If you’re still in school, or even if you’ve graduated, everyone remembers being motivated at the start of the summer to reinvent themselves by the time classes start up again. Even if school has long since passed for you, it’s never too late to set new goals towards bettering yourself.

A lot of people try to go for looks to make a more noticeable change. But this year, try something new. Instead of focusing on your appearance, dedicate the season to making yourself happy. Whether you’re in a relationship or you’re single, learning to be self-sufficient (and happy doing so!) is one of the best attributes you can gain.

Volunteer

One of the quickest ways to make yourself feel good is to help do good for others. You’ll feel proud of yourself for doing something to help your community, which can give you a more positive outlook on your life. The most important thing to consider when volunteering is that you’re putting your time towards something that you’re truly passionate about. That way, you’ll be more motivated to stick to the cause and have a greater sense of purpose from doing so.

Complete a Project

While volunteering will help you feel accomplished, it tends to be an ongoing activity. This summer, choose something that you can complete throughout the duration of the season. Psychology Today reports: “When people have goals to guide them, they are happier and achieve more than they would without having them. It’s a brain thing. Achieving a goal you’ve set produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. Reciprocally, dopamine activates neural circuitry that makes you eager to pursue new challenges.”

Do you have the itch to learn how to paint? Take a local class in your area, or, if money is a little tight, there are plenty of videos on YouTube that give step-by-step guides on the right products and techniques. Have you been wanting to refinish that old bedroom set? Get your butt to the hardware store and get started! You’ll feel good having tangible evidence of your progress and a fine-looking furniture set to show for it!

Learn to Love Yourself

Being able to truly love yourself is the easiest way to achieve happiness. Think about what makes you YOU and spend some time this summer nurturing yourself. Accept and embrace the women that you are, flaws and all.

Get into a routine of doing something nice for yourself. Spend an afternoon a week giving yourself a mani/pedi, and while doing so, remind yourself that you’re an amazing person. You might feel silly, but a lot of people have success saying mantras, or meditating, to reflect and become more introspective. You learn to be more independent, and (hopefully) learn more about who you are as an individual.

While you might learn to emotionally love yourself, it’s not just the emotional lovin’ we like to have a guy for. But not to worry, there are plenty of toys out there that can fulfill all your sexual needs (some even better than a guy can!). Feeling a little embarrassed? Don’t be! Even if you have a guy, a toy can take your sex to the next level. As Adam & Eve points out, while these helpful toys were once bought under the sly category of “personal massagers,” they’re now a staple for modern women.

Go on an Adventure

There’s no better way to challenge yourself and discover new things than taking the leap and doing something you’ve never done before. While traveling might be a go-to adventure for someone people, not all of us have the disposable income to be able to do so.

The good news is that you don’t need a plane ticket to experience the unknown. Adventure can be as simple as doing something you’re afraid of, like singing karaoke in front of a crowded bar, or trying out for a play. The point is that you shouldn’t let what you’re afraid of limit you in any way. Most of the time, you’ll find there was no reason to be afraid in the first place.

Whether you’re returning to school in the fall or you’re working now, making yourself happy and healthy will help benefit every other aspect of your life. You won’t need someone else to make you feel special, but when that person comes along, they won’t be able to let you slip away.

What Makes you Happy?

xo

Nicole

Let’s Connect:  Bloglovin’  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram   Youtube   Shop