People who know me know I don’t get down often. When I do it I can really get in a funk but it’s short lived. This past weekend I sat down to think about the ways that have been effective to me to beat the funk. Now, I’m not talking about clinical depression, that’s serious medical stuff and I suggest you seek the counsel of a good medical or mental health professional. We all have days when we’re not feeling great. Something happens and our day takes a left when right leads to calorie free ice cream. Here are five quick ways to get back on that path toward your Americone Dream.
- Stretch Yourself to Smile – Even if you think this is stupid and you don’t want to, try this: Raise your arms all the way above your head like you’re reaching for the sky (unless you’re sitting at your desk in your office, that might look stupid) and get on the tips of your toes, then try to frown. Doesn’t work. Changing your body language changes your mood.
Help someone – I believe there is no possible way to be unhappy when in the grateful service of others. The “grateful” part is important and i have been in the service of plenty of ungrateful people. When you’re feeling down, a good volunteer opportunity for someone in need might be all you need.
Start singing – Sing something upbeat. My favorite Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t worry, be happy.” Be happy now… (cue the whistling) Don’t know the song, check it out here
Call five people to say thank you – When expressing gratitude toward someone else, it’s impossible to stay unhappy. Maybe it’s a way to remember the good things that are happening in your life despite the negatives or maybe it’s just that you’re giving off positive energy. I believe that like atomic particles good feelings are attracted to one another.
Surround yourself with people who care about you – Friends, family, and those that care about you have a way of sensing that you’re down and wanting to pick you up. That’s one of the great things about people, we ultimately want to see each other happy.
