There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to looking after your mood. However, that doesn’t mean that you are completely helpless when feeling blue. There are different things you can try to help lift your spirits, it’s just a matter of figuring out which approach works best for you. This article will cover some good self-care ideas you can try whenever you’re feeling down.
It’s a good idea to write down things that cheer you up and keep that list saved on your phone. Being in a bad mood often makes it feel like nothing you do will improve the situation, which prevents you from acting and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Preparing a list of potential mood-boosters ahead of time improves the chances that you’ll actually troubleshoot the situation.
Try new foods
Never underestimate the connection between food and your mood. Digestive problems are known to cause everything from depression to anxiety and more — look up “the brain-gut connection” for more info on this. Furthermore, trying some new and interesting foods can be a good way to lift your spirits.
There are many ways to try new foods when you are in a bad mood. You can take a trip to the market for some interesting snacks, order something yummy and healthy from an app or an online dispensary in Canada; or you can cook something yourself. The act of cooking can be itself relaxing, so why not try a new recipe to see if it’ll calm you down?
Re-watch favorite shows
There is a reason why the term “comfort television” exists. There are shows out there that are inherently relaxing to watch, with some famous options being The Office, Friends. Animated shows and movies are also a common pick for people looking to relax.
Try re-watching one of your favorite shows and movies when you are feeling down. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it a thousand times already — if you still like it, there’s nothing wrong with watching it one more time. Or leaving the show playing in the background while you do something else.
Take a nap
Like food, sleep can have a massive impact on your mood. Falling asleep doesn’t come easy for everyone, but if you are lucky enough to have both the time and the ability to take naps relatively easily, you should leverage that when you are feeling down. Even a short 30-minute nap can be enough to leave you feeling more energized and cheerful.
Write lists
Writing can be a useful tool when trying to process emotions. People are often unaware of just how much is going on in their heads at the same time, and trying to write down your thoughts can be an effective way to organize them.
Try writing about what’s on your mind, or make a list of your current negative thoughts. Doing this may sound counter-productive, but you can’t confront those thoughts until you put them into words. Furthermore, many negative thoughts born out of anxiety don’t hold up to close examination, so you may find you were worrying a whole lot about issues that aren’t as big as you felt they were.
On the flip side, you can take a more positive approach and write a list of good things that happened today, or a list of things you feel thankful for.
