As much as we hate to admit it, sadness is a part of life. It is inevitable to feel sad occasionally. Whether it is just a bad day, going through a breakup, losing a loved one, etc. These can really take a toll on our mental health. However, there are many ways to improve your mood when you are feeling down. Just changing a couple of things could help you to instantly feel happier.
1. Exercise!
I know, I know. It is super cliché but it works. Often times when you are sad you do not want to get out of bed, but this really helps. Exercising releases endorphins which are a feel-good hormone. This means that even if you are feeling down, your body will feel better and it can improve your mental state as well. If you do not have the motivation to do something intensive you could always try something like yoga which is a bit more calming.
2. Try meditation.
https://pixabay.com/photos/meditating-sunset-meditation-yoga-3478898/
Meditation has been proven time and time again to be beneficial to our bodies and our mental health. Clearing the mind can be very difficult but once you get the hang of it is a nice break from the outside world. It can relieve stress and overall improve your health.
3. Try breathing exercises.
Our breath controls a lot more than you think. This can be very helpful. Especially if you pair this with the last tip (meditation). Combining the two allows a great way to relieve stress and stop thinking about other things. Focusing on only your breath gives you something to think about instead of being sad.
4. Visit your local animal shelter or nursing home.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29792566@N08/5245317540
Volunteering is a good way to shift your focus to other things as well as to give back to your community. There is nothing quite like walking into a dog shelter and seeing the dogs get so excited just to see you. It has also been said that petting a dog reduces stress. Visiting a nursing home is also a good idea. Many people in nursing homes do not get visited often so why not brighten their day and yours at the same time! Plus, I have found that seniors tend to have years of experience, so they give great advice.
5. Eat healthy.
Another cliché but it is true. When someone feels down they tend to want to sit around and eat junk food, but it is not healthy. Your mental health can actually be effected by what you are using to fuel your body. Make sure you have a balanced diet. Do not forget your fruits and vegetables!
6. Hangout with friends and family.
https://libreshot.com/childhood-friends/
The best thing for you to have when you are feeling down is a support system. This can come from friends and family. Spending time with those you love can create more happiness for you and distract you from feeling upset. Find that person that will always be there for you and always makes you smile.
7. Start a new hobby.
Hobbies can be a great way to get out and start something new. They can also be a good distraction from whatever is upsetting you. Shifting for focus onto something positive, such as a new hobby, can allow you to not dwell on things that make you sad.
8. Look at the positive side.
https://libreshot.com/childhood-friends/
The glass half full or glass half empty question makes a good demonstration of how we, as humans, look at life. Most of our emotions we feel in life comes down to our interpretation of our situations. For each emotion, I always say there are three parts. 1. The situation/issue. 2. Our interpretation. 3. Our reaction. We can change how we feel if we change our mind to interpret more positively.
9. Be the person you want to be.
The phrase fake it until you make it is perfect for this tip. Life is what you make it so if you want to be happy and you want to be your best self, you must actively work for it. This goes alongside with being positive. If you want to be happy, you have to play the part. I am not saying "Oh, just be happy!". You cannot choose to be happy, but you can choose to try to be happy.
10. Do not be too harsh on yourself.
https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=3270&picture=love-yourself
Becoming happier and healing from situations that hurt you takes time. It is important to push yourself and get out of your comfort zone, but make sure you do not push too hard. Just keep doing your best and being kind to yourself and your body. Self-care is very important.
I hope these tips help you get on your way to feeling better!
