Feeling down? Sadness is a natural emotion that, believe it or not, can help you over time. But that doesn’t exactly help in the meantime.
When you are feeling down, the only thing you want to do is feel better. And though that’s sometimes easier said than done, we’ve compiled some of our favorite mood-lifting tips to help you overcome your bad day.
Get Introspective
To overcome your feelings, you’ll first need to understand why you feel the way you do. It’s time to put on your social scientist hat and take an objective look at your emotions.
Start by asking yourself what, specifically, you’re feeling. What does ‘feeling down’ mean in this respect?
Are you sad? Feeling lost and stuck? Maybe you’re feeling angry or slighted.
Once you’ve identified the emotion in question, take a step back and think about what changes could improve the situation. What would get you loving life again?
Next, it’s time to act. Think about what’s in your control and what you can do to improve your emotional well-being.
Spend Time Around Animals 
There’s evidence to suggest that we need our favorite four-legged friends every bit as much as they need us. Pets provide companionship, motivation, socialization, and can relieve stress.
If you don’t have a pet, don’t worry, your local shelter is always looking for volunteers. You can still get all the benefits of spending time with an animal while also making a difference in your community.
Take a Walk Next Time You’re Feeling Down
Sometimes, the best way to get rid of your stress and sadness is to get up and get moving. Exercise releases endorphins, which are a key chemical in regulating feelings like joy and excitement.
Snag your phone, some headphones, a comfy pair of shoes, and get to walking. By the time you’re done, we promise you’ll feel a bit better.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Admittedly, it isn’t always easy to focus on the positive when you’re having a rough day. But sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself when everything’s going wrong is to look at what’s going right.
Take a deep breath. Grab some paper, your favorite beverage, and find a quiet place to relax for a few moments. Once you’re settled, think about all the things in life you’re thankful for and write them down. You don’t even have to write in full sentences — bullet points are just as good.
Research shows that practicing gratitude on a regular basis can positively impact on mood, as it’s a cathartic experience. A few minutes of thankfulness could turn into a whole day of positivity!
You CAN Lift Yourself Up When You Are Feeling Down
When you are feeling down, it can sometimes feel as though things won’t ever improve. But don’t worry, brighter days are just around the corner. Give these suggestions a shot and leave us a comment to let us know what worked for you.
