20 Little Reminders For When It Feels Like Happiness Is Out Of Reach

Find your flow and row, row, row.

It’s a quote that I have hung above my desk at home. It’s the first thing my eyes go to in the morning, and it’s the one thing my eyes catch when I throw my head up in exhaustion and frustration.

It’s been there through all the late nights, all the stressful days before exams or speeches, and all the times that I was ready to call in and give up.

When my classroom management plan didn’t work, when I had to deal with a crisis in my classroom, when my mind was so overloaded that I wasn’t sure I would make it, I found my flow and I rowed, rowed, rowed.

It’s not always easy to see the brighter side of life when you’re that deep, but I’ve compiled a list of tricks that help me stay above water. I sincerely hope they do the same for you.

1. Start a gratitude journal. Write down every little thing you’re grateful for, even if it’s just that you woke up this morning. You'll be amazed to see what a little bit of perspective does for your esteem.

2. Join an organization that supports something you care about. Give yourself something that promotes purpose in your own life.

3. Get off the phone & get outdoors. It’s amazing what a deep breath does for the mind.

4. Listen to something. A podcast, music, a video. Something. The brain is a powerful tool, but even it needs a little bit of distraction sometimes.

5. Practice self-care. Put down the homework for 20 seconds, and go wash your face. It might seem daunting, but caring for your own person needs to be on your to-do list too.

6. Cut negative people out of your life. Negativity only breeds more negativity, and the world is oversaturated with it. Go spread some sunshine.

7. Laugh every day, especially when it’s at yourself.

8. Find the silver linings in everything. There always is one. What a great way to train your brain to find the good things. It doesn't mean it's easy, but it's definetly worth it.

9. Call someone who makes you feel good. Your mom, your best friend, you sister. Speak truth to power, and vent if you need to. My mom always said that it was okay to be upset and sad about something, but it was not okay to unpack and live there. Inhale the hard, exhale it, and move on.

10. Read. Reading for pleasure has indefinitely changed my mood and outlook on everyday life.

11. Start every morning with telling yourself something you love about you. You don't have to write it down if you don't want, but at least let yourself hear it.

12. Hug someone who looks like they need it.

13. Meditate and medicate, if that's your vibe!

14. Avoid news sites that affect your mood. There is always going to be bad news out there; it's your choice if you want to indulge in it or not, but it's your responsibility to know just how it affects you.

15. Find new ways to spark your creativity.Whether it's drawing, writing, or painting, find an outlet that works for you!

16. Realize that you have every right in this world to give yourself a break. It's not lazy, it's productive. No one can pour from an empty cup.

You are a person.

Your mental health is worth more than anything.

You deserve to be happy.

Say it until you mean it.

You deserve to be happy, you deserve to be happy, you deserve to be happy