You Only Live Once

So why do we waste our days away on being grumpy and tired? Everyone has their groggy Mondays during which they complain, grumble, and wish would end. Life is too short to waste days, even the bad ones. Most of the time what ruins our days is miniscule in the larger scheme of things. Instead of wishing we could rush through the week and get to the weekend, we should learn to enjoy each day.

A bad mood can start the second you wake up. Rolling out of bed with only a few minutes to put your self together will only make you feel worse. You probably won’t be happy with the way you look, you’ll feel more tired, and you’ll be stressed that you didn’t give yourself enough time to prepare for the day, let alone make it to your first class on time. Instead of being the girl in oversized sweatpants and un-brushed hair, give yourself an extra half an hour or so to throw on a cute outfit (it doesn’t have to be anything fancy!), and at least run a comb through your hair. Trust me, I struggle with that one many times a week. But, when you look good, you feel good. And when you’re confidently holding your head up high all day long and getting compliments on your cute skirt, you might almost forget it’s Monday. (Maybe not, but it’ll definitely help!)

While you’re setting your alarm earlier, why not make it a tiny bit earlier than that as well? Making time for a workout in the morning sets you up for success throughout the day. Yes, when your alarm is blasting, the last thing you want to do is work out, but once you’re up and going, you’ll be happy that you did. Working out releases endorphins in the brain, a neurotransmitter that brightens your mood and gives you energy! Another benefit to starting your day with a workout is that it makes your metabolism faster throughout the day. If you don’t like to run, find a group fitness class. Starting your day out with a little Zumba must guarantee happiness.
 
After your workout, make sure you eat a healthy, yet delicious breakfast. Nothing is worse than sitting through class with a rumbling stomach. When you skip breakfast, it might make you more tired while sitting through class, and when you’re hungry and tired you’re likely to get extremely grumpy. Not to mention, it’s just plain embarrassing when the whole class can hear your stomach yelling at you. Even if it’s something quick that you grab on the go, eat something that you enjoy. Start your day off with a piece of fruit or, if you have time, an egg white omelet. You’ll feel good and ready to take on the day!
 
Through the rush of classes, work, and piles of homework, it’s so easy to get stressed out. Early in the day, make plans with one of your best friends to grab lunch or dinner. Being able to look forward to plans with a friend, even something as small as grabbing a meal, can get you through the long day. Plus, hanging out with a friend is a perfect time to forget about all the stress, and just catch up and have some laughs.
  
By the time it reaches afternoon, and your eyelids are feeling heavy, indulge in your favorite flavor of iced coffee. It’ll give you that little boost of energy, and I don’t know about all of you, but if coffee can’t make me happy, I know something is seriously wrong.

      
At the end of the day, your brain might feel like mush. Instead of immediately trying to study and get all of your homework done, take a little time to relax. No, I’m not saying blow off your work, but you’ll probably end up spending way more time on it if you go into it feeling worn out. Give yourself a half an hour to watch your favorite sitcom and veg out on the couch for a bit. After laughing and not using your brain for a little bit, you can power through that pile of work, no problem.

No, these things are not a perfect remedy for a case of the Mondays, but just a helpful reminder to take the time to appreciate every day. Happiness isn’t always a mood it’s an attitude.