If you have been following along you know that I have been reading a book titled The Happiness Project.

Throughout the last couple weeks I have been applying the first steps to my own life.

January is a month of small but significant change. I have done simple things like waking up earlier, working out more and de-cluttering.

These small changes to my lifestyle have created a significant change in my happiness. There is a new “pep in my step,” so to speak.

I have found that going to bed at a decent hour and waking up earlier than I normally would has created a new energy and vibe to my day. The day seems longer, I am able to get more done and I have a new attitude towards what I am doing with my time.

Now working out has always been something I have loved to do when I am feeling down.

The release of endorphins creates such a joyful energy that it’s hard not to fall in love. I recently underwent surgery and was unable to be as active as I wanted.

This killed my mood and brought my whole outlook on the day down. Now that I have been working out more and doing so early in the morning I am able to keep the good energy flowing throughout the rest of the day.

If you aren’t into running or sports, I would suggest yoga or maybe one of the zumba classes offered at the Wellness Center. Because of this new energy I am now able to accomplish so much more in my day.

De-cluttering. This seems like a task no one cares to tackle. I know that I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to things with sentimental value.

It is always hard for me to throw away something that I might want to have as a memory someday. Or when it comes to clothing, who knows if I’ll want to wear that old shirt, that probably hasn’t seen daylight for two years, next weekend.

De-cluttering isn’t easy, but the space and cleanliness it creates is beyond rewarding. Take your time choosing what to throw away if you need to or you can do what I did.

On a day where you feel like your life is a mess and you just want to clean everything, do it.

The little things won’t matter quite as much when you realize the mess they are making.

Let things go, energize your body and keep engaging in things that create a positive vibe. Hopefully February will bring as much, if not more, success in the happiness project.