Seven things to stop apologizing for in your quest for happiness

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To err is human, and to apologize is the natural human reaction.

But, according to the Huffington Post, there are some things we should all stop apologizing for.

So, we’re not sorry to share their list (with our own unique spin) of seven things to stop being sorry about:

Going to bed early

Never apologize for getting your beauty sleep!

In fact, getting more sleep will probably make you less prone to making actual mistakes you should apologize for.

Your stress levels will decrease, and so will your risk of health issues.

Being well-rested can never be a bad thing. So what if you’re the party pooper who goes home early?

Saying no

There are some obvious things in life you should say no to — drugs, socks with sandals, anything with liquefied kale in it — but saying no to things that stress you out might be a little harder.

Stop overloading yourself! It’s okay to say no to a project or two, or three! Frantically adding to your schedule and then attempting to check things off it is not a sustainable or healthy way to live your life.

Taking a vacation

Afraid to ask for those vacation days? Afraid of missing out on an important project? Don’t apologize for it — instead, learn to let it go and enjoy a nice break every once in awhile. Studies show that Americans are actually afraid to take a day off, but imagine how much less stressed they’d feel if they just gritted their teeth and did it?

Letting go of a toxic friendship

If your friend is dragging you down, don’t apologize for cutting them out of your life.

Our personal lives can cause as much stress, if not more, than our work lives. And if there’s no where to turn for solace, well, that makes for a ton of unhappiness. So do yourself a favor — pinpoint the negativity, and get rid of it!

Not answering that email right away

Unless the email says “Hey — should I cause the sun to implode, thus destroying the Earth? If no, respond within 30 seconds,” then chances are, not replying right away won’t be the end of the world.

Get your face out of your phone or computer for a second, and relax! Instead of checking emails on your morning bus or train ride to work, relax with a cup of coffee and a good book. Or, if you’re driving, turn on your favorite news station (ahem) and get caught up on the world beyond work.

Rock out to a song or two, like this one or this one.

Your day might be spent staring at a screen — don’t apologize for not doing it any longer than you have to!

Snagging some alone time

There’s a pretty Ralph Waldo Emerson quote floating around out there, “Nothing can bring you happiness except yourself.”

Sometimes, it’s best for you to be by yourself and to have some time with your thoughts.

Never feel like you have to apologize for excusing yourself from the crowd to give yourself some space. It can actually be pretty beneficial!

Putting yourself first

You are the captain of your own ship, so never apologize how you steer it. All you can do is treat yourself well, treat others well and strive for happiness.

Last but not least, never apologize for living your life according to this list. We think it’s pretty great!