Everyone feels vulnerable and lonely from time to time and right about now, when the excitement of new beginnings has worn off and the days don’t seem to get any lighter or warmer, it’s easy to feel low and demotivated.
While it’s good to take time off to replenish and renew, it’s important not to let yourself go. Low moods tend to fester and if you know how to cheer yourself up, you’ll get through those moments much easier and faster.
Here are some things that work for me when I need a mood buster:
1. Relax, Breathe & Let Go:
This may be the single most important thing to know: Whatever you are feeling right now, it’s temporary. Moods don’t last and this one, too, will pass. Accept the state you are in without trying to change it and you’ll come out the other end in no time.
2. Don’t Believe Your Gloomy Thoughts:
You feel like doing nothing, the world keeps moving with or without you in it and nobody seems to really love you? Negative thoughts go hand-in-hand with the blues and can be very convincing. Make sure not to believe them because they simply are not true.
3. Pamper Yourself:
Looking good on the outside helps when feeling crappy inside. Take a nice hot shower, indulge in a good smelling lotion, do your hair and put on comfortable clothes.
How about getting a massage? Gentle touch is healing and assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. If you have the time, this is a great opportunity.
4. Clean Something:
My secret recipe for a quick and simple mood improvement? Easy chores around the house, it works every single time. Put on some lively music and off you go. Do the dishes, wash your sheets, sweep the floors and scrub your bath tub. Dance if you like. When you are done, light some scented candles or smudge your house with sage brush. It will do wonders to move your energy and to lighten up the atmosphere.
5. Set An Audacious Goal.
Sometimes we feel discouraged because we have too much on our plate – and at other times we are bored and starving for adventure. How about setting some big and hairy goals? Why shouldn’t you take that trip to Paris and finally find that wonderful man you have been dying to meet? While your mind tries to keep you securely tucked into your daily routines, do something to challenge it. Check out some places you’d like to visit, dress up in an unusual outfit, treat yourself to a scrumptious meal and let go of your obligations for a while.
6. Just Do It:
The hardest thing to break when you are in a slump is your apathy and inactivity. So, call a friend and set up lunch or coffee. Sign up for a class, go on a bike ride, stroll down the beach or just walk around the block. Don’t want to? Make yourself.
What’s your secret in getting through a low spell? Do you take long naps, watch silly movies or talk to a friend?
A few things I have learned to avoid are computer games, pigging out on comfort food, isolating myself or taking my mood out on others.
If you’d like to share your thoughts or have questions on the topic, please comment below or simply email me. I’d love to hear from you.
As always, thank you for reading.
Karin
Photo Source: Jane Rahmann via Flickr under a Creative Commons License
