5 Ways I Changed My Life in 2017

Sometimes, to get into a new frame of mind, your surroundings have to do a bit of a 360. And that’s okay. Because that’s exactly what I did. 

A lot of the time, if things aren’t going my way, I find it very hard to get out of a depressed and demotivated mindset if I’m stuck doing the same things, day in, day out, with no end in sight. This includes being around the same people, in the same rooms and even eating the same things.

Now, of course, some of these things you can’t just get up and quit or change. Sure, you can stop talking to friends, but that’s not always the right answer. Sure, you could go on a life-changing trip across the globe to get your head together, but a lot of us don’t have the funds (or the courage) to do that. Instead, we have to work with what we’ve got. And sometimes, that just has to be enough.

Throughout the month of May in 2017, there were a number of things I did to try and get my head out of the metaphorical mind-gutter. Both internal and external, both things that affected me and also affected those around me, but all in all this change was good. So here are the five things I did in May that changed my life around, hopefully for the better…

1. I Quit My Job

Unfortunately, this one was no easy decision, or simple task. Unfortunately also, thousands of people the world over dream of doing this every day, but are physically unable to do so. I was (and am) extraordinarily lucky that my decision to leave my place of work at this time did not affect my housing situation (I live at home with my parents), nor my financial situation (I don’t have a lot I need to be spending on).

But, while scary (terrifying) and grown-up (1000% adulting), I really think I made the right decision. Obviously, I’m now unemployed. Not with lack of trying, though. While the door to that part of my apprenticeship remains closed, another has not opened just yet. But I’m optimistic. I will finish my apprenticeship, somewhere I belong.

2. I Redecorated My Room

I’m sure this is something everyone, of all ages, genders and backgrounds can appreciate. The feeling of a freshly painted, freshly carpeted and freshly cleared-out room is INCOMPARABLE. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for the clean-and-tidy? Eh well.

So yes, we did my room. I cleared everything out, sorted it into Keeping and Going, we emptied the room of furniture and I stayed at Connor’s for two nights while my lovely parents did the rest. And I’m soooo obsessed.

I’m sleeping better, I feel cleaner and like I can breathe easier in this open tidy room, and everything feels just that bit brighter.

Even if you don’t have the time, funds or equipment to completely redecorate, in the past I’ve found just as much satisfaction from spending a day or two clearing out junk from my room (old clothes, etc.) and having a rearrange of the furniture. Honestly, try it.

3. I Went on Holiday

As I said earlier, obviously not everyone can do this. And that’s okay. But to be honest, neither could I. We were supposed to go to Spain for four days and relax by the pool drinking cocktails from sunrise to sunset, but because of complications, myself and my best friend ended up spending a couple of days in Devon, instead. Classy, right?

But in all honesty, just getting away for two days did me so much good. Especially when you include the fact that our night away was free (thank God for Virgin Experience vouchers), and that the weather in Britain that week was INCREDIBLE. Seriously.

Getting some headspace away from everything that has been plaguing me for so long was amazing, and getting some sea air really is great for the soul.

For more pictures from our holiday, check out my latest Instagram posts.

4. I Had a Clear Out

Similar to the room-change, but so much more basic to improving my mental health. Having a good ol’ clear out really does change my mindset. Whether that means getting rid of dusty old items or clearing my space to make room for better thoughts, or even going through old memory boxes looking at what life used to be like, then having a little cry in order to move on. It doesn’t matter. It’s amazing what a simple sort out can do for your mind, as well as your body.

5. I Started a Bullet Journal

Not exactly the glamorous, thrilling, exciting slice of life you expected, eh?

It sounds dull, it really does. But for an organisation nut like me, starting a new method for organizing my life can change everything. Like I said, sometimes just changing the way your life works can change the way your mind works.

I spent so long trying to use phone calendars, apps, online and paper to-do lists and text message drafts to try and keep track of everything that was going on with me, and I always wanted to get back into the habit of the BuJo, but I just didn’t have the time. But I made the time, and now I’m reaping (ew) the benefits of having all my shit in one place. Thank the Lord.

May was a funny one for me, personally. Lots of things happened, and a lot of the time I wasn’t too happy about it. But towards the end of the month, things got better, and life got brighter. I’m heading towards the middle of 2017 with my head up and my hopes high, and I’m damn ready for Summer.

Did you enjoy this post? Click like if you did, and let me know what you got up to in May in a comment, and how you go about making changes when you’re feeling rough.

Thanks a lot! Til next time,

Jess x

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