5 ways to handle stress, make you happier, deal with life (holiday hangover addition 6 days late)

[nickbrick]

The champagne bottles have been popped, the confetti is on the floor, new years revolutions have been made and now with the holiday over you can only think about one thing...Work.

We all get that holiday hangoever (or at least I think many of us do) and now the new year is upon us. The workload is about to crank up and it is only a matter of time before you scream that you need a break. I want to give 5 tips to help avoid that holiday hangover.

1a. Sleep!

Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects in feeling happy. It also helps you to be more productive. Get at least 8 hours everyday (if possible) You will feel better and hopefully keep stress levels down

1b. Powernap!

Did I mention sleep? Oh yeah I did. For those of you who work strange hours or have only a minimal amount of time, power nap for 20min. Simply close your eyes and let your body relax. It may sound crazy, but that is all it takes to stay focused and regain some needed sleep hours. Scientists have done studies stating that 20-25 min is the best because it allows your body to rest yet not feel groggy when you get up.

2. Exercise

It helps to clear your mind, it keeps you in shape, it can be fun. Enough said.

3. Appreciate the small things

Our lives are busy. Yet don't rush from one thing to another. Take 10 sec to stop and look at the world. Whether thats staring at the night sky, admiring how far civilization has come or looking at your food pantry (Idk why but that makes me happy :D) taking time to stop and notice the world around you will make you happier and be able to relax.

4. Smile (intentionally or unintentionally)

It has been proven that when you smile your body releases endorphins that make you feel happier (even if you fake smile). If you are feeling sad or down, smile intentionally like an idiot for a minute. While it won't be nearly as great as actually smiling because something is funny you should feel a little bit better.

5. Stay away from computers/TV/phones

Society as whole (myself included) gets sucked into digital madness. You may think that you will only check something out, but next thing you know you wasted 2 hours. 2 hours you could have hung out with friends, worked or slept. Also, on the sleep thing again. Digital technology uses blue light. This alters sleep paterns so don't stare at a TV / phone / computer before bed. This way you will get a better nights sleep. Also, computers and videogames can't substitute for real life events. Go out and do something. Go to a bar. Take a roadtrip. Meet some friends. Walk through nature. Make a memory.

I know I missed many other tips. List them in the comments if you want :D But what I want people to understand is that in order to be happy and to have minimal stress you need to do a few things. You need to take care of your body. Get sleep, eat right, exercise. You need to take a break from technology. As great as it is, sometimes it only leads to you wasting your time. Time you will never get back. Finally, you need to appreciate what you do have. The earth, a home, family, friends. You need to make memories, have an adventure, journey into the unknown. Don't worry about things. (I know....cliche) Try these things out and hopefully you will be happier as 2016 rolls into town.

[LiveFreeorDieHard]

Honestly, the less you give a fuck the happier you will be. Just live your life and ignore all the bad shit in life.

[nickbrick]

Totally agree