or when you’re in, as Danielle calls it, Funkytown.
1. Schedule a time to volunteer. Your time is priceless and you giving it to people in need is rewarding, helpful and uplifting for everyone involved. Even the busiest person can spare an hour or two every once in a while.
The YMCA is a great place to start. In high school I volunteered a couple of hours a week for their Special Friends program created for mentally challenged adults and I have coached three or four volleyball teams. What are you good at? Is it a sport, your organizational skills or your compassion for people? I guarantee there is a perfect volunteer opportunity waiting for you that fits the mold.
Just Do It okay
2. Go for a run. Don’t debate it, don’t think about it, just go. Run. Not only will it rejuvenate your mindset a bit, it’s also good for your hiney- two birds with one stone.
3. Explore Pinterest. I get really inspired when I am perusing this website. You can find beautiful pictures of just about anything from workout inspiration to craft ideas. I don’t know about you, but a fresh idea often equates inspiration which helps me get out of a funk.
4. Pet a dog. It is a proven fact that petting and hanging out with a (sweet) dog slows down the human heart rate and has a relaxing effect.
5. Go outside. Not too long ago I noticed that I was beginning to have this random, almost crippling foul mood. It came out of nowhere and what surprised me the most is that nothing in my routine had changed- I was exercising, eating and sleeping all the same. Whenever the depression receded I was relieved but still a bit puzzled until I finally figured out what it was- during those few sad days I had seen little to no sunlight. In hindsight, once I was out and about out of the flat my mood perked up to it’s normal level.
Something that people (myself included) tend to forget is that we are living things and just like any other plant or animal getting sunshine is imperative for our survival. I love this list of benefits of sunlight.
Going outside to get some sun is a perfect antidote to being bummed out because you don’t even have to exert yourself- something that I know can be difficult when in a dark mood. Just go outside, plop yourself down and take it in. Et voilà!
6. Write a letter (or five). Who doesn’t like to get mail? I’m not talking about your Comcast bill, I’m talking about actual, old school, hand-written letters. When’s the last time you received a real piece of mail that wasn’t say, a birthday card? When’s the last time you made a friend’s day by surprising them with a snail mail treat randomly waiting for them in the mailbox? Doing nice things for others = a better you.
I have some juvenile, cartoon-y stationary that makes it extra fun to write letters. Stationary doesn’t have to be expensive, but if it’s not in your budget make some! Marbling your own stationary sounds interesting and this video has some cute, easy ideas:
8. Paint your nails. Although this suggestion might seem shallow, sometimes something as simple as a girly nail upkeep session can be a mood lifter. I was reading tips from some yoga instructor (I can’t remember who it was) and they suggested painting your nails- especially your toes- a bright, fun and summery color to lift the mood while you’re working out! Before you label this one as shallow and skip over it, give it a shot. Loving yourself through simple beautification maneuvers can be really refreshing.
9. Cut out drinking for a while. There is a direct correlation between alcohol intake and depression. It doesn’t matter if you have one drink or drink to the state of intoxication- alcohol has mood-altering power. As a college student I am guilty of the occasional excessive drinking, but any time I do partake I make sure to mentally prepare myself for the fact that the following days may not be my best. (Now that I type that out it sounds really destructive and awful!)
Anyway, whether you’ve noticed an alcohol-induced depression pattern in your life or not I would definitely give this a shot for a few days, a week, a month- whatever fits best for you. Your liver will also enjoy the break!
10. Put a vase full of flowers somewhere in plain view.
Whether they’re from someone else or yourself, you have a vase of flowers due to love or appreciation for you! On a more topical note, it’s just pleasant to have fresh flowers in the home.
11. Pray or meditate.
Whether you’re religious or not, regularly taking time to relax and let some of the things bouncing around in your mind go is really helpful. Life can be chaotic and giving yourself a bit of silence every now and then will serve as a relief for you.
Happy mood lifting!
Loyally,
Bailey
