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I was feeling down recently, even though life had been pretty good. It occurred to me that I hadn't been making time to do things that made me happy. Happiness isn't usually something that happens by accident - you need to make a conscious effort to create it. I know it's hard to make time for fun when you're busy at school or uni and there seems to be no end to the assignments and study that need to be done. But by making time to do things that make you happy, you may find that you are more productive and less stressed.
I know one thing that doesn't make me feel happy - scrolling through Instagram for an hour or more. It just leaves me feeling frustrated and inadequate. It's part of self-care and self-love to do things that bring you joy. Exactly what those things are will be different for everyone. For some people it's singing loudly, for others it is going to the beach. I like to get creative and make things - I'm currently knitting a jumper. I also enjoy reading, eating gelato and getting out in the fresh air. You don't have to set aside a whole day - half an hour watching an episode of your favourite tv show is enough, or soak in the bath or paint your nails is enough. Christmas can be a stressful and busy time. Here are some tips on how to be kind to yourself, others and the planet this Christmas.
We are often our own harshest critic. Practise some self love my repeating some affirmations each day. Here are some you can download and print. There is also a blank set so you can write your own.   
According to a recent study, reading for six minutes a day can reduce a person's stress level by 68 percent. You have to read silently for six minutes straight for this to work. Researchers from the Mindlab at the University of Sussex found that reading was more effective at reducing stress than listening to music, having a cup of tea or going for a walk. Researcher and cognitive neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis said, “Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation." Read more here.
 When you're stressed you need to make some time to be kind to yourself - even if you're busy. One of my favourite ways of looking after myself when I'm feeling a bit stressed is to run a hot bath, light a scented candle or turn on my vaporiser, put on some tunes and read a magazine. The restorative power of water is amazing.
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