So you're feeling blue, down in the dumps, anxious, overwhelmed, confused, lost, or maybe some other unidentifiable emotion that isn't making you feel quite yourself. First of all—emotions are normal. Take a moment to imagine an episode of "Twilight Zone" where everyone is just happy 24/7—it's terrifying. And although it's all right to indulge in your sadness every once in a while, the dwelling isn't getting you anywhere. So put the sad music on pause, and fret no longer, for here are a few ways to get you back to feeling more, well, you.
1. Breathe. Now, smile.
Easy enough, right? Even better, it's been proven that when you take deep breaths, endorphins are released, eliminating stress and reducing anxiety. It's your body's way of creating a natural high, so breathe! Breathe like your life depended on it! As for smiling, it lowers your heart rate, reduces stress, and tricks your brain into thinking you're happy through facial feedback. So if you smile, it makes you happier. Fake it till you make it!
2. Grab the remote and the popcorn—you're watching a happy movie.
That's right. That sappy, rom-com, feel-good movie that you're almost embarrassed to own (almost) is there to help when you can't imagine a bright horizon. Sometimes, those Hollywood endings do wonders in placing a little spark inside of you, a little sliver of hope that it could happen to you. When you can't seem to find your own happiness, seeing it on the silver screen leaves you looking positively to the future.
3. Read a good book.
Reality just doesn't cut it sometimes. If you find your own world too overbearing and the problems too many to count, give yourself immediate relief by immersing yourself in a book. You go to another place, step into another's life, and give yourself the break you've been deserving.
4. Take a walk.
Even if you don't live surrounded by beautiful trees and shudder from exercise, your mind will thank you. It's an easy way to relax your body, loosen tense muscles, and the exercise creates a natural high. There's something about physically moving, going forward, that'll help you move on emotionally, as well. You'll be left thinking clearer and rejuvenated.
5. Go to the beach, if you can.
Ignore the sand that gets into unmentionable places, and the ocean is your natural cure-all. The negative ions that are generated by crashing waves enhance your mood and stimulate your senses guaranteed. Result: positive vibes. Bonus: amazing beach hair. So I guess the saying really is true: "The cure for anything is salt water—sweat, tears, or the sea."
6. Make something healthy!
I know the effort it takes to look up a recipe and then *gasp* buy the healthy ingredients, but when you make an effort to take care of the body that's carried you this far, it's a little, savory victory you can add to the day. Is it silly to think if you treat your body right, you'll look and feel better? I don't think so, and neither do studies that show diet linked to hormones, mental health, and mood.
7. Pamper yourself (such a chore).
You heard the lady! Treat. Yo. Self. And when you feel as though you don't deserve it—there's never a better reason to do it. So go get your nails done, put a mask on, read some trashy magazines, or buy that pair of shoes you've been eyeing for a month. Whatever it is, do it, and know that you're worth it.
8. Write about it.
I know, I know, how very tumblr-esque. But when everything gets too jumbled in your head, and you've already tried the screaming into your pillow trick, try screaming into a journal. You'll be able to get your emotions out without scaring the neighbors and hopefully make sense of things. Once your frustration is down on paper, you can clear those nagging thoughts from your mind.
9. Look at the night sky!
Cue "Yellow" by Coldplay. When you look up at the stars, the moon, and perhaps even the city lights, you're reminded that compared to the world, you're so very tiny, and your problems are so very small. There's something bigger out there. And although it doesn't seem like that thought would be comforting, when you're blinded by emotion or trial and think it's the end of the world, it's definitely comforting to know that it's not.
10. Envision what makes you happy.
Things that inspire you or what you've always liked, that place you've always wanted to travel to, or the activity you've wanted to check off your bucket list, picture it! And if it's not enough to just think about it, then literally picture it. Transform it into a beautiful visual by scrap-booking, blogging, or by making a vision board. It's attainable, and it's out there. Take these steps in picturing a happy future and get excited in the process.
11. Maybe, just maybe, talk about it.
Ten of these tips have been things you can do solo, and for good reason. When we're sad, sometimes we need that time to be by ourselves. However, I also realize that sometimes what we really need is someone to listen while we speak. So if you're comfortable enough to do so, talk to somebody about what you're feeling. If anything at all, misery loves company. And hopefully you can leave that company feeling zero percent miserable and 100 percent uplifted.
So go out there and seize the day! And if anyone hasn't told you yet—you're lovely. Congrats on being alive another day, you wonderful human being.
