May 25, 2010
Ways to Feel Better
Nena, Nicky and Kaya (puppy)
All of us have dark, irritable days when nothing goes right and everything seems to be our own fault. How to make oneself feel better and lift one’s mood? Often it is the simple, everyday, sensible things that help the most.
Here are a few practical and effective suggestions:
- Let the sunshine in – open the windows and let in the sunlight and the fresh air. Taking a few deep breaths always makes me feel better and reminds me of the beauty of the world.
- Play with your pet – animals are non judgmental. They love you for being you and cheer you up with their presence.
- Exercise regularly – talk a walk or go for a swim. Do something you love. Just getting out of bed or that dark chair will lift your mood.
- Clean your house – order gives us a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Repaint your room – change your environment. Beautiful colors transform your vision of the world.
- Listen to music – whether listening to a classical piece or singing a popular song, music allows us to examine and explain our emotions.
- Don’t over schedule – this is very hard for me to follow, but I thought I would say it anyway.
- Take care of your health – visit your doctor and dentist regularly. Control the things that you can control.
- Eat a healthy diet – good, nutritious food makes you healthy in body and mind. You will feel more optimistic and energetic.
- Eat chocolate – in moderation. Chocolate boosts one’s moods.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol – they might make you feel better for a very short while, but you’ll be sorry later.
- Maintain a daily routine – don’t be rigid, but it helps to have a daily plan. My husband, Jeff, has taught me this.
- Talk about things – there is nothing more depressing than resentful, sullen silence. It feels liberating to discuss issues and try to find a joint solution.
- Connect with others – get together with your friends. One long, freezing winter my girlfriends and I got together every Tuesday night. We all remember it as a wonderful season.
- Get a good night’s sleep – when all else fails (and when it does not) rest and sleep and recharge. You will feel better.
Take good care of yourself. Be your own best friend.
Gracious Living - Day by Day 
Jelena said,
May 25, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Thank you for remind us of things that might help, for those days when it seems like nothing will help. All good suggestions–I’ll try to remember them and put them into practice!
Liliana said,
May 25, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I often try to remember them myself!