How to be Happy 101

On the first of January this year, I posted this image on Instagram. After a bit of a trying year last year, I want nothing more than to remain positive (chin up, buttercup!) and to enjoy life for what it is!

I started 2015 with a new diary (Lorna Jane 2015 Diary) and at the start of each month there is a double page spread with a full month calendar. I made it my aim to fill every single one of those days in January with something to do. I think I was under the impression that if I do something every day and remain busy, that I'll be full throttle in the zest of life and will therefore be happy. 

Needless to say, by January 27th, I was pooped.

Not just tired, but sick. By forcing myself (no matter how much I wanted a rest) to go out day after day, work, see friends and family, make time for the beauty of the beach or the beat of the dance floor - I had managed to make myself mentally and physically exhausted. 

I've realised that living each day to its full potential doesn't mean making yourself the busiest bee and traversing all over town. It doesn't make you happy, necessarily, to force yourself to put on a smile and see friends when in actual fact you'd much rather smile into a pillow. And I've learnt that staying home, cooking a meal, lying down and reading doesn't make you lazy.

February is a much more balanced month for me. And so I thought I'd share some ways (in this rather chatty post) of how to make the most of your life, your days, your time.

• Be excited about every day. 'Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day.'
• Drink water, eat healthily, work out (preferably with friends - make it a social event, but make sure muscles other than your tongue are working!!)
• Know that there is a time for work, rest, laughter, play, friends, family, food, love. You don't necessarily need to rush any of those, or sacrifice any, to get the rest.
• Treasure, and never EVER feel badly about taking time out for you. Write in a diary, read a book, take a bath, light a candle - do anything that fills your soul and your heart, not necessarily the hearts of everyone else. We all have something we love to do - a passion - and you need to make time or even set aside a whole day to pursue it and remind yourself how calm you can feel in your own body!

Ok, I think I've rambled enough for today, but I do hope this post has helped you. I'd love to hear your suggestions about how you stay happy and positive, and what things you'd add to my list!