It is important to start your day off with a smile, positive attitude, and bright perspective. Many people do not have ample time in the morning before starting their day. So, what can you do in the morning in under 5 minutes that can transform your day? Here are 11 helpful tips:

1. Washing your face with cool water and a welcoming scent.
2. Spending 5 minutes doing deep breathing and meditation to clear your mind.
3. Having a full cup of water to start your day in a hydrated state.
4. Spending 5 minutes in yoga positions to stretch your muscles and your mind.
5. Listening to your favorite song and having a dance session in your bedroom.
6. Spray your favorite good smelling perfume.
7. Hug your spouse, roommate, parents, children, or pets.
8. Repeat 5 things that you are thankful for, such as your health, your family, your job, the sun outside, etc.
9. Step outside and take in nature. Take a deep breath of fresh air and welcome the new day.
10. Write down a positive quote or affirmation to take with you all day so if you are feeling stressed, you can remember this encouraging moment.
11. Smile at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself that today will be a great day!

 
 
 

One of the most important lessons to learn in life is when you are feeling that someone does not care about your feelings, it is often more about them than it is about you. You are interpreting the situation that they do not care about you when that may not be the case. This person may be going through something else that is completely unrelated to your relationship. They may be lacking the emotional intelligence that is needed to empathize and show compassion towards you. They may not know how to express themselves in an appropriate manner. It is crucial that you do not personalize the experience. What this ultimately means is that this has nothing to do with you and it is purely a reflection on them. Do not take this experience and internalize it in a way that you begin to blame yourself for their lack of being able to care about you and your feelings. 

 
1.       What is sympathy? What is empathy?
            -Sympathy is when you experience feelings of compassion, sadness, grief, or pity for the pain that someone else is dealing with. 
            -Empathy is when you are able to imagine the thoughts and feelings that someone else is experiencing. This is when you can put yourself in the shoes of another person.
2.     What is the difference and why does it matter?
            -It is important to understand that these two differ in many ways. Sympathy is when you have feelings towards a person, whereas empathy is when you are feeling with a person. Think of sympathy as a one-way street and empathy as a two-way street. When you feel sympathy for a person, it can be interpreted as one being condescending towards the person suffering and therefore can create a separation. Comparatively, empathy allows you to be able to feel what the other is feeling, fostering a connection between the two people. 
3.     What is compassion?
            -The literal meaning of compassion is “to suffer together.” If you see someone suffering, you want to relieve their suffering and help them through these times. It is the emotion that you feel when you want to lessen someone else’s misfortunes and struggles.
4.     How are they all interconnected?
            Empathy, sympathy, and compassion are all interconnected because combined they allow another person to feel like you care about them. It is offering warm guidance and being there for someone in ways to make them feel comfortable, safe, heard, and loved.