Day 14 - Happiness

In general, I think of myself as a happy person. I mean, yes, I do have my “down days”, but they’re usually for a very important reason. For example, when a friend ignores me or acts differently around me, it usually upsets me. But that would affect everyone, wouldn’t it? But other than major things like that, you can always see me smiling or laughing with my friends. My happy qualities have always been important to me – although I don’t have the humorous personality I’ve always been jealous of, happiness, to me, is the next best thing.

I believe that when someone is happy, it reflects onto others. As we’ve all heard many times before, “A smile is contagious.” And I think that is completely true! A smiling, laughing person will definitely make another feel the same way. I know from past experiences that when I’m upset, and another person smiles in my direction, I instantly feel better. That one, little smile can totally change my mood, and how I’m feeling, and that’s what I love most about happiness.

Although school is very stressful, I rarely have breakdowns. One technique that I have is going to bed at a reasonable time every night. I try my hardest to be asleep by 12:00. Sometimes, that isn’t an option, if I have too much homework, or I’m absorbed in a conversation with my friends. It can be difficult to determine which is more important: sleep, or homework/having a social life. Of course, homework should always be a priority. But then again, sleep can totally affect your mood the next day. From past experiences, I’ve learned that if I get less than 7.5 hours of sleep, I am a grouchy mess in the morning and throughout the day. On the other hand, 9+ hours of sleep can make me drowsy and tired for the entire day. On a school night, finding the perfect medium between too much and too little sleep is key for me. It can improve how I treat others the next day, as well as how I personally feel. I guess what I’m trying to say, is that the right amount of sleep is a factor, which adds to my happiness!