5 Ways to Make Your Life More Meaningful

If you've ever found yourself in a personal slump, maybe it's time to reassess your priorities.

Friend or Foe?
Top Model Jaslene Gonzalez is Brave and Beautiful
Just another waste of time?

Here are five ways to make a positive impact and get a jump start on a more meaningful life.

1. Go green
We may not be able to reverse global warming overnight, but as individuals we have the power to make decisions on a daily basis that will eventually aid in preserving this planet and the well-being of the animals and people who inhabit it. Going green doesn't only help save trees and rainforests though. In the long run, it can also help to improve our health and increase savings. Don't forget to recycle!

2. Volunteer for a worthy cause
Volunteering is always worth our time and effort. Helping others and/or becoming involved with an important cause often increases our sense of purpose. By helping others, we can also help ourselves.

3. Keep in touch with your real friends
Leading a life of fulfillment can be nearly impossible if you are constantly surrounded by frenemies. Therefore, maintaining a close bond with friends and family members you genuinely care about is important. As Dan Baker, Ph.D., founding director of the Life Enhancement Program at Canyon Ranch, in Tucson, Arizona states in a WebMD article, "Negative relationships can pose real roadblocks to happiness." The person who came up with the phrase, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" probably never thought about the long term implications.

4. Vote
If there is one thing every American should do, it's exercise the right to vote. Far too many people in history suffered to make voting a reality for each American, regardless of race or sex, so this right should never be brushed aside or taken for granted. If you have not registered to vote yet, fill out an application at your local post office or register here, and let your voice be heard.

5. Lose the fear and pursue your passion
Whether you choose to take up a new hobby or change careers, studies have shown that by allowing yourself to take part in things you feel truly passionate about, you can actually reduce stress, anxiety and depression while increasing feelings of self-worth. No passion is too silly to pursue and it's certainly never too late to make yourself happy.

Claudia Frias/Terra USA