Greetings earthlings ✌. I know it's been quite a while since I've posted on here. My summer assignments have been keeping me quite busy, seeing as I have to read 2 books, write an essay, and write about 8 various articles. Unfortunately, all of this work means I've had to discipline myself a lot, and then in my few hours of "free time" a day, writing more is the last thing I wanted to do. (I still love you guys and I love keeping up with this blog, but a girl needs a break sometimes). However, I am back now, and ready to post about how I stay positive and happy even when I'm stressed out, angry, sad, or feeling any other negativity (Feat. cute animal gifs to make you smile.) //

1. Shopping. Pretty self-explanatory. Shopping is one of my favorite ways to treat myself when I'm feeling down. Going out and splurging a bit on that piece you really like is like getting a Christmas gift & it feels really great to pay attention to yourself and treat yo' self. (Don't do this too often though, as you do want to be financially smart and stable.)

2. Take a bath. Don't just take an ordinary bath, but set up a spa for yourself. Turn your lights low, light some lavender and vanilla candles, turn on some light music, and fill your tub with bubbles. (If possible, I'd also suggest a bathbomb or scented bath salts for aroma.) Just focus on the present moment, and as you soak in the water, feel the stress of the day ease off your shoulders. 

3. Eat, and drink water. Staying hydrated and well-fed is key to feeling good throughout the day. If you've hit a rough spot in the day or if you find you're feeling too tired to go on, hop up and make yourself a health smoothie, a salad, chips and salsa, or another healthy snack you enjoy. The extra energy and needed break will give you motivation to carry on with the day. Remember, food is not the enemy.

4. Practice meditation. Taking even 10 minutes out of your day to focus on your body and mind can make a big impact. When you start to feel that nervous, stressed, and anxious breathing and worry coming on, just stop what you'redoing  and sit back. Take 10 minutes or more focusing on your breath. Take deep inhales and let out long exhales. As you breathe, feel the way your body moves and feels. Let thoughts pass by, like clouds. Your only concern is here and now. When you've calmed down, you can continue working with a new, positive attitude.

5. Talk to a friend. My friends and I have a tendency to say "ok rant time" whenever we're frustrated, and proceed to tell the others about what's bothering us. We don't really expect advice or sympathy, but just knowing that there are people who love you and are willing to listen makes things seem a bit better. Friends have a way of making you feel beautiful, and sharing your frustrations with them is beneficial in lightening your load and boosting your self-worth in moments of negative thought.

6. Look at a painting, read a poem/book, sit in nature; find an escape. Sometimes, we can find beauty in life by putting ourselves into new situations. Art truly is a reflection of nature, and both can give new inspiration and motivation to humankind. It's always a good idea to have beautiful pieces to think about and to become part of, even if temporarily. The stories they tell can help you get your mind off of your present story, and also encourage you to keep going, but maybe in a new way.

7. Take a nap. If you just can't stop feeling worn out by life, you deserve this reward. Just close your eyes, relax, and sleep it off. You'll wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed (or maybe slightly drowsy, but still content.) 

8. Read my blog. JK, unless you want to, then by all means, go ahead. After all, I have these gifs, which can only bring a smile to your face. Plus, I love you and want you to have the best life you can. You only get one, so make it count. ❤️

• Sleep in a little bit
• You can choose to actually sleep in OR
• just lay in your bed for a few hours scrolling through tumblr
• Wear a giant sweater!
• Wrap yourself in 27 knit blankets. Don't even question it.
• Make hot chocolate. Drink said hot chocolate.*
• Build a fort in your bedroom. Hide out in it all day.*
• Listen to this playlist: here
• If you have a fireplace, start a fire
• If not, click here for a similar effect
• Pick your favorite movies
• Watch said movies*
• (Might I suggest a classic Broadway musical?)
• If you can face the cold, go outside and take photos in the winter wonderland.*
• Please make sure you bundle up. I don't want to make y'all get hypothermia. That would not be good. 
• Order Chinese takeout (assuming weather conditions are safe. Don't be that guy. Nobody likes that guy.)
• Make a pie* (For a super easy and delicious vegan pie crust, click here)
• Make "Snow Ice Cream" to go with your pie* (For another easy recipe, click here)

Oh hey look, it's me

The beautiful woman I call "mum"

This is "Urban Photography"

• Dance with your cat
• If you do not have a feline companion, dance with your dog 
• or hamster
• or bird
• or fish
• (Really, any animal companion will do.)
• Read a good book (or two, or three, or like, a whole stack-ful)
• Read through some blogs
• Read about a new place
• Read about an interesting time in history

*better if performed with a friend with the binomial nomenclature 'Homo Sapiens'

• And that should be all you need to know to have an adventure in the Great Indoors. Happy Snow Day!