I started grad school this past August, and I went from having a stable, balanced, kind of boring life to OMG, IT’S ALL TOO MUCH CRAZY! Apparently, being a full-time student plus working 30 hours a week at two jobs AND still wanting to have some sort of social life is a lot. Who would’ve guessed?
So, how can you still have moments of happiness and fun when you have a kabillion other things you could be doing? Here’s a few ways I add the happy into my packed schedule…
Schedule in the happy
I know, it sounds like a sad, crazy-person move to have to actually write having a good time into your planner, but it really makes a difference. On the days when I have a ton of stuff to do, I like having an hour, a half hour, or even 15 minutes blocked off in my schedule for doing something that is just about me. At 3:15, I’m going to read that Glamour magazine I’ve had lying around for two weeks for 20 minutes. At 8:30 pm, I’m going to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies and watch the new episode of 30 Rock. If it’s written down, I’m much more likely to actually take the time for myself.
Multitask
I try to work out 5-6 times per week for my health. I try to make that time not a chore, but my happy time. How? I make sure I do things I love while I work out! I love to dance, so I go to Zumba about three times per week. Long runs mean I get time to listen to awesome podcasts or music. Even if I’m just hanging out on the elliptical machine, I can watch guilty pleasure TV shows on Netflix Instant on my phone. Plus, exercise really does get all those endorphins pumping and helps me to handle anxiety, so it is a key part of my happiness!
Know what makes you super duper, really and truly happy and do THAT
Sometimes I feel like it’s a good idea to take a break from school work and peruse Pinterest. Don’t get me wrong, I love Pinterest, but it isn’t nearly as fulfilling as other things that make me happy. So, when I’m done, I feel guilty for wasting time and not getting anything productive done. If I’m going to take a break from my work, I’m going to do something that makes me really, really, blissfully happy. I’ll get ice cream with a friend or go for a swim on a hot day or read a few chapters of a great book. I always feel much more fulfilled after doing those things rather than when I’m just messing around.
If all else fails, know when to take a deep breath and hit the reboot button
Sometimes a hot shower and a good night’s sleep is what you need to get happy again. Give yourself a break. You’re OK. It’ll all be OK. Now get some sleep.
What are your suggestions of ways to keep happiness in your life when you’re so busy you barely have time to breathe? I’d love to hear them!
–By Mandy from Oh Dizzle
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Elsa de Diego says
Great tips, darling! You have so many things on your plate. Good luck with everything, and most importantly, congrats on your achievements! xoxo
Dancing Branflake says
She is adorable! I love how she smiles right into the camera, telling us how confident and loving she is about life. Love that!