't sing in the shower, you definitely need to add this to your daily routine.

2. Spend time on yourself.
An extra 5 minutes doing my make up or hair in the morning, or doing a face mask once a week seems to make all the difference. Even if nobody notices, I leave the house feeling good and it seems to put a spring in my step. You never know who you might meet!

3. Hit the gym.
When I signed up to the gym I really didn't think I would get into it. There are clocks and calorie counters everywhere, which automatically made me want to give up. Now I've got into a bit of a routine with what I do when I go and it's good to have something to work towards (preferably I want to transform into a Victoria's Secret girl...). I go with two girls from work which really helps spur me on too!

4. Give in to rubbish food.
Contradicts number 3 a little bit, but we all have those days where we fancy anything sweet/sugary/fatty/unhealthy... No need to feel bad, just don't skip the gym the next day and enjoy the treats while they last!

5. Engage in conversation.
Sometimes I notice full tables in bars or restaurants where everyone is sitting with their phones out. I can hold my hands up and say I have definitely been there. But since I've noticed, I've tried to cut down the amount I use my phone around other people and actually talk to them; it's been way more interesting so far! 

6. Dance.
Whenever and wherever. If I'm out in public on my own I have to hold back, but if I am with someone and hear a good song, I'm not afraid to embarrass myself and whoever I'm with. It's fun to let out a bit of a jig, and other people find it funny too, so it's good to know you've made someone else's day. Others on the other hand, probably think I'm a bit of a freak, which leads onto my next point...

7. Don't worry about what other people think.
I've had the life motto 'fuck the world' for quite a long time now, after someone told me to stop worrying so much. Not in the sense of destruction or anything crazy like that, but in the sense of; if I want to do something I need to do it, otherwise I will only regret it later down the line. Sometimes you need to think of number 1. I'm not the kind of person who struts around pretending I'm perfect, I let my hair down and have fun. I'm glad I don't get caught up on worrying about what other people think - if I'm dancing in a shop - who cares, get over it. Obviously, this sometimes takes a back seat in certain situations, but it's always in the back of my mind.

8. Keep busy & plan ahead.
In the past 2/3 months I have only had 1 weekend where I've not had plans. Although I did use it to sort my bedroom out at home, because it still had my uni things crammed inside! Having things to look forward to makes the weeks pass quickly and it means I'm always excited for something. It's a good year for me because most of my friends are turning 21, so there will be lots of birthday celebrations. I used to be quite happy knowing every weekend I would be sat in front of the tv, but now that I'm used to not having a tv in the flat in MK, I like to get out and about as much as possible at weekends; I feel like I'm making use of my time so much better now!