These past few weeks— for whatever reason— stress, sadness, etc., have been difficult for people. Blogger Panache Desal taught me how to put aside the bad days and focus on thriving.

With the end of the semester coming up and seasonal depression in general, people might be feeling more stressed and unproductive. I know that I’ve been feeling worn down lately with school and work, all while trying to keep my physical health in check, which in turn has made my mental state a little dull. The pattern of my days got too redundant and I needed to find some way to change them up or make them feel more purposeful. A simple Google search, “How to thrive” enlightened me with an article 31 Ways to move from Surviving to Living written in 2017 by Panache Desal. It’s an old article, I know, but nonetheless I decided to give it a look and pick 6 things that I would focus on or do for a couple of weeks. 

Here is what I learned:

Take time in the morning to find your center and set intentions for the day

At first, I didn’t really understand what “setting intentions” meant to me. It sounded a little intimidating because I can sometimes get overwhelmed with too much goal setting. I discovered that setting intentions is less goal-making, and more committing to what your day will be about, what you will feel and where in the journey of life you are. Overall, I felt more balanced and on track when I would do this in the morning. Not to mention the stress relief I felt because my day was more purposeful.

Get up and dance when you feel too serious

This made my inner-dancer happy (believe it or not, I was a dancer for 7 years). I would do this usually when I was doing my AP Physics homework because that can really bog someone down. I would completely recommend this as the best stress reliever and lowkey cardio workout I’ve ever experienced. 

Be mindful of complaining too much

I picked this item because especially during the passing period, I would catch myself complaining about the next class I was going to, or the test I just took or how boring a lesson was. It made the conversation with the people I was walking with a little redundant and made me feel less enthusiastic about the school day. By controlling my urge to make a conversation about annoyances, I had more meaningful and fun conversations in the hallway, and also didn’t loathe certain classes as much.

Remind yourself that you are a light

This week I needed to increase my self-love a little more. Sometimes I feel that people don’t appreciate me as much as I want them to, but reminding myself that I am a light helped me keep my worth in the forefront of my actions and thoughts. Everyone needs to remind themselves that they are a light, and strive to become more of a light for themselves and others.

Transform your todo list

People who know me know that I am a pretty disorganized person who can also be a pretty good procrastinator. I knew I should listen when this item came up on the list. Desal says to do your least favorite things on your todo list first, so you can accomplish more and knock your list off faster in more depth. In my experience with this instruction, I conclude I need a little more practice. My room is still very messy and my AP Biology homework isn’t completely done, but when I did focus on my least favorite things to do, I got my list done and felt very productive and proud of myself.  

Sleep in

Shall I say more? BEST decision of my life. I forgot what night it was but I had one of my friends over and we slept until NOON. I haven’t felt so rested and caught up on sleep since summer. 

I definitely recommend reading Desal’s list and trying some new self-care techniques. I learned more about myself and what I need, and I think I will continue to do these things.