Here are some things to do (or not do) when you are sad. Whether it is the stress of school or a heart break, hopefully, this list will help you be a little more okay.
1. Whatever you do, don't listen to Bob Dylan.. Or Adele.
I know, I know. Who can resist putting in their favorite sad music when they're.. well, sad? You just need to not. RESIST. You'll thank me later.
2. Cry.
Go ahead. Get it out of your system. You will feel much better. It has actually been proven that crying is healthy. It reduces your emotional stress. If you hold in those tears, you are actually putting yourself at risk for cardiovascular disease and stress-related disorders.
3. Go talk to someone.
Whether it is a paren or friend, this usually can help you out a lot. Sometimes you just want advice on your situation or maybe you just want someone to comfort you. You aren't a burden to anyone, so go talk to those who love you most. They understand that people aren't always happy.
4. Lay around in a big sweater.
Because, I mean, why not? Optional: fuzzy socks.
5. Paint your sadness.
I know this sounds very cheesy, but painting is so calming. Go buy a cheap canvas, some paint, and go to Pinterest for some inspiration (or just wing it). You don't even have to be an artsy person. My canvas normally just looks like blobs of color. People probably think that this is on purpose. Shh, don't tell them that it was actually supposed to be a turtle...
6. Go pick some flowers!
Unless you're allergic.. Then please do not pick any flowers. I am not responsible for any of you having allergy attacks. If you are safe to pick flowers though, put them in a pretty vase in your room. It will add a little light to your life right now.
7. Go visit the local library.
Even if you don't have any intentions of checking out books, it is a very calm place and nobody minds you being there. It's free and, I mean, what is better than being surrounded by books?
8. Build a blanket fort or just sleep on a pile of blankets.
It's really just your personal preference. I know nothing that feels better than building an awesome blanket fort and binge watching Netflix. Sometimes blankets are all you need.
9. Clean your room.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unorganized, this can always help. Go through items you don't need anymore. Wash your clothes and blankets. I'm sure your parents won't mind at all.
10. Bake some sweets.
This kind of goes with painting your sadness. Pinterest has easy and cheap recipes to try. This will help you get your mind off of some things and keep you busy for a while. And who doesn't like dessert?
11. Know that you are going to be okay.
Whether or not you believe it right now, everything will work out for the best. Your feelings are important and you matter. There isn't anything wrong with being a little down sometimes. Go through the list a few times if you have to, put on some Sara Bareilles and jam out. And remember, there are always cupcakes.
Make sure you can tell the difference between sadness and depression. Look up the warning signs of depression if you or a loved ones bout of sadness lasts for longer than two weeks. Depression affects every one in ten adults in the United States. When it comes to depression, don't try to tough it out, just make an appointment with your doctor or therapist.
