Its hard to be happy in this crazy depressing world but follow these steps and you’ll be feeling cheery in no time
These are just a few tips and tricks I use when I'm feeling down in the dumps and most of the time they get me up and doing things ready to conquer the day!
1# Make a list of what you're grateful for
I like to make a list of all the things I feel lucky to have e.g. My Family, the sunshine, mangos, My couch, My favourite TV show, the fact I have clean water.. it could be anything! anything that makes you feel good and smile :)
This really helps your mind to focus on things that are really important and forget about the negative thoughts that are pulling you down, especially if you write them down and have them in front of you.
2# Learn what makes you feel good and do it more often
Know what your favourite things are that make you feel good, it could be anything from good food, a night out with friends, going to the gym, hiking, painting, drawing, listening to music, reading, sex, yoga, talking shit with your friends.. anything!
My personal favourite things to do is go for a big hike or go to the beach with friends.
3# Exercise
As well as exercise being a great stress reliever and helping you to feel more body confident it also releases endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood (says Mind Health Connect Australia), so get out there and move your body, I promise you won't regret it.
4# Surround yourself with positive people
Your friends and family are there to help you on your journey through life so surround yourself with the right ones that are going to lead you on the right journey and push you to achieve great things, rather than negative people that bring you down by either putting you down or giving off negative vibes themselves.
5# Get out in Nature
It is actually Scientifically proven that being in a more natural environment improves our way of thinking and relaxation. An article by Mind Matters entitled Benefits of outdoor play for positive mental health explains that Psychological benefits of being outdoors include reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, increased perception of wellbeing, improved concentration and attention, and cognitive restoration.
So get out there! go for a walk in the park or explore the forest to the mountain tops.
6# Exclude Negative Influencers
I know this might seem like an obvious one but seriously, if there is someone in your life that is bringing you down, hang around with them less or help them to be happier. If you're in a job that makes you dread going to - Quit and get a new one, or if you're in any place that brings you down and makes you feel like you don’t belong - get out there and make a change!
7# Distract Your Mind
Give yourself a project and focus on a task to distract yourself from negative thoughts, Make a list of things to focus your mind on. It might be gardening, re decorating a room, building something, doing volunteer work or cooking. Anything is better than sitting down feeling bored and letting your mind build up negative emotion
8# Eat healthy food
Eating healthy food not only makes you feel great on the inside, gives you more energy, makes your skin glow and reduces those extra layers of fat that you hate so much. Studies actually show that eating a vegetarian based diet can actually improve your mood significantly. A Study posted in 2012 via Nutritional Journal explains that high intakes of Arachidonic acid (a long chain omega 6 fatty acids found in red meat, egg yolks and Organ meat) can promote brain changes that disturb mood. After all if your body is getting the right antioxidants and fresh clean easy to digest foods how can it not function to its full potential? Body and Mind are connected, don't forget that!
This delicious feast was Mushrooms marinated in tamari, guacamole with mung beans and coconut tomato salsa in lettuce cups. This meal boosted my mood like you wouldn't believe ;)
9# Change your way of thinking
A great book called Money and the Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry hicks taught me that “you are the creator of your own life experience” and rather than letting jealousy or negative emotion get the better of you, instead of thinking about what other people have and what you don't have, Focus on what you want and how you are going to get it, then picture what it’s going to look like when you do get what you want.
10# Focus on what's important in life and know that everything is fine
Rather than worrying about the little things, remember that you are a living breathing human with arms and legs, you have your health and you’re here to make a difference, you can do anything that you put your mind to the world is you oyster!!!
I hope you found these tips helpful and go the rest of the day feeling more positive and remember you are in control of your emotions so get out and do what’s best for you!
References:
Mind health connect.org; Mental Health benefits of exercise
( https://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/exercise-and-mental-health
Money and the Law of Attraction (2008) by Ester and Jerry Hicks
Mind Matters (2016) Benefits of Outdoor play for positive Mental Health;
https://www.mindmatters.edu.au/about-mindmatters/news/article/2016/07/05/benefits-of-outdoor-play-for-positive-mental-health
Weil, Andrew (2012) Can going Vegetarian relieve depression?; https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/nutrition/can-going-vegetarian-relieve-depression/