Feeling down once in a while is a natural part of life. It happens to us all, no matter how positive we are. Sometimes we feel better after five minutes, while other times it takes us five weeks to pull ourselves together. Here are 10 ways to perk yourself up when you are in a low mood.
Researchers at McGill University conducted a study which showed that music can have a positive effect on the brain, owing to the fact that dopamine is released when pleasurable music is heard. Generally, we know that music can affect our emotions; how many times have you heard a song from your childhood and felt nostalgic, or listened to an upbeat, happy song and suddenly felt positive? (One Direction – ‘Steal My Girl’, anyone?). If you’re feeling down in the dumps, turn up the music and dance ’till you drop – you’ll perk yourself up in no time!
Exercise is a great way to perk yourself up; it gets your blood pumping – giving you a healthy glow – and releases endorphins (your body’s feel-good chemicals), making you feel happy, less stressed and less anxious. By the end of a workout or exercise session, you feel a sense of achievement which is great for giving you a much-needed confidence boost and empowering you when you’re feeling low. According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘ exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever’, so don’t limit yourself to heavy cardio or weight lifting – do what you love and enjoy!
Taking up a new hobby is a great way to immerse yourself in something new and exciting, which will help to take your mind off the negativity you’re feeling. This is also a great opportunity to push your boundaries and venture out of your comfort zone. If you’re scared of heights for example, try rock climbing, or take swimming lessons if you’re nervous around water.
There is no better way to spend your time than to do something you love. Life can get in the way and cause you to become too busy to do all the things you love daily, but it is important to find the time to fit this in. It can be easy to start feeling low when you are busy doing all the things you dislike or find stressful, such as work and chores, while neglecting the things you love. Whether you love to collect postcards or ride you bike, find a way to include this in your daily life – it really helps!
Between the pressures and deadlines of University or work, hobbies, romantic relationships, family, chores and general daily life, it can be so difficult to find time to socialise with your friends. When you’re feeling low, letting your hair down for a chilled night out with good friends who love and understand you might be just what you need! So next time your bestie calls to set a date, don’t blow them off – go for it!
Although this might seem like an odd thing to do to try perking yourself up, hear me out. Cooking can be extremely therapeutic and trying new recipes can be fun and rewarding. Combining the two is a treat! Even better, is trying out the food you’ve cooked at the end of it – you might find a staple recipe that you’ll continue to cook and have kept your mind off any negative thoughts in the process!
Sometimes, the stresses of a fast-paced life and constant stimulation from the world around you can get too much and cause feelings of stress, anxiety and a low mood. Stepping back and having some ‘me’ time, whether it is sipping on sweet tea, binge watching your favourite sitcom or reading a book alone in your room or a relaxing coffee shop can be all you need to perk yourself up.
A walk can be a wonderful way to take a breather while reflecting and exercising at the same time. A scenic park or picturesque country trail are perfect places to take in the sights, smells and atmosphere, leaving you refreshed and with your woes trailing far behind you!
Doing something meaningful for the world, no matter how seemingly small, such as recycling, hosting a fun bingo game at a retirement home, or volunteering at an animal shelter, are all ways of making yourself feel valued and happy. We live in a society which is fast paced and often hedonistic, so doing something to give back helps you to feel good about bringing something positive and impactful into the mix, helping to perk yourself up along the way.
Keeping a diary where you offload your thoughts and emotions is a brilliant way to release negative feelings and emotion. It is often easier than confiding in a friend or another person because you can be unreserved with your comments and not worry about possible judgement. If you would like to share your thoughts, starting a blog is a good option. The chances are you’ll help others who are struggling with feeling low and you may even make new, like minded friends!
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