10 Ways to Make Yourself Feel Better
Do you ever wake up in the morning and open your eyes and stare at the ceiling and know, deep within your bones beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this day, today, the day in front of you, is not going to be a very good day? In the wise words of Hannah Montana: Everybody has those days! Read on for some silly, sweet, and serious ways to cheer yourself up…
Wash Your Bedding
Bedsheets. Pillows. Comforter. Throw ‘em all in the wash. While you’re at it, throw your shower towels in there, too. Then pull them out, make your bed, and lie in it. Isn’t that nice?
Go For a Walk
Doesn’t have to be long, doesn’t have to be far, but there’s no better serotonin boost than a little bit of fresh air. Deep breaths, people! Feel the sun on your face. Up your blood flow. Maybe do a little bike ride if you’re feeling fancy.
Call a Loved One
Chances are you have someone in your life you don’t talk to enough, a friend or a relative to whom you desperately owe a phone call. Ring ‘em up! Have a nice, long chat. Isn’t that way better than texting? Plus, it’s something you can do while walking. Two birds, one stone.
Meal Prep
Make a big pot of soup. Freeze some egg sandwiches. Make salads or roast vegetables and store them in individual tupperware. The longer the week goes on, the harder it is to find the time and energy to cook. Do yourself a favor and make one big, food-prepping push early in the week so you can sit back, relax, and eat three, pre-made square meals a day.
Get a Haircut
On the subject of chores, when was the last time you got a haircut? If you can’t remember, it might be time to part ways with your split ends! (See what I did there? Part?) Nothing beats the feeling of leaving the salon (or your bathroom, or your friend’s bathroom) with a new ’do, whether it’s a two-inch trim or a totally new you.
Free Write
Take a journal, a scrap of paper, your notes app, a papyrus scroll — whatever medium you’d like — set aside 30 minutes, and write write write. You can journal. You can write a poem. You can make a list. The point is to rustle some of those thoughts in your head onto the page. Who knows what might pop out!
Meditation
It’s harder than it looks! Does meditation help clear your head? Yes. Is it absent minded? Absolutely not! It’s important to feel connected to your breath, body, and mind, and meditation is an excellent way to do just that. And it’s free! You can do it whenever and wherever you are. Like in 3… 2… 1…
Take Yourself on a Date
If you’re feeling blue and want something to do, it might be time to take matters into your own hands. In other words: show yourself a night on the town! Order dinner for one. Go to a movie theater. Bring a book to the bar. The world is your oyster. And they say chivalry is dead!
Cancel Your Plans (Just A Little Bit…)
Do you ever think about the days or week ahead, think about everything you want to do and have to do and said that you would do and your head spins so hard you have to close your eyes and try not to pass out? Anyone? In such cases, a small gift you can give yourself on busy weeks or in difficult times is to rain check things that aren’t priorities and take a break. You’ll be much happier and better prepared the next time around.
Do Something You Love
Ah yes. The classic pick-me-up. The obvious answer. Perhaps the best way to make yourself feel better is to do something you actually enjoy! Read a book. Go for a run. Knit a scarf. Collage. Bake cookies. Listen to music. Watch reality TV. Play a video game. When you’re feeling tired or stressed, set aside time for an activity that makes you happy.