Recently, I've noticed times where I've felt kind of "blah." It's not an extreme emotion, but almost a state of mentality. It's like being on autopilot, without any extreme reaction or feeling to any circumstance. It's a feeling of being indifferent, blasé, and nonchalant. In other words: boring. And if it's within my power to feel happiness, excitement, or any other positive emotion, why shouldn't I?

We've all felt "meh." But it's not always clear as to why. Sometimes, though, the "why" part of things doesn't matter. What matters is whether it's something that can be changed through some effort. Knowing that you're feeling "meh" in the first place is the first step to living more consciously. When we live consciously, we are aware of the emotions and feelings that people, places, events, and things bring about in us.

We are conscious of how they make us feel.

Using that same idea, knowing certain things that can help you live more consciously and stir up some positivity into our nonchalance. Here are a few.

1. Shake it off. Literally.

Sometimes, moving your body will help revive you and make you feel more energetic - literally shaking out your body helps, believe it or not. Dancing to your favorite song is another great option, especially if you don't have a lot of time. If you do, you can opt for a workout session of your favorite type and/or with your favorite music.

2. Drink tea or coffee.

For me, having something warm to drink really opens up my senses. I automatically feel more awake and aware, and I feel more in control of my thoughts and feelings. It doesn't have to be warm, though! Whatever you feel will recharge you the most is what you should go for.

3. Write it down!

Writing things down makes us much more aware of why we're feeling the way we do. This pulling back our attention into the present moment can make us feel more alive, almost instantly. To me, that's what it means to live in the present!

4. Focus on a hobby.

Whether it's reading a book, playing an instrument, crocheting, or something outdoorsy, losing yourself in a hobby can make you feel so much more present. Ironically, when we're lost in the moment, it's really just because we're so focused on the task at hand, making us oblivious to our surroundings.

5. Verbalize.

Whether it's to a wall, a friend, or yourself, verbalizing your current state of being gives it more substance. It turns from something intangible to something we can understand. The release of the emotion, combined with us finally being able to talk through and understand it gives us so much more life.

By using any of these methods (and countless others), not only did we help ourselves, but we already proved to ourself that we can live consciously. Making the decision to be more conscious and acting upon it is YOU being aware of what you need and what you aspire towards.

Congrats on taking the first step!