Breathing is something we do all day long without even thinking about it. Because it happens automatically, many people don’t realize that they’re breathing in a shallow or unhealthy way.

The healthiest way to breathe is slowly and deeply. Deep breathing has many benefits for both your body and mind, and learning how to breathe properly is more important than most people realize.

In this post, I’m going to talk about the benefits of deep breathing and why practicing it can make such a positive difference in your daily life.

The Benefits of Deep Breathing

1. Less stress
   
   When you breathe shallowly, your body can interpret it as a sign that something is wrong or unsafe in your environment. As a result, your nervous system shifts into “survival mode.” Your brain releases more stress hormones, your heart rate increases, and you start to feel even more stressed or overwhelmed.
   
   That’s why taking a few moments to focus on deep breathing can make such a big difference. When you slowly breathe deeply in and out, you send a signal to your body and brain that you are safe. This helps calm your nervous system, allowing you to relax.
   
   In just a few minutes, you may notice:
   – Your heart rate is slowing down
   – Your blood pressure is dropping
   – Your muscles are relaxing
   – Your mind feels calmer
   
2. Improved focus
   
   When you breathe deeply, your body functions more efficiently. Deep breathing increases the amount of oxygen your body and brain receive, which can improve your focus, concentration, and overall mental clarity.
   
   This can make it easier to stay focused on tasks such as:
   – Schoolwork
   – Work
   – Reading
   – Studying
   – Creative projects
   
   Try taking a few slow, deep breaths before starting school, work, or any task that requires concentration. It can help calm your mind and improve your focus.
   It’s also helpful to pay attention to your breathing throughout the day. If you notice that you’re breathing shallowly or quickly, pause for a moment and take a few slower, deeper breaths instead. Even small moments like this can help you feel calmer and more focused.
   
3. Better sleep
   
   One of the main reasons many people struggle to fall asleep quickly is that they start overthinking at night. The moment everything becomes quiet, their mind suddenly starts racing.
   That’s actually one of the reasons I started reading before bed; it helps me switch off my brain and focus on something calming instead. But breathing exercises can help as well. When you slow down your breathing and take deep, controlled breaths, your body starts to relax, and your mind becomes calmer. This makes it much easier to fall asleep naturally.
   
4. Better physical recovery
   
   The deeper and slower you breathe, the more oxygen your muscles receive, which helps your body repair itself more efficiently. It also supports your body in removing waste products more effectively. Deep breathing can contribute to better physical recovery, and over time, it may help improve your strength, endurance, and overall performance.
   
5. More balanced emotional system
   
   We react throughout the day to everything happening in our environment, and many situations can trigger stress, anxiety, or even panic. When you start paying attention to your breathing, you may notice that over time you feel more balanced, calm, and relaxed. Your reactions to stressful situations become less intense, and you feel more grounded. This can help you feel more in control of your emotions and how you respond to everyday life.

Photo by Angelina Sarycheva on Unsplash

The post Why Deep Breathing Can Change Your Mind and Body first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post Why Deep Breathing Can Change Your Mind and Body first appeared on A happy life.</p>

You just had one of the most stressful and busiest weeks of your life, and all you want to do this weekend is nothing but relax in bed. That probably sounds like a great idea. I mean, you’re resting your body, right? And your body does need rest every now and then. Resting is healthy; I completely understand that.
And honestly, sometimes it can be really enjoyable to stay in bed, watch your favorite show, or read your favorite books. But I also think that bedrotting is not always the best solution when you’re exhausted. In some cases, it can actually be bad for you.

Note: With this post, I’m not saying you can never bedrot. The problem starts when it becomes a regular habit. At that point, it may stop being beneficial and could even start affecting your mental and physical health.

Why Bedrotting is Bad for You

It can worsen your mental health

If you’ve had a terrible day or week, bed rest might not be the best solution, especially if it becomes a regular habit. Doing it once in a while isn’t necessarily bad, but if you do it often, it can start creating more problems in your life and even worsen your mental health.

First of all, you begin isolating yourself by staying in bed all the time. You also move your body less, even though physical movement can actually help improve your mental health. Sometimes going for a walk, getting fresh air, or doing something active can make a bigger difference than lying in bed all day.

When you spend too much time in bed doing nothing, you also give yourself more time to overthink. Your mind starts replaying everything, and overthinking can quickly make you feel even worse.

And on top of that, bedrotting often leads to doomscrolling. You end up endlessly scrolling on your phone, which is not only a huge waste of time but can also negatively affect your mental health even more.

It reduces your energy levels

You’ve had a busy week, and you’re exhausted. Resting in bed might seem like the best solution. You probably think your body needs rest so you’ll have more energy for the next few days or the upcoming week.

But sometimes, the opposite is actually true.

When you spend too much time sitting or lying down, you can end up feeling even more tired and sluggish. That’s why, after doing almost nothing all day, you may still feel exhausted. Meanwhile, once you start moving and doing things, you often notice that your energy slowly comes back.

If you’re truly tired, the best solution is to get enough quality sleep at night and then move your body during the day. Even small amounts of movement, like going for a walk, stretching, or cleaning, can help you feel more energized.

It can disrupt your sleep

Your bed should ideally be a place that your brain associates with sleep. Try not to watch movies in bed, scroll on your phone, or eat there. If you only use your bed for sleeping (and maybe one other activity), your brain will start connecting your bed with rest and sleep. Over time, this can actually help you fall asleep faster.

But if you spend hours bedrotting, scrolling, or doing everything in bed, that connection becomes weaker. Your brain no longer sees your bed as a place for sleep only, which can negatively affect your sleep quality.

If you want to have a lazy day and relax a little more, it’s better to do it on the couch or somewhere else instead. That way, your bed remains a space dedicated to rest and sleep.

You will start doomscrolling

Bedrotting became a trend on social media, and one thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of people also scroll on their phones while doing it. There are two reasons why this isn’t great.

First of all, as I mentioned, doomscrolling can negatively affect your mental health. The second reason is that it cancels out the “benefits” of resting. The point of bedrotting is that you need or want to rest, but doomscrolling is actually very demanding on your brain.

So after a day of scrolling on your phone in bed, your body might feel physically rested, but you’ll often feel exhausted anyway because your brain is drained from all the stimulation.

You will start avoiding things

Maybe there is a deeper reason why you want to bedrot, and I’m not an expert. There might be something going on with your mental or physical health, and in that case, it’s best to see a doctor.

But sometimes people also bedrot to avoid things. Maybe it has become a “safe space,” and when you stay in bed, you feel less stressed or anxious. However, staying in bed is not going to solve the underlying problem. Or maybe you are avoiding something else entirely.

Your body needs movement

Sometimes resting is good. But if you barely move your body during the day, you might start to notice some things. You will start to feel exhausted, and you can experience headaches, muscle stiffness, and poor posture. Over time, if you bedrot a lot, your physical problems may become worse. You might experience lower back pain and other issues.

Movement is actually really good for your body. Our bodies are made to move; we are not built to sit or lie down for hours at a time. So even when you are tired, try going out for a slow walk. I bet that will give you more energy.

Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

The post Why Bedrotting is Bad for You first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post Why Bedrotting is Bad for You first appeared on A happy life.</p>

For a long time, I tried to create healthier habits. At first, it was always pretty easy. During the first few days, I felt motivated and excited. But after a while, I would give up again. I kept wondering how I could actually make new habits stick.

So I started doing some research, and eventually I found Atomic Habits by James Clear. Honestly, I think it’s the perfect book for people who are trying to build healthier habits but struggle to stay consistent and make them last. In this blog post, I share how to make new habits stick.

How to Make New Habits Stick

To create new healthy habits and actually make them stick, you need more than just motivation. Because honestly, you’re not going to feel motivated every single day. If you truly want your new habits to last, then you should follow these four steps.

1. Make it Obvious
   The first step is to make your new habit obvious, and you can do this in different ways. One effective method is called habit stacking. For example, maybe you already have the habit of eating breakfast every morning. Since it’s something you already do automatically, you can attach a new habit to it.
   
   For example:
   “After I finish breakfast, I will clean the kitchen.”
   “After I drink my morning coffee, I will read 10 pages.”
   
   You simply connect a new habit to an existing one. Another way to make habits obvious is to make them more visible in your environment.
   
   For example:
   If you want to eat healthier, place healthy snacks on the counter or kitchen table where you’ll constantly see them.
   If you want to go for a walk in the morning, prepare your outfit and shoes the night before so they’re the first thing you notice when you wake up.
   If you want to read more, leave books around the house or keep your e-reader in your bag.
   
   The easier it is to see your habit, the more likely you are to actually do it.
   
2. Make it Attractive
   Let’s be honest: sometimes we know certain habits are good for us, but that doesn’t automatically make them enjoyable. That’s why it’s important to make your habits more attractive. One of the best ways to do this is to pair something you have to do with something you want to do.
   
   For example, maybe you dislike doing your administration or washing the dishes, but those tasks still need to get done. You can motivate yourself by connecting them to something enjoyable.
   
   For example:
   “First I’ll do the dishes, then I can watch an episode of my favorite show.”
   “I’ll finish my work first, and afterward I can relax and play a game.”
   
   Sometimes I don’t feel motivated to work either, but I try to make it more enjoyable by listening to music while I work. Then afterward, I reward myself by watching an episode of a show I like. By associating habits with positive feelings or rewards, they become much easier to stick to.
   
3. Make it Easy
   Some habits are difficult to start, so you need to make them easier for yourself. For example, maybe you want to work out at a gym, but the gym is far away. That automatically creates extra resistance. Instead, you could make things easier by starting with home workouts. Or maybe a 30-minute workout feels overwhelming. In that case, start with just 5 minutes. Doing something small is always better than doing nothing at all.
   
   I personally don’t enjoy cleaning, so I started cleaning for just 5 minutes every morning. Most of the time, once those 5 minutes are over, I naturally keep going. Another example: if you struggle to buy healthier groceries because you’re tempted by junk food in the supermarket, make a shopping list and order your groceries online instead. That way, you avoid unnecessary temptation. The easier a habit is to start, the more likely you are to stick with it.
   
4. Make it satisfying
   The reason we stick to certain habits is that we get rewarded for doing them. For example, when we scroll on our phones, we immediately get a dopamine hit. But with healthier habits, the rewards are often delayed. It takes time to see results.
   
   For example, if you start working out, you won’t see changes immediately. It can take weeks or even months. A habit tracker can be helpful in this case. It feels good to cross off another day and see your consistency build over time.
   
   You can also reward yourself, but try not to reward a healthy habit with something that cancels it out. like eating junk food after a workout. Instead, choose small, supportive rewards. For example, it could be something as simple as enjoying a cup of tea, watching an episode of your favorite show, or taking a relaxing break.
   

Photo by Lala Azizli on Unsplash

The post How to Make New Habits Stick first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post How to Make New Habits Stick first appeared on A happy life.</p>

When I was a teenager, social media was still new and genuinely fun. But now, more than 10 years later, social media has changed a lot, and not always for the better. One of the biggest reasons I dislike my phone and social media these days is how addictive they’ve become.

I’ve tried so many times to reduce my screen time and actually live my life instead of staring at a screen all day, but it’s hard. Really hard. That’s why I decided to make a list of reasons to stop doomscrolling and share it with you—in case you also want to reduce your screen time and could use a little extra motivation.

Reasons to Stop Doomscrolling

It’s a Waste of Time

This one is pretty obvious.

Let’s say you spend three hours a day scrolling on social media. Three hours may not sound that bad, especially because many people spend even more time on their phones. But if you spend three hours a day scrolling, that adds up to 21 hours a week, almost an entire day.

Over the course of a year, that becomes around 50 full days spent scrolling.

Imagine what you could do with those hours instead:

• Work on your dreams
• Exercise
• Learn a new skill
• Spend time with friends and family
• Read books
• Rest properly

Most of us complain that we don’t have enough time, while we’re unknowingly spending huge portions of our lives staring at our phones.

You’ll Sleep Better

Reducing screen time, especially in the evening, can seriously improve your sleep.

Most devices with screens emit blue light (except e-readers), which can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle and keep you awake longer. And if you’re scrolling late at night instead of sleeping, you’re also losing valuable hours of rest.

When you put your phone away before bed:

• You fall asleep faster
• You sleep more deeply
• You wake up feeling more refreshed and energized

Good sleep affects everything: your mood, energy levels, focus, and mental health.

It Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety

In my personal opinion, doomscrolling plays a huge role in why so many people feel stressed, anxious, and mentally overwhelmed today.

From my own experience, my anxiety started developing about 6–12 months after I got my first smartphone. And honestly? Whenever I spend less time on my phone, I feel noticeably calmer and more relaxed.

I think part of the problem is that we constantly overstimulate our brains. We’re consuming endless information, videos, opinions, and notifications all day long. Over time, that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, and burned out.

Our brains were never designed to process this much stimulation 24/7.

It Improves Your Focus

Constantly consuming short-form content, like TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, can seriously damage your attention span.

When your brain gets used to quick dopamine hits and videos that only last a few seconds, it becomes harder to focus on anything for a longer period of time.

You may notice this:

• During school or work
• While reading a book
• While watching a movie
• Even during conversations

Have you ever watched a movie while also scrolling on your phone? A lot of people do this now because focusing on one thing at a time has become difficult.

By reducing doomscrolling, you slowly retrain your brain to focus again. And honestly, being able to concentrate deeply is becoming a rare skill.

Your Brain Gets Constant Dopamine Hits

Dopamine itself is not a bad thing. It’s actually an important chemical in the brain that helps us feel motivated and happy.

Years ago, we got dopamine from simple things:

• Finishing a task
• Exercising
• Spending time with people
• Achieving goals

But now, our phones give us constant dopamine hits:

• Notifications
• Likes
• Messages
• New followers
• Endless videos

Every time something new pops up on your screen, your brain releases a little bit of dopamine. The problem is that we now receive these tiny rewards constantly throughout the day.

Over time, this can make normal life feel less stimulating and make it harder to enjoy slower, quieter activities like reading, studying, or simply relaxing without a screen.

Photo by Plann on Unsplash

The post Reasons to Stop Doomscrolling first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post Reasons to Stop Doomscrolling first appeared on A happy life.</p>

I think I might have finally hit my quarter-life crisis. It happened not too long ago. I started thinking about my life, and I realized that this isn’t the life I wanted. Every day was exactly the same. I would wake up at 7, work from 9 until 7 or later, then come home, have dinner, read a little, and go back to bed at 10. I’ve been living like this for years. I wasn’t just living at all. I was just surviving.

I have to admit that this kind of routine isn’t great if you want to have a social life. My social life is practically nonexistent. And it’s not because my job is so amazing, it really isn’t. It’s just how I grew up. I was taught that I should do nothing because that was considered lazy.

But honestly, the moment I started reflecting on my life, I realized that I don’t even like it that much. As I mentioned, my social life is gone, I’m not the biggest fan of my job, and everything else just feels… meh. I understand that some unpleasant things are simply part of life. But I still have the power to make different decisions. I can choose myself: work fewer hours, rebuild my social life, and do all the things I’ve always wanted to do.

That’s why I decided to start posting on Substack again. I want to write about this journey of self-discovery and wanting to change my life. Another reason is that I think it would be fun to keep a diary of it all.

Sure, my life won’t change overnight. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take the first step toward my dream life today. One of the things I definitely want to improve is reducing doomscrolling and getting better sleep.

Photo by Dwidiyo Hanung on Unsplash

The post Why I Decided to Change My Life and Start Over first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post Why I Decided to Change My Life and Start Over first appeared on A happy life.</p>

Maybe you haven’t been feeling great because of depression and want to start feeling better. Or maybe you’re unhappy with your life, or simply want to become a better version of yourself. There are so many reasons why people crave change.

Sometimes people just want to change their job or daily routine, while others want to completely transform every aspect of their lives. If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of them. In this blog post, I’ll explain how to actually change your life.

Note: Before I begin, I want to say that changing your life—or even just one habit—takes time, patience, and consistency. Don’t expect success overnight. But if you truly want to change one or more aspects of your life, don’t give up.

How to Actually Change Your Life

1. Find Out What You Want
   You know what your life looks like right now, but do you know what your dream life looks like? Without a clear vision, it’s difficult to change because you don’t know where you want to go. So take your time. Sit down somewhere without distractions and allow yourself to daydream a little. Write down everything that comes to mind:
   
   – What kind of job do you want?
   – What habits do you want to have?
   – What do you want to do in your free time?
   – What kind of relationship are you looking for?
   – What kind of person do you want to become?
   
   Ask yourself as many questions as possible so you can create your dream life on paper. You can use Pinterest for inspiration if you want, but honestly, I would recommend limiting social media during this process. You need to figure out what you truly want, not what other people think your life should look like. This is your life. Don’t let others decide it for you. It’s also important to write down the habits, routines, or situations that are no longer working for you.
   
2. Create a Vision Board
   This next step is optional, but it can be a lot of fun. You can create a vision board by collecting photos, quotes, and words that represent the life you want and printing them out. Or you can make a digital version on Pinterest. You could even simply write your goals down on paper and place them somewhere you’ll see every day. Vision boards work well because they serve as a daily reminder of your goals and the future you’re working toward. Seeing your dreams regularly can help you stay motivated and focused, so make sure you put your vision board somewhere visible.
   
3. Break Down Your Goals and Turn Them Into Daily Habits
   Big goals can feel overwhelming. Maybe you want to:
   
   – Find a new job
   – Earn a million euros
   -Lose 30 kilos
   – Start your own business
   
   There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting big goals. In fact, dreaming big can be incredibly motivating. But the key is to break those goals down into smaller, manageable steps and create habits that support them.
   
   For example:
   – If you want to lose weight, you could start by going on a 10–30 minute walk after breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
   – If you want a new job, challenge yourself to apply to one job every day.
   – If you want to read more, start with just 10 pages a day.
   – At first, these small habits may seem insignificant, but if you stay consistent, they can completely change your life over time.
   
   One of the best ways to stick to new habits is to make them:
   – Visible
   – Easy
   – Obvious
   – Enjoyable
   
   This idea is also discussed in Atomic Habits by James Clear.
   
4. Change your Environment
   I’m not saying you need to move to another country—unless that’s one of your dreams. I mean changing your environment in a way that supports your new habits and makes it harder to fall back into old ones.
   
   For example:
   – If you want to reduce screen time, stop keeping your phone next to you all day.
   – If you want to eat healthier, avoid filling your house with junk food.
   – If you want to read more, leave books in visible places around your home.
   
   Basically, you want to make your bad habits less visible and less convenient, while making your good habits easier to follow. Your environment has a much bigger impact on your behavior than you probably realize.
   
5. Be Patient, but Don’t Give Up
   Change is rarely easy in the beginning. Your body and mind are used to doing things on autopilot, and suddenly you’re trying to create a completely different routine. That’s why consistency matters so much. Even when it feels difficult, keep going. Eventually, your new habits will start to feel natural, and the healthier choices you’re making now will become automatic. And remember: there was a reason you wanted to change in the first place. Do you really want to go back to the habits and lifestyle that made you unhappy?
   
   Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

The post How to Actually Change Your Life first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post How to Actually Change Your Life first appeared on A happy life.</p>

It’s the weekend, and you’re fully enjoying your time off. You don’t have to think about work; you can just do whatever you want. Then, suddenly, the realization creeps in on Sunday afternoon: you have to go back to work tomorrow. Just like that, you’re no longer enjoying your weekend. Instead, you start to feel anxious and uneasy. All you want is to enjoy your time off.

How to Beat the Sunday Scaries

1. Stop treating Sunday like a countdown
   You try to enjoy your Sunday and your weekend, but your mind is probably counting down the hours of free time you have left. Most people focus on how little time remains instead of focusing on the positive side, how much you can still do and enjoy this Sunday. Try to live in the moment. Don’t worry about tomorrow. You are living right now.
   
2. Plan something fun on your Sunday
   When you have nothing planned for Sunday, your mind might wander and start thinking about how the weekend is almost over. So plan something fun for your Sunday afternoon or evening. This way, you distract yourself in a healthy way. Give your Sunday a highlight so it doesn’t feel like a “waiting room” for the week.
   
3. Limit doomscrolling
   Scrolling endlessly on Sunday afternoon is one of the fastest ways to trigger anxiety. You start comparing, overthinking, and overstimulating your brain right before a new week begins. Plus, you’re wasting your precious time, because most likely, you don’t even enjoy doomscrolling. Time also passes faster when you’re scrolling, making it feel like your weekend disappears.
   
4. Move your body
   If you’re feeling anxious about going back to work, it’s time to get out of your head and into your body. Go for a walk or a run. Join a sports team if that feels right for you. Try yoga if you want something more relaxing. Meditation can also help calm your mind when you’re feeling anxious.
   
5. Make your weekdays more fun
   Maybe you don’t like your job, and you can’t change that right now, and that’s okay. But you can find ways to make your weekdays more enjoyable. Plan small things to look forward to. Go for a walk during your lunch break to get some fresh air and a change of environment. Or plan something fun after work, so your day doesn’t feel like it’s just about work. It doesn’t have to be big; something simple like having dinner with a friend or cooking your favorite meal can already make a difference.
   
6. 6. Prioritize self-care on Sunday evening
   Be extra kind to yourself if you’re feeling anxious and make time for self-care. Self-care doesn’t always mean face masks or painting your nails; it means giving your mind and body what they need. It could be journaling and writing down your thoughts, listening to your favorite album, playing with your pet, doing breathing exercises, or stretching.

Photo by Niklas Hamann on Unsplash

The post How to Beat the Sunday Scaries (and Actually Enjoy Your Sunday Again) first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post How to Beat the Sunday Scaries (and Actually Enjoy Your Sunday Again) first appeared on A happy life.</p>

Two weeks ago, I got the game Pokopia for my Switch 2, and I immediately started playing. Before that, I mostly played Animal Crossing, as it was my go-to cozy game. I’m not even lying when I say I’m addicted to Pokopia. I’m completely obsessed and enjoying every single minute of it. So, if you’re still not sure whether you should buy and play this game, I’ll give you a few reasons.

Reasons to Play Pokopia

1. It is super cozy
   I’m the kind of person who loves cozy games. I grew up playing The Sims for hours, and now the only games I play are Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Animal Crossing, and Pokopia. I love walking around and completing small tasks that require almost no effort. I can just take it slow. If you love cozy games too, this is the perfect game for you. You can even play mini-games with your Pokémon. You can jump rope with Bulbasaur or play hide-and-seek.
   
2. Pokémon
   If you love Pokémon, you’re going to love this game as well. I haven’t found all the Pokémon yet, but according to Google, there are over 300 Pokémon you can discover across different areas. Some of them are super cute, while others have special abilities that they can teach you or use to help you.
   
3. It is HUGE
   The moment I started playing Pokopia, I entered the first area and already thought it was big. It was much bigger than Animal Crossing. But then I started exploring, climbing mountains, and suddenly realized how massive it actually was, and that was only the beginning. Soon, you discover gates that lead to other areas, and those are just as big. I love how huge this world is.
   
4. There is so much to do
   I’ve only played for a couple of hours so far, and I’m already a bit overwhelmed, in a good way, by how much there is to do. Of course, you have daily tasks, but at the beginning, you also follow a storyline and complete bigger objectives. You need to raise your environment level, but you can also demolish things and rebuild them. The options are endless, which means you can easily play this game for hours or even weeks without getting bored.
   
5. You can build everything you want
   At the start, you can only do a few things, but the more you play and complete tasks, the more options unlock. You’ll discover more recipes for paths and bricks that you can use to build roads and houses. You can create a beautiful home for your Ditto, your Pokémon, or even build an entire town or city. The possibilities are basically endless.
   
   A lot more interaction than Animal Crossing
6. Sometimes I felt like Animal Crossing was a bit limited when it came to conversations with villagers. But Pokopia feels very different. There’s a lot more dialogue and interaction. Of course, I’m still at the beginning and haven’t completed the storyline yet, but my first impression is really positive.

The post 6 Reasons to Play Pokopia first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post 6 Reasons to Play Pokopia first appeared on A happy life.</p>

Many years ago, when I was still a student, I first heard about the Myers-Briggs test. It sounded really interesting, so I decided to take it. My result was INFP, and I still believe that fits me.

I hadn’t thought about my personality type for a long time, but recently it’s been on my mind again. I’m at a point in my life where I’m evaluating the things I’ve been doing, whether they truly make me happy or if I should choose a different path instead. And in case you have never taken this test, I am giving you a couple of reasons to take the Myers-Briggs Test.

Reasons to Take the Myers-Briggs Test

1. It Helps You Understand Yourself on a Deeper Level
   Finding out your personality type is one thing, but learning more about it opens up a whole new world. The Myers–Briggs Type Indicator connects patterns in the way you think, feel, and behave. It gives clarity to things that may have felt random before. When I read about my personality type, so many things suddenly made sense. You can also find a lot of information about your type, like which careers might suit you best, how you handle relationships, and what motivates you.
2. You Start to See Your Strengths More Clearly
   Some people strive to be perfect, but that’s impossible. No one will ever be perfect. So instead of constantly focusing on your weaknesses, maybe it’s time to focus more on your strengths. For example, if your strength is creativity, find ways to explore and use it. If you’re good at problem-solving, look for opportunities to apply that skill more often. When you focus on what you’re naturally good at, everything feels a bit easier and more aligned.
3. It Helps You Understand Other People
   Everyone is different, and this test doesn’t just show how you think and behave; it also helps you understand others. Not everyone processes the world the same way. Some people make decisions based on logic and facts, while others rely more on feelings and values. If you know someone’s personality type, you can learn more about how they see the world. This can improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and help you connect with people on a deeper level.
4. It Supports Personal Growth
   Once you recognize your patterns, you can actually start working with them instead of against them. For example, as an INFP, I’ve often tried to create strict routines for myself. I would plan everything out and try to stick to it, but after a few days, I would always give up. I used to feel bad about that, like I was failing. But when I learned more about my personality type, I realized why. I naturally prefer flexibility and adaptability over strict structure. Understanding this helped me stop forcing myself into something that doesn’t fit me. Instead, I now go with the flow more, and ironically, that has made me more productive.
5. It Helps You Make Better Decisions
   When you truly understand who you are, what you value, what your strengths are, and how you naturally think, it becomes much easier to make decisions. For example, INFPs often make decisions based on what feels right to them rather than purely on facts. So instead of forcing themselves to think like more logical types, it can be more helpful for them to tune into their feelings and values. Other personality types may do the exact opposite, and that’s okay. There’s no one “right” way to make decisions.
6. It Can Guide You (But Not Define You)
   The test isn’t meant to tell you how to live your life. Just because your personality type suggests you might be a good lawyer doesn’t mean you have to become one. Think of it as a guide, not a rulebook. It can help you understand yourself better, why you think the way you do, what you care about, and how you express yourself. For example, if your personality type leans toward creativity, you might explore ways to express yourself through art, writing, or other creative outlets. It doesn’t have to turn into a career; it can simply be something that brings you joy.

Photo by Microsoft Copilot on Unsplash

The post Reasons to Take the Myers-Briggs Test first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post Reasons to Take the Myers-Briggs Test first appeared on A happy life.</p>

Back in the day, when I was just a little girl, there were a few popular things: Furbys, Tamagotchis, and Pokémon. Back then, you would discover new trends through friends, television commercials, or maybe magazines. But with social media, everything changed.

While there used to be only one or two big trends at a time, these days trends come and go faster than ever. Before you even realize something is trending, it’s already over. And while I do like some trends, I’ve never really bought into them unless I truly wanted them.

So today, I want to inspire you by sharing reasons to stop buying into trends.

8 Reasons To Stop Buying Trends

1. Trends Come and Go
   As I mentioned, even before social media, we had things that were extremely popular and trendy. I had a Furby and a Tamagotchi, too. But trends used to last much longer. Last year, around April/May, Labubus were everywhere. It was hard not to see a TikTok video of people unboxing them. But now, a year later, we barely talk about them anymore. You can even find Stanley Cups at thrift stores. Trends move so much faster these days. Before you even get a Labubu, it’s already out of style, and people have moved on to the next trend. If you buy something trendy and you genuinely love it, that’s completely fine. But if you’re only buying it to make a TikTok or just because it’s trending, just stop.
   
2. You Don’t Develop a Personal Style
   I’m using Labubus as an example, but everyone was buying them. The lines in front of stores were crazy. People were literally standing in line for hours. But if you always follow trends, you never develop your own personal style or even your personality. You become a copy of everyone else. Everyone owns the same things and wears the same clothes because it’s trendy. It gets boring. Try to figure out what you like. What kind of clothing style do you enjoy? What do you actually want to wear? Ask yourself those questions. And yes, if a trend genuinely fits your style, it’s okay to buy it, but only if it aligns with who you are.
   
3. It Leads to Overconsumption
   Something I’ve noticed is that people don’t just buy one Labubu, Stanley Cup, or NeeDoh; they buy a whole collection in one shopping trip. And they might never even use it. Why do you need 10 Stanley Cups? How thirsty are you? Right now, I see people buying bags full of NeeDohs. I understand they can be helpful as sensory tools, just like fidget spinners. But why do you need so many? This is how overconsumption happens. Most of these items end up at thrift stores, or worse, in landfills.
   
4. You Don’t Need It to Be Relevant
   If everyone is making Labubu videos, that doesn’t mean you have to buy one and do the same. If you don’t like them, just don’t buy them. It doesn’t make you less worthy or less relevant. And if people think you are “less” because you don’t own a Labubu or a Stanley Cup, that’s their problem, not yours. You are already good enough. Things don’t define your worth.
   
5. It’s Expensive
   One Labubu costs around €20–30, which is already quite expensive for a keychain. Now, imagine buying multiple trendy items; it adds up quickly. You’re spending money on things you might not even truly like. Of course, it’s your money, and you can do whatever you want with it. But chances are, you’ll regret buying 20 Labubus, 10 Stanley Cups, and a bag full of NeeDohs that you won’t use again. That money could go toward things you actually love.
   
6. Lower Quality
   Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s good quality. This especially applies to fast fashion. I’ve ordered from Shein once, and I wouldn’t do it again. You can tell the quality is lower compared to stores like H&M or even Primark. Fast trends mean fast production, which often leads to cheaper materials and items that don’t last long. That’s why I like shopping at thrift stores; you can still find high-quality pieces. Although these days, you’ll also find a lot of Shein items there, too.
   
7. You End Up with a Closet Full of “Nothing to wear.”
   Clothes can make you feel a certain way. But when you buy fast fashion trends, you don’t really think about whether you like the item or how it makes you feel. You have to be more intentional with what you wear. Choose clothes that make you feel confident, bold, sexy, empowered, whatever you want to feel. If you only buy trendy items, they’ll go out of style quickly, and nothing will truly match your style.
   
8. It Disconnects You from Intentional Living
   When you’re constantly on your phone, seeing people tell you what to buy, you stop living intentionally. You have to reconnect with what you actually love. One thing I like to do is keep a wishlist. When I see something I like online, I don’t buy it right away; I add it to my list. If I still love it after at least a month, then I consider buying it. Most of the time, when I look back at my wishlist, I realize I don’t even want those things anymore.

Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash

The post 8 Reasons to Stop Buying Trends first appeared on A happy life.

<p>The post 8 Reasons to Stop Buying Trends first appeared on A happy life.</p>