5 Ways to Cheer Yourself Up
I wrote the following a month or so before we were all home bound for the indefinite future. I can't help but think what was I so funked up about a month ago? My, how things have changed. I gave this blog a re-read and decided to post it this week because I am feeling every bit of this quarantine.
I am trying to hold onto the 'I'm safe at home, not stuck at home' attitude but it's getting harder by the day. So, know that I'm with you. Maybe the advice below will be helpful to you in some way. As for me, I'm going to go get dressed and go for a walk...after I finish my snack(s).
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You woke up in a funk this morning, didn't you? It's ok! It happens to all of us every now and again. I'm here to help you with this list of 5 very different ways that you can cheer yourself up.
1. Get dressed. Get dressed like the queen is coming over - whether that means the Queen Bey or the Queen Mum to you, let her know that you can hang with royalty. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror and appreciate that, if you do nothing else today, you've made yourself presentable for...yourself. Now, don't let that outfit go to waste. Get out there and show it off!
2. Get some exercise. This may not be what you want to hear because when you're feeling tired or down, the last thing you want to do is work out. Just getting outdoors and going for a walk without any expectations or judgments will help lift your spirits.
3. Get disconnected. Turn your phone off for an hour, or at the very least, shut your inbox down. Many mail apps (I like to Boomerang my mail) have a feature that lets you pause your inbox for a designated amount of time. This is a great trick if you just do not want to be disturbed or distracted by the barrage of people who just need a little piece of your sweet self. You're in demand. Relish in that fact. They will wait and if they don't then what are you worried about? Turning the whole darn phone off for a while is really the best because then social media cant get to you. It can't sing its saccharine Siren song and lure you to swipe and tap and judge and compare.
4. Get in the kitchen. Maybe you're hungry? Hangry? Here's the caveat, though...don't just eat the first snacky, junk-foody thing that pops out of your pantry as that will undoubtedly make you feel worse. Tell yourself that you are going to prepare a nourishing meal for yourself and then do just that. Get creative, you'll be surprised at what you find in your kitchen, even when you think there's 'nothing to eat.'
5. Get organized. Seriously, cleaning or organizing something has the power to make you more in control which will make you feel better. Open the drawer nearest to you and clean that shiz out. Throw things away, wipe it out and put just what you need back. Donate the rest which will make you feel even better. It's always a spirit booster to give to those who do not have what you have. Doing so gives us perspective and sometimes that is all we need to gain to feel better.
Don't forget - feeling down or in a foul mood every once in a while is normal. If this is a regular occurrence for you, the best thing that you can do to help yourself is to seek therapy. Start by calling your healht insurance company and asking them for recommendations. If you don't have insurance, check out betterhelp.com
for some online counseling options. Don't wait!
**That last paragraph speaks volumes -- it's a hard time for everyone, especially those suffering from anxiety and depression. Reach out. I know you can't be with your family and friends right now but you can still talk to them.** And please, please get the help you need to stay safe.
Helping you help yourself.
~Leslie