Do you Need Cheering Up Today?
Feeling down today? We all get the blues from time to time. Sometimes it feels like the things we are doing aren't getting us anywhere. Sometimes we experience some setbacks or have to start all over.
As tempting as it may be to spend a day wrapped in a blanket reading a sad book, that won't really help you get your smile back in place or your confidence glowing again. Try a few of these simple, fast tricks to cheer yourself up instead:
As tempting as it may be to spend a day wrapped in a blanket reading a sad book, that won't really help you get your smile back in place or your confidence glowing again. Try a few of these simple, fast tricks to cheer yourself up instead:
It doesn't really take anything big or serious to make humans feel a little sad. It is much harder to cheer ourselves back up though. It takes a little work when the last thing we want to do is work.
It doesn't really take anything big or serious to make humans feel a little sad. It is much harder to cheer ourselves back up though. It takes a little work when the last thing we want to do is work.
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1. Freshen Up
Whatever grooming you haven't done today...do it. Go the extra mile. Take a shower. Shave. Brush your hair. Put on a nice lotion or aftershave.
Even if you aren't going out, put on a little makeup or do your nails. If you are a guy, do whatever you would do if you were going on a date or to an important meeting.
2. Get Dressed
Again, even if you are going to hang around the house all day...you can be dressed. Sure, your favorite jammies might be comfortable. But they are also what you wear when you are sick, right?
You aren't sick...you are sad. Don't associate your favorite comfy clothes with sadness. Throw on a casual outfit, including socks and shoes. This can put you in the mood to get something done and can make you feel pretty nice when you pass the mirror.
1. Freshen Up
Whatever grooming you haven't done today...do it. Go the extra mile. Take a shower. Shave. Brush your hair. Put on a nice lotion or aftershave.
Even if you aren't going out, put on a little makeup or do your nails. If you are a guy, do whatever you would do if you were going on a date or to an important meeting.
2. Get Dressed
Again, even if you are going to hang around the house all day...you can be dressed. Sure, your favorite jammies might be comfortable. But they are also what you wear when you are sick, right?
You aren't sick...you are sad. Don't associate your favorite comfy clothes with sadness. Throw on a casual outfit, including socks and shoes. This can put you in the mood to get something done and can make you feel pretty nice when you pass the mirror.
3. Indulge in A Comfort Food
Really, you aren't going to die if you take this one day to enjoy a favorite and forbidden treat. Don't worry about any of the ingredients...enjoy food like you did when you were a kid.
Enjoy a food you loved as a kid. Do you really think you are the only grown-up who secretly wants to indulge in a whole box of Shells and Cheese? Enjoy a favorite drink too, and if you want, treat yourself to a cookie.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
Even if it is raining or snowing. Take an umbrella, wear a parka. Spend at least 15 minutes outside. You can take a walk, sit on your patio, kick around in the leaves, leave footprints in the snow or splash in puddles.
5. Go Someplace For You
Most of our "going" is to places we have to go. Banks, grocery stores, post offices...those non-fun outings always outnumber the ones we enjoy.
So go someplace that you would enjoy. Even if it is to a thrift store, or just to the library. Anyplace that you can find something to hold your interest for an hour or so.
6. Buy Something
Don't by a pointless item that will just collect dust. Buy something that can can make your life easier or better for a long time. Or, buy supplies to create things.
Try a craft kit, a puzzle book, or materials to build something.
Creating something, anything, can help inspire and motivate you do to more.
Really, you aren't going to die if you take this one day to enjoy a favorite and forbidden treat. Don't worry about any of the ingredients...enjoy food like you did when you were a kid.
Enjoy a food you loved as a kid. Do you really think you are the only grown-up who secretly wants to indulge in a whole box of Shells and Cheese? Enjoy a favorite drink too, and if you want, treat yourself to a cookie.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
Even if it is raining or snowing. Take an umbrella, wear a parka. Spend at least 15 minutes outside. You can take a walk, sit on your patio, kick around in the leaves, leave footprints in the snow or splash in puddles.
5. Go Someplace For You
Most of our "going" is to places we have to go. Banks, grocery stores, post offices...those non-fun outings always outnumber the ones we enjoy.
So go someplace that you would enjoy. Even if it is to a thrift store, or just to the library. Anyplace that you can find something to hold your interest for an hour or so.
6. Buy Something
Don't by a pointless item that will just collect dust. Buy something that can can make your life easier or better for a long time. Or, buy supplies to create things.
Try a craft kit, a puzzle book, or materials to build something.
Creating something, anything, can help inspire and motivate you do to more.
7. Try Something New
If you have never tasted Mongolian food, never read a western novel or never looked up You Tube videos of funny animals...now is the time.
There are so many things we have never tried that are right in front of us. Don't think about the far off things you would love to try, start with today and the things you can absolutely do right now.
8. Learn Something New
Challenge yourself to learn something new. It can be something small, like a piece of trivia. It can be something involved, like a new hobby. It can be something uncomfortable.
If you have always thought or believed a certain way about something, research it deeper to test how well-informed you are.
9. Write Something
You can journal about how you feel at the moment, but that might just be a temporary fix. Later that entry could make you feel sad or uncomfortable. Instead, why not some positive things. How about an entry that starts like this:
"I haven't felt like myself this week. Things aren't going as well as I would like, and I am having a hard time getting motivated. I thought it would help to revisit some happy family memories. For instance, one that always makes me laugh was the time..."
You can also write poetry or short story. Fictionalize yourself as a children's book character and write yourself getting over your bad day.
10. Laugh
Watch a funny movie, hunt up some funny television episodes, watch some stand-up comedy or listen to funny songs. If that doesn't work, crack open a book by Dave Barry or read something far-out there, like Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
If you have never tasted Mongolian food, never read a western novel or never looked up You Tube videos of funny animals...now is the time.
There are so many things we have never tried that are right in front of us. Don't think about the far off things you would love to try, start with today and the things you can absolutely do right now.
8. Learn Something New
Challenge yourself to learn something new. It can be something small, like a piece of trivia. It can be something involved, like a new hobby. It can be something uncomfortable.
If you have always thought or believed a certain way about something, research it deeper to test how well-informed you are.
9. Write Something
You can journal about how you feel at the moment, but that might just be a temporary fix. Later that entry could make you feel sad or uncomfortable. Instead, why not some positive things. How about an entry that starts like this:
"I haven't felt like myself this week. Things aren't going as well as I would like, and I am having a hard time getting motivated. I thought it would help to revisit some happy family memories. For instance, one that always makes me laugh was the time..."
You can also write poetry or short story. Fictionalize yourself as a children's book character and write yourself getting over your bad day.
10. Laugh
Watch a funny movie, hunt up some funny television episodes, watch some stand-up comedy or listen to funny songs. If that doesn't work, crack open a book by Dave Barry or read something far-out there, like Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
11. Play A Game
If you play games already, try a different type of game. Something silly and fun. Play with kids or teens. Make up new rules. Make it a marathon, but don't take it seriously. You still want to be laughing.
12. Talk To Strangers
Face it, most of your friends and probably your spouse or partner were strangers once, right? So why do we suddenly stop wanting to talk to strangers after a certain age?
There are millions of new friends waiting to be found in the world, even if they are only friends for a minute or two while you wait in line together at the check-out.
Don't feel like leaving the house? Go anywhere online and make a friend. It only takes a second. Leave a comment on someone's page or blog. Compliment an artist or crafter on an online gallery. Or sign up for a discussion board with people who share something in common with you.
Giving compliments to others can make you fell better almost instantly!
13. Spend a Day Without News
This is probably THE best thing you can do for your health. Believe it or not, the world won't end just because you aren't tuned in for a day. IF you turn on the television, flip to a cartoon channel or something something light-hearted for background noise.
Going online? Ignore sites like Facebook where everything seems very dire. Don't read the headlines.
Want a great outlook on life? Try Googling something like "funny news" or "amazing real life stories". There are tons of really awesome news stories out there, but they always get buried under the shock and scandal material.
14. Clean Something
Pick one task, like a closet or spare room and make a day of cleaning and decluttering it. Don't have time for a whole room? Pick a small area and go at it. Empty a kitchen drawer. Organize your refrigerator. Clean off your desk.
Take what you don't want and donate it to someone who needs it. Not only do you have a clean room, you just made someone else very happy.
Having a clean, mess-free home can take away a lot of distractions and stress.
15. Start a Fire
No! Don't randomly burn something to cheer yourself up. But fire has an amazing ability to make us feel better though. If you don't have a fireplace, find a safe outdoor area (firepit, grill, barrel, campground, etc.) and light a small fire.
If you live in the country you can try a bonfire. The warmth, light, fragrance and sound of the fire (safely managed) can make you feel a lot better. It is even more fun when shared with friends or relatives. If nothing else, light a bunch of candles and bask in the flickering glow for an hour or so.
What is your favorite candle scent?Febreeze lavender candles are my most favorite candles in the whole wide world. Not only are they relaxing, my whole house smells so fresh and clean after I light one.
16. Let Go of Toxic People
Have some friends or acquaintances that are more trouble than pleasure? If the only reason you are holding on to these people is obligation, then they may be dragging you down.
Clean up your social networking sites, clean out your phone, and enjoy your new freedom.
17. Visit a Pet Shop
There is nothing like a pet shop full of cute animals to cheer a person up. Take your time and watch all the animals playing. Ask to hold a few. Try holding a few unusual pets, such as a snake or a rat.
A zoo or aquarium is just as good. Or just visit someone who owns a farm or rescues animals.
18. Happy Thought Journal
Buy a blank journal or scrapbook. Start an ongoing list of your happy thoughts, no matter how mundane. (Gumballs, Umbrellas, Clover...) Decorate the journal with stickers, paints, artwork, and photos to illustrate your words.
11. Play A Game
If you play games already, try a different type of game. Something silly and fun. Play with kids or teens. Make up new rules. Make it a marathon, but don't take it seriously. You still want to be laughing.
12. Talk To Strangers
Face it, most of your friends and probably your spouse or partner were strangers once, right? So why do we suddenly stop wanting to talk to strangers after a certain age?
There are millions of new friends waiting to be found in the world, even if they are only friends for a minute or two while you wait in line together at the check-out.
Don't feel like leaving the house? Go anywhere online and make a friend. It only takes a second. Leave a comment on someone's page or blog. Compliment an artist or crafter on an online gallery. Or sign up for a discussion board with people who share something in common with you.
Giving compliments to others can make you fell better almost instantly!
13. Spend a Day Without News
This is probably THE best thing you can do for your health. Believe it or not, the world won't end just because you aren't tuned in for a day. IF you turn on the television, flip to a cartoon channel or something something light-hearted for background noise.
Going online? Ignore sites like Facebook where everything seems very dire. Don't read the headlines.
Want a great outlook on life? Try Googling something like "funny news" or "amazing real life stories". There are tons of really awesome news stories out there, but they always get buried under the shock and scandal material.
14. Clean Something
Pick one task, like a closet or spare room and make a day of cleaning and decluttering it. Don't have time for a whole room? Pick a small area and go at it. Empty a kitchen drawer. Organize your refrigerator. Clean off your desk.
Take what you don't want and donate it to someone who needs it. Not only do you have a clean room, you just made someone else very happy.
Having a clean, mess-free home can take away a lot of distractions and stress.
15. Start a Fire
No! Don't randomly burn something to cheer yourself up. But fire has an amazing ability to make us feel better though. If you don't have a fireplace, find a safe outdoor area (firepit, grill, barrel, campground, etc.) and light a small fire.
If you live in the country you can try a bonfire. The warmth, light, fragrance and sound of the fire (safely managed) can make you feel a lot better. It is even more fun when shared with friends or relatives. If nothing else, light a bunch of candles and bask in the flickering glow for an hour or so.
What is your favorite candle scent?Febreeze lavender candles are my most favorite candles in the whole wide world. Not only are they relaxing, my whole house smells so fresh and clean after I light one.
16. Let Go of Toxic People
Have some friends or acquaintances that are more trouble than pleasure? If the only reason you are holding on to these people is obligation, then they may be dragging you down.
Clean up your social networking sites, clean out your phone, and enjoy your new freedom.
17. Visit a Pet Shop
There is nothing like a pet shop full of cute animals to cheer a person up. Take your time and watch all the animals playing. Ask to hold a few. Try holding a few unusual pets, such as a snake or a rat.
A zoo or aquarium is just as good. Or just visit someone who owns a farm or rescues animals.
18. Happy Thought Journal
Buy a blank journal or scrapbook. Start an ongoing list of your happy thoughts, no matter how mundane. (Gumballs, Umbrellas, Clover...) Decorate the journal with stickers, paints, artwork, and photos to illustrate your words.
19. Do A Task You Have Been Putting Off
If you have been avoiding a task for too long, it may be contributing to your mood. You know it needs to be done, but you don't want to face it because it CAN be put off a little longer.
Do it now. Even if it is the only thing you do all day. Then you can climb back into your comfy jammies and go to sleep.
20. List Your Accomplishments in Life
Make a list of your achievements thus far. You might be focusing on the stuff that hasn't happened and ignoring all the stuff that has gone right! Gather up everything that makes you who you are. Everything.
Not just your awards and diplomas. List your relationships, your children, your friends, your home, your finished projects, your garden...even that really big book list you tackled.
If you have been avoiding a task for too long, it may be contributing to your mood. You know it needs to be done, but you don't want to face it because it CAN be put off a little longer.
Do it now. Even if it is the only thing you do all day. Then you can climb back into your comfy jammies and go to sleep.
20. List Your Accomplishments in Life
Make a list of your achievements thus far. You might be focusing on the stuff that hasn't happened and ignoring all the stuff that has gone right! Gather up everything that makes you who you are. Everything.
Not just your awards and diplomas. List your relationships, your children, your friends, your home, your finished projects, your garden...even that really big book list you tackled.
Cheer Yourself Up, and You Can Rule the World
I'm not gonna lie and say that putting on a happy face will make everything fine. Some issues in life can't be solved with a grin and a cup of hot chocolate.
But you can't fix those problems if you aren't the best you that you can be, right?
Focus on what would honestly make YOU feel better and do it. (Not stuff that you think you are supposed to do and enjoy. When you are feeling down, your brain knows the difference!)
Once you feel like smiling again, take a picture. It goes in your happy thought journal.
Then, and only then, are you fully recharged and ready to go out and kick butt and solve problems and do what other people expect.
But you can't fix those problems if you aren't the best you that you can be, right?
Focus on what would honestly make YOU feel better and do it. (Not stuff that you think you are supposed to do and enjoy. When you are feeling down, your brain knows the difference!)
Once you feel like smiling again, take a picture. It goes in your happy thought journal.
Then, and only then, are you fully recharged and ready to go out and kick butt and solve problems and do what other people expect.
Sharesies: What is your favorite way to cheer yourself up?
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