It doesn’t matter how old you are, or in what stage of life you are at, it is ok to sometimes feel the blues and not know what to do when feeling down. Some people may tend to feel it more often than others, and that is ok too. Think of happiness like being clean, you need a shower and put on clean clothes every day to feel and smell nice every day. Same with happiness, you need to cultivate it every day, it is a habit.
Here are a few recommendations that you should try:
Get a shower
I can not emphasize this one enough. The feel of the water on your body reactivates blood flow and energy. If you like hot showers, take your time and soak in the warm feeling for a few minutes. If you enjoy cool or cold showers, this will give you a super boost in energy. Just try not to get a bath. Baths are more passive, relaxing and people tend to think too much while they wait to get out. A not too quick shower is always a good place to start. Pay attention to how you feel right after. Is it better?
Self Care
Nothing better than to pamper yourself and feel that you care and love yourself. If you like makeup, just lipstick and mascara can do wonders for your face. Another option is to shave, apply nail polish, a face or hair mask.
Go out
It could be just around the block, a short/long walk in the park or a full day of outdoor activities. Make sure your body feels the fresh air and sunlight. Pay attention to the colours, shapes, animals and things around you.
Talk to a friend
Everybody needs a friend to some degree. Humans need connection. Friends are the family we choose to have. Remember to reach out to friends that empower you with positive and honest advice. Reciprocate when is needed. Be the person you want to talk to in those times when it is your turn to help out a friend.
Watch your favourite movie
Is it a love movie? Friendship? Action? Comedy? Think about the positive feelings you had last time you watched it. This time pay more attention to details you may have missed and visualize yourself in similar positive scenarios. Check out some movie recommendations here.
Vitamin D
Are winters harsh where you live? Vitamin D is underrated for so many people but it is so essential for our body to have sunlight all year round. Luckily, vitamin D supplements are most of the time easy to find and are cheap. Follow the recommended dose and speak with your doctor on your next appointment.
Allow yourself to feel
When was the last time you let yourself release your feelings and cry or be angry? Our bodies need to get rid of emotions after something happens. Ignoring your feelings and pretending everything is fine may help in the short term but is not a good long term solution. Bodies are wise. One day it won’t be your choice but your body’s choice on releasing years of accumulated feelings. Allow yourself to cry if you feel sad and want to cry. It doesn’t need to be right away but allows your body to externalize and free up the tension.
Take ownership
No one in this world would do as much for your own as yourself. You are the captain of your ship. You decide where to explore and where to camp. Breathe and listen to your inner voice.
Be grateful
Start a 30-day challenge of gratitude. Write down 10 things you are grateful for every single day. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Be grateful for having Amazon Prime one day shipping. Be grateful for having a roof in your head and food to eat every day. What about being grateful for the internet? Build the habit. Start small. If you can’t think of 10 things, what about 3?
Learn not to sabotage your own dreams
A no could mean No right now and Yes for later. We tend to see life too serious and forget to LIVE! If you want to travel, make that your priority and go out to see the world. If you want to have a better job, start applying to other companies or positions. Allow and encourage yourself to take calculated risks. Sometimes it may not end up as you wanted and as much as it sucks, it is ok. Try again and keep moving.
Sleep on it
You could be just tired and a good/long night sleep may help you see the world with a different lens. When was the last time you overslept? When was the last time you went to bed super early? Sleep is as important as food and water for your body.
Now, after my recommendations, I want to let you know that this is it. This moment is the future you were waiting for. Is the “One day, I will…”. So why not now?
The human mind is as complex as the physical body. Maybe more complex because you can’t touch feelings and emotions. We are not perfect. No one is. Too much work. Love yourself as you are. Use that love to improve the things that need special attention. You can do it.
Until next time.
Love,
Alexis
