1.
Exercise. High levels of physical activity
release endorphins into your brain which are not only conductive to happiness,
but also enhance creativity. So yeah, this is a big thing for me.
2.
Fresh
air. There is something so calming and relaxing about being outside in fresh
air. Granted, in Texas right now, walking outside is similar to walking into a
pre-heated oven, so our outside time tends to happen in the evening and at
night, but yeah. It’s still awesome.
3.
Retail therapy. Don’t laugh. Finding that
something special can be a little like winning a big sports game to a person
who likes to shop. And yeah, okay, money can’t buy happiness, and I totally
agree that’s true. But sometimes the smallest, silliest thing can make a person’s
day. For instance, last week I found a seashell lamp, and it was half off of an
already inexpensive price. It was a steal, and I fell in love with it. Day.
Made.
4.
Time with a good friend. There is nothing, and
no one who can soothe us the way our favorite people can. Sometimes that means a
long distance phone call, or Facetime or Skype or an online chat, or whatever
whatever. It’s about communicating with someone you love, and who loves you back.
Someone who is a good listener, and who will—when needed—give you the gift of
brutal honesty. Sometimes, we all need to be told to suck it up, and sometimes
we just need to be allowed to cry.
5.
Create a sanctuary. Be it your bedroom, an
office, or a space outside, or wherever. We all need somewhere that is
specifically our special place, where we can go to chill and just veg for a
while. This space should be comfortable and comforting, and you should enjoy it
the minute you walk into it. And if ever you get tired of it, it should be
something you can rearrange or redecorate and love all over again.
6.
Change your diet. Because the thing is, as much
as we all love sugar and carbs, if depression is a chemical issue for you,
changing your diet can make a HUGE difference. In fact, even if it’s not a
chemical thing. What we eat plays a big part of how we feel, so it’s important
to make sure we’re eating things that make our bodies happy.
7.
Yoga. Because stretching is relaxing, and being
relaxed does a lot for a person’s well being. Also, you feel fantastic after
you’re done.
So those are a few of my tried and true methods for when I’m
feeling unhappy. Now I’d love to hear what you do when you’re feeling down.
