Sometimes a person goes through a rough patch in his or her life. Especially with the end of the year looming, in these times it is important to remember to be happy. Why? Because happy is healthy. In fact, according to Berkeley College, happiness can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and help you to protect yourself. But, how do you stay happy when there are mountains of stress piling up, and people are unfortunate, and life gets ya down.

Well, you just gotta pick yourself up again and take on life one step at a time. Step one is to love the heck out of yourself. If you do that you will not only be more confident but happier. Of course, this is a challenge if you are self-conscious. But, this is something you can fix. Okay, right now, list five  things that you genuinely love about yourself. Right now, it can be anything from your lovely eyes to the fact that you love that you love puns. DO THAT NOW. Okay now that you’ve done that, focus on these positives rather than things you like less.

So, now that we’ve made it clear that you are a wonderful person (which you totally are, and I can tell because you’re reading the imprint) you need to make sure that you are caring for yourself. You are great, so treat yourself like you are great. Make yourself some tea, or cocoa, take some time to meditate or calm down if you are stressed. Take a nice warm bath, and make sure you are doing things to keep yourself clean and happy. Paint your nails, drink plenty of water, blowdry your hair so it looks extra bomb-tastic. Next, surround yourself with positive people, happy people who like you for you and who don’t care about your drama more than your happiness. These are the types of people with whom you need to spend time. They will give you advice and listen to you and take your mind off of your struggles.

So, here is what you need to do: smile, just a simple smile can trick your brain into thinking that you are happier. It triggers the pleasure neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain after all. Sounds a little silly, but it works. After a while it won’t be a trick; you will be truly happier.

ALSO IF YOU READ THIS, SAY “TOOTHPICK” TO MS. HAGER, YOU’LL GET A MYSTERY PRIZE.