Being at your worst isn’t just when your scummy boyfriend cheats on you with that girl in third period that wears zebra print bras under her white shirt. It can be over anything: a bad grade when you thought you aced the test, fighting with your best friend, hurting your parents, or just feeling especially lonely. Here are some things you can do when you’re feeling low.

1. Read

Honestly, you should try it out, even if you don’t like it. Reading is awesome. You can escape into a world that is different and the same as your own. It’s more about finding what interests you than the reading itself. Like dramatic scenes and romance? Try F. Scott Fitzgerald. Action/Adventure more your thing? John Grisham could do it for you. Find what interests you-- whether it be novels, biographies, How-to guides, or a magazine, and let your mind learn while relaxing.

2. Exercise

Maybe this is a no-brainer, but seriously, doing anything active is going to make you feel better. It doesn’t matter what you do; personally, I love to horseback ride or go to a yoga class. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which help make you feel better and happier. Being outside is a huge bonus because the Sun gives your vitamin D, which helps to fight depression and feeling down.

3. Grab a Pal and Hang Out

When I feel sad or particularly inconsolable, I talk to my mom or my best friends. I like to get Sonic with them or just go over to someone’s house and chill out. Sitting in my room and feeling sorry for myself just makes me worse off, so even watching the "Harry Potter" movies with my mom is a mood lightener.

4. Find a Hobby

Okay, I suck—badly—at crafts. I love to paint, even though I’m god awful. When I’m upset, I go straight to Pinterest and look into different types of art. I just want to listen to my music, learn how to do something, and let my mind explore instead of being trapped within its limits. A lot of times, I write. Whether I write stories, a poem, or journaling, I zone out of reality for a minute and go into my creative state. Afterward, I feel like I’ve vented, and I’ve taken out some of my pent up emotion.

5. Plan a Day Trip

Sometimes, things can really, really, wear you down. When you need to let go of a problem or situation, a day trip can help you relax and settle down. If you live near a city, plan a trip to see a museum or sporting event. Have something to look forward to. If you have the money and time, plan a small trip away from your hometown and explore outside of your boundaries. While you wander, you can relax your mind, try something new, choose to meet others or stay to yourself, and alleviate sadness by going out and doing something.