Does your life need improvement? Is it too hectic or are you almost bored to tears? More than likely you’re stuck in a situation and need some direction - so take a moment to read on. We all know that one person that seems to have the world under their belt. You know exactly the kind of person I’m referring to; the one that NEVER has a bad day, always looks like they just stepped out of the salon, has enough time to work out 7 days a week, has the ideal personal life and of course- couldn’t be sweeter. Although this is enough to make you a little jealous, in some ways it makes you wonder how they do it, or at least fool others into believing they do. What can you be doing to keep your stress level down, your spirits up? Here are some tips on how to make your life better, by changing your every day life.

Tip #1 Make a list: Write down the things in your life that make you unhappy- and get rid of them. Whether it’s a person, job, a food or a shirt, it’s not worth you losing sleep over or getting stressed. I know this seems hard, but try to remember the last time you got rid of an unhappiness- it hurts a lot less when it’s gone. Make a list of things that make you happy, and keep them around as much as possible.
Tip #2 Set Goals: Remember when you were a kid and someone asked what you wanted to be when you grew up? At that age we had a plan- so what happened? Make daily goals for yourself and keep them. Save money for the car you’ve been dying to get, lose the beer belly, or even if it’s a small goal like cleaning out your car, just make sure you do it. Small accomplishments lead to big rewards.

Tip #3 Prioritize: We all get caught up in our daily lives that we sometimes forget our priorities. If walking your dog is a priority you have been neglecting- take FeeFee or Butch out for a stroll. Talk to your friends, call your mom- make sure you keep any priorities you have or you may end up with some hurt feelings.

Tip #4 Start A New Activity: If you’ve been wanting to join a kickboxing class, go rock climbing, or even join a book club, do it. There is no time like RIGHT NOW to do what you want. Stimulants such as those that spark your interest are what keep you going from one day to the next- give your mind and body something new to look forward to.

Tip # 5 Speak Your Mind: Don’t like what is being said or done? Say something. This gives you a feeling of power in powerless situations.. If you really deserve a raise but you’re too afraid to ask, speak up, even if you don’t get it, at least your voice is heard. Remember your voice is your strength.

Tip #6 Try Something New: Avoid repetition, this causes boredom. Take a different route home after work, or don’t go right home, meet up with a friend. Buy a new CD, maybe one that you haven’t heard of or a book by an unknown author-expand your liking.

Tip #7 Squash it: Holding any grudges? Let them go. The more time you spend being angry, the less time you have to be happy. If the wrongdoing is too much to forgive- cut the ties and move on. This gives you the “weight off your shoulders” feeling, and you’ll be the bigger person in the end.

Tip #8 Treat Yourself: You worked hard all week and now it’s payday. Buy yourself something you’ve been wanting but you’ve been too responsible to buy. Cough it up and get it. This can be your reward for being so good the past few paychecks. Or - if your weakness is food and you stair-stepped your ass off - go ahead and eat the brownie.
The Last Tip- and most important- LIVE: Never set boundaries for your life that make you feel stuck. Ever wanted to take a far away trip? GO! Live your life so you have no regrets about what you did- only what you didn’t do. There is always time to start over, and always time to take advantage of this awesome life.

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