7 Small Ways To Improve Your Life This Semester

Hello 2016! A new year always brings about high expectations and silly resolutions. This year, let's stop pretending to swear off chocolate and to read the news every day. Instead, why not follow these simple steps and live a richer, more rewarding life. It really doesn't take a lot of effort. If it did, I most certainly wouldn't be doing it. Here are 7 small steps that are guaranteed to improve your everyday life this semester.

Stop comparing yourself to others.

As good old Teddy Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." And don't we all know it. We've all felt that pang of jealousy as we walk by someone wearing those shoes that we've wanted for MONTHS. A big thing is comparing how we appear on Instagram. Serious newsflash, the "Kylie Jenner" brand is not real. She is a real person, but her Instagram is a business.  She grew up ridiculously fast and has been living in a mansion by herself since she was 17. Don't compare your life to hers. Her Instagram is her job. She has a makeup artist on hand at all times. First step to a happier life, forget about everyone else and just focus on yourself.

Step away from technology.

What are we supposed to do when we wake up in the morning? Yoga and green tea. What do we usually do? Wake up in a panic and scroll through our notifications through half shut eyes. We scroll mindlessly through Facebook even when we're chatting to our friends and family. This is not the type of world that any of us want to live in, so why do we do it? People who make a conscious effort to take a breather from technology every now and then are usually much more content.

Challenge yourself.

Sure, it's comfortable to do the same thing day in, and day out. But if you don't challenge yourself and try new things, how will you know your potential? "Familiarity breeds contempt", right? When you take on a new job, travel to unknown countries and meet new people, you once again become engaged in the world you live in. Pick one of the harder essay topics next time, you may surprise yourself!

Socialise

Social interactions can help prevent a whole slew of physical and mental health issues. It's important to have contact with other human beings. There's nothing better than meeting up with a good friend for a cup of tea, or meeting up with a group of mates for a mad night out. These are the things that we will remember in years to come. You can repeat the year, but you can't repeat the craic. WAHEY.

Do things for others. 

Not to be confused with "let people take advantage of you." Know who is worth it, and who is not. A kind deed can boost happiness for us as well as the people we help. It's the littlest things that can make your day. Holding the door open for a stranger, buying your friend chocolate when they're down, or visiting a relative that you haven't seen for a while. A kind deed will make you feel 100% better than 3 shopping trips to Topshop, and that feels oh so great.

Exercise.

DON'T WORRY. You don't need to join the gym, go to spin class or do Crossfit. It can be a quick jog to the shop, a nice stroll around town, or meeting up with your friend for a walk in the park. It may seem like a lot of effort when you're cosy in bed watching "Making A Murderer" on Netflix, but there are days that you're sitting around the house not really knowing what to do with your life...On these days, grab a pair of headphones, blast the tunes, and go for a stroll. You will come home refreshed, energised and ready for anything.

Love yourself. 

No explanation needed, Justin Bieber really has the right idea.