Everyone goes though times in their lives where they feel kind of low. Maybe you had a bad day at work or you had a huge fight with a loved one. Sometimes you just feel down for no reason at all – and those are the worst.
We are made up of so many chemicals, and sometimes those chemicals are off balance, therefore we get mood swings. I have been having that kind of week myself, and let me tell you – it is very hard to pull yourself out of it.
Here are some things I have found helpful when I am feeling down in the dumps, and I want to perk up and make myself feel a little better.
1. Listen to music.
This is a top one for me. I love music, so I usually turn to it when I need a little pick me up. Depending on how I am feeling and why, I listen to very different music.
If I am angry I usually listen to my "Pissed Off" playlist that has a lot of angry anthems like "I Hate Everything About You" and "ShutUp."
For the times I'm just feeling a little stressed, I listen to really mellow music that puts me in a calm state of mind to help me relax.
2. Watch your favorite movie.
Everyone has a favorite movie. Mine, I'm embarrassed to admit, is National Treasure. I know, I know – but I love it.
Your favorite movie is your favorite for a reason. It is the one that will always put a smile on your face every time you watch it. So it makes sense to watch it when you're feeling a little down.
3. Take a nap.
This is my all time favorite pass time. Naps are a true gift from God. I always feel better after a good, long nap. It makes you feel fresh and clear headed.
Everything you stressed or were upset about don't seem so bad after a nap, because you have given yourself a break from thinking about it and now you can have a fresh perspective on it.
4. Talk about it.
This is probably one of the first things I do almost every time I start to feel stressed or sad. I just need to get it out. If I say it out loud to someone, then the problem doesn't seem as bad as it did in my head.
It is also very helpful to get a different perspective on the situation. The person you talk to could have some pretty good advice on how to deal with whatever it is you are down about.
5. Put it on paper.
This is a pretty popular one, but you'd be surprised by how many people don't think about this option. You don't have to share it with anyone. Just start a journal, and get all of your thoughts and frustrations out on paper.
This way, you can get it out of your head, and then you can just look at it. You'll see that it's just words. You can handle that.
6. Spend time outside.
Yes, we as millennials don't really like to go outside, but you should try it. You would be amazed at how much nature can make you feel better. It is a beautiful thing to experience and such an easy thing to do!
You can read under a tree, go on a hike, or even just do a little sun bathing. Like they always say, fresh air will do you good!
7. Meditate.
Meditation is a great way to destress and lighten your mood. It's even pretty easy. All you have to do is sit or lay down, in silence or listening to some soft music. and let your mind go blank.
Let all your burdens and frustrations just drift away. You'll come out it feeling so much lighter and so much happier.
8. Hang with your friends.
Take your mind off of it. Go out and grab a bite to eat with your pals. It's OK to distract yourself for a little while. Human interaction is good and it's a perfect way to let go of your burdens.
You don't have to talk about it with your friends if you don't want to, they will always be there when you're ready.
9. Think happy thoughts.
I know it sounds cheesy, but it really does work. Peter Pan had the right idea. Just think about all of the things that make you happy. Keep thinking them, and soon there won't be any space for the negative thoughts to stay.
You could even try making others feel happy. Doing good things is good for the soul and it is a great way to boost your mood. Positive vibes only.
Negativity is not fun. It can turn a great day into a horrible one. The only way it can do that is if you let it. Don't. Don't let all of the bad thoughts weigh you down.
Be a duck, let it roll right off your back. Stay positive and remember, you have a choice, you can choose to be happy.
What do you do bring your spirits up?
