YOLO

As much as I can't stand Drake's song that contaminated people into using that saying "YOLO"- it does have a point. You DO only live once. (And no, this is not an opening for a debate about reincarnation- just hear me out). My point is that we live once, and we need to make the most of it. You can roll your eyes and think "I'm smack in the middle of midterms- how am I supposed to enjoy life right now?!" It's not about living on the edge each day and I'm not telling you to ditch your studying and go skydiving instead while yelling out "YOLO!!" It's about keeping yourself as happy as possible, because that is how you will make the most of your life. Here are some guidelines to keeping yourself happy:

Be your own best friend

How would your best friend react if when she did poorly on her test, you called her stupid? How would she feel if when she tried on a dress, you called her a fat pig? How would she feel if you never made time for her? Or if you never made plans with her to have fun? Treat yourself as a best friend. Be nice to yourself! Don't be so hard on yourself, stop blaming yourself. Would a best friend want to stick around you if you're constantly negative and mean towards her? Would YOU want to be around a best friend like that? So next time you get a lousy grade, try a nicer approach. Instead of putting yourself down, tell yourself that you tried your best and find a way to get a better grade for the next one.

A healthy smile is a happy smile

Student life can get extremely busy and extremely packed with bad habits such as: coffee, energy drinks, sleepless nights, lack of eating, or overeating unhealthy food because it's the quickest option. Whoa, stop right there. By doing that, you're beating your body up. So you have alot of schoolwork on your plate, so what? What did your body do to you to deserve being treated so poorly?!
It's time to change your habits and create balance. The occasional energy drink, late studying night and fast meal fix is understandable, but DO NOT make a habit out of them. How do you change these habits? Simple!

-TIME MANAGEMENT. If you plan out your study sessions and use your time productively, you won't be cramming during the wee hours of the morning
-PREPARE YOUR MEALS. Make your lunch in the morning and bring it to school so you won't waste your money (and health!) by eating fast-food
-GET SOME SLEEP. Minimum 8 hours a night. No buts!
-MAKE TIME TO EXERCISE. Exercising doesn't need to be a 2-hour session at the gym. Do 50 crunches before bed and first thing in the morning! Take the stairs instead of the elevator! Much much more to come on this topic..

Keep yourself healthy!

Cheer up, buttercup

Put the books down and take out a sheet of paper. Take your hand off the mouse and grab a pen. Still haven't done it yet? What are you waiting for! Ready? Okay, here we go.
Make a list of things you really like. Simple things, like your favorite coffee, tea, restaurant, that make you happy and put you in a good mood. FILL UP THE PAPER. Include everything you can think of: sports, food, exercises, luxuries, TV shows, stores, your "jam", people, your favorite beer.

Done? Great!

Student life can be really frustrating. Your day consists of following a schedule, your classes consist of following your teacher's lesson plan, and sometimes it gets so bad that your weekends are completely taken over by schoolwork and studying. Wait a second.. isn't this YOUR life? Where is your say in any of this?! Sometimes we can't control the big picture. But we can definately control the smaller things, and make ourselves happy while doing it. Tomorrow I want you to incorporate as many items on that list into your day: start off your day drinking your favorite coffee, wear your favorite sweater to class, prepare yourself your favorite lunch, listen to your favorite playlist on your way to class- you get the point! (But please, use your head. Don't bring your favorite beer into class and then leave halfway for a vacation)

My intentions are not to take control of your life. This blog is simply a guideline to help you stay as happy as possible. You do what you gotta do to get through your day, but you only live once. So make the most of it and keep yourself as happy as possible! Have a great day!