Small changes make a big difference, at least that’s what I’ve learned in the last couple of weeks.

About three weeks ago, something happened to me that just really put me in a slump. It made me really sad and upset, and I didn’t know how to cope with that. I just found myself really depressed over the situation and all I wanted to do was sleep.

Then it hit me. Not only did that situation depress me, but I was also just too stressed out over all. I was working two jobs, taking four classes, directing a ski team and running a photography business. While doing this, I was still trying to find time to be a normal 19-year-old who loves to sleep and socialize. It was just too much.

I realized I needed to make some personal changes to better my life. This started out with me getting a massage. I used to get massages on a normal basis but fell out of the routine of doing so. Now, I have started going regularly again and can tell I have a lot less tension in my body and mind. The next step is going to be committing to a fitness class. When I was doing that, I was also a lot less stressed out.

In the past few weeks, I’ve also been dealing with sinus issues. Also, when I’m stressed out I tend to get quite a few headaches. I’ve been using essential oils for quite a while now, but I have made a pact with myself to rely on them more and stop reaching for bottles of medicine. I use a blend for my sinuses, peppermint oil for headaches, peppermint mixed with wild orange as a wake-me-up scent, lavender for relaxation, and grapefruit and lemon to flavor my water with. It’s crazy how much essential oils can be used for.

With as busy of a schedule as I had, I found myself eating fast food and at restaurants in general, way more than a person should. Not only is it not the healthiest, but the cost adds up very quickly, too. I’ve started working on meal prepping. Meal prepping is making multiple meals at one time that can be eaten throughout the week. Last week, I made egg breakfast muffins with peppers and onions to test out. They were delicious and definitely a keeper recipe.

This week, I was visiting a friend from school. We grilled, had salad and spaghetti. This wasn’t any normal spaghetti. The noodles were made from squash and zucchini. I was amazed by this as I had never had it before. I went out and bought my own slicer to make the noodles, and I’ll be having veggie spaghetti and meatballs for the rest of the week.

These small changes I’ve been making have made me more relaxed and saved me both time and money. I’m sure I’ll find more simple changes to incorporate into my life, too. If you find yourself in any kind of situation like mine, I totally recommend trying to make some changes. It’s worth it.

 

Erin Murtaugh is an undergraduate at Bemidji State University studying elementary education. She can be reached at murtaugh.erin@gmail.com.