We’ve all had those days where everything seems to go wrong. Or maybe you just feel down in the dumps for no reason at all. It is no secret that life can be hard sometimes, and it is not always easy to pick yourself up after you have been knocked down. There will always be both good days and bad days. Sometimes you just need to let the bad days run their course.
Yes, it is okay to feel sad sometimes, but it’s important to not let the sadness consume you. You don’t have to be sad forever, nor should you let yourself fall into a spiral of ongoing sadness. Personally, taking a day to evaluate my feelings helps me realize what I need to do to pull myself out of a funk.
Here are some initiatives that you can take to make yourself feel better when you are feeling down.
1. Go Outside.
There is nothing that a spot of fresh air can't fix. Whether it be a walk in the park, laying on a blanket stargazing into a beautiful night sky, or admiring some flowers, nature can cure all of the world's problems. Clear your mind, get outside, and take advantage of what your environment has to offer.
2. Treat Yourself With Kindness.
Keep in mind that there is no way to be happy if you are always putting yourself down. Yes, in some cases, you are your own worst enemy, but you don't have to be. Make sure to plant good thoughts in your mind and to eat healthy to fuel your body. There is no better remedy than being good to yourself.
3. Cuddle Up With A Good Book.
As an avid bookworm, I personally find nothing better than sitting under an abundance of warm, fluffy blankets reading a good book. Though this might not be for everyone, getting lost in the depths of a good read is a huge mood booster at the very least.
4. Make A Fort Out Of Pillows And Blankets.
Flashback to your toddler days, build a safe space or a large fort with pillows and blankets to snuggle in. Not only will building the fort take your mind off of feeling sad, but the comfort of the soft things inside your fort will ensure you that everything will be okay.
5. Eat Your Comfort Food.
Lets be real, what is better than a bowl of mac and cheese or your favorite homemade meal? Whether your comfort food be something sweet like cookies & cream flavored ice cream or something salty like a bag of crisp potato chips, nothing will curb your sadness better than food.
6. Watch Your Favorite Movie.
No matter how many times you can watch your favorite movie, it never gets old. You might even notice something that occurs in the movie that you haven't noticed in the past. Grab a friend and/or a bag of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show!
7. Exercise.
Besides just burning calories, working out has multiple health benefits including lifting your mood, improving depression and anxiety and clearing your mind. Think of it as a way to reboot and restart. Even something as simple as taking a walk or dancing to your favorite songs will help.
8. Spend Time With People You Love.
Sometimes, spending time with loved ones is the perfect reminder that people care about you and that your emotions are valid. Your friends and family only want what is best for you and spending time with them will only boost your confidence and your will to feel happy once again.
9. Get Some Sleep.
Sometimes, you could feel sad from a lack of sleep. Or, being sad could fuel your desire to get more sleep. Whatever the case may be, make sure you are well rested and are equipped with energy to get yourself out of that funk. Remember, no matter how awful a day or two may seem, there is always hope for the future to be better.