Hi Everyone :)
We all feel down from time to time and the worst thing is when you don't know how to deal with it. I'm no expert but I thought I would share with you some things which I do to try and keep my mood up and a smile on my face. So sit back with a cup of your favourite tea, get your cosy socks on and enjoy this post because no matter what things will always get better!
1. Put on your favourite outfit
Even if you are just sitting at home not doing anything, take a shower, put on a full face of makeup and wear an outfit that you know looks good on you. This might seem like a lot of effort but trust me, once you have done it you will feel a little bit better and the process of doing this will take your mind off whatever is making you sad.
2. Get in touch with an old friend
It might not seem like it, but there are lots of lovely people around you that you might have forgotten about because of a problem you've had on your mind. Just send them a little message and see how they are doing, they will undoubtedly be happy to hear from you and once you get chatting who knows where it will lead. Surrounding yourself with positive caring people will make your life so much better and it all starts with taking a few minutes to reach out to them.
3. Tell yourself it's going to be okay
Say it out loud. I know this sounds a bit weird but just say it, regularly. Whatever you want from life tell yourself it's going to happen. Therapists say this works and at first I thought it was nonsense, but it really does help.
4. Call your Mum (or other close family member)
People come and go from your life, but the one person who will always be there for you is your Mum. You can shout, scream, cry and she will still be there so just let it all out.
5. Binge watch your fave TV show
Sometimes all you need is a distraction, get Netflix on and just watch an entire series of a show you enjoy, preferably something funny. This is not a long term solution, but if it gets you through the night with minimal bad thoughts then go for it.
6. Treat yourself
Buy yourself that thing you have wanted for ages but couldn't justify getting. The reason for buying it is because it makes you happy and that's as good as any! For me it would be some Benefit makeup or a nice fluffy jumper from M&S.
7. Go to the gym
It doesn't have to be for long but just venturing out and getting some exercise out of the way will make you feel like you have achieved something and little things are important to make you smile. Small steps working towards being in charge of your own happiness and not letting your problems and anxiety take over.
8. Say 'yes' to things you normally wouldn't
When we feel down it's so easy to just isolate ourselves and refuse any offers to do things. However this is just setting yourself up to feel even worse, so try and break out of your comfort zone and make that extra effort to agree to things, you never know you might even have fun!
9. Set goals for yourself
Make a list of things you want to achieve in the short term (for the week) and in the long term (by the end of the year) and tick them off as you complete them. This will make you aware of the things you are doing right in your life rather than dwelling on the things that are going wrong.
10. Try to keep a tidy living space
Now this one I struggle with following myself, but I know that every time after I've had a big tidy up I feel so relaxed and happy. It's true what they say 'tidy room tidy mind' or however the saying goes you get the idea!
So there's my list of things to make yourself happy, I hope it helps you and you can always revisit it when you need a little boost. See you next time!
Love From Lily xxxx
