10 things to do when you are feeling down

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Lovelies
In the last few weeks I have had lots to deal with. But even outside of that, we ALL have times when we just don't feel our best. Sometimes we are feeling run down or tired because of work, illness, family issues, that time of the month, whatever. For many people these times pass, although if you have been feeling very low you should always see your GP to make sure that you are not suffering from depression. 


Today I just wanted to share with you some of the things I did to keep me feeling upbeat. I hope you find this list of 10 things to do when you are feeling down useful. 


1. Go easy on yourself. I told myself that it was ok to feel like this. And because I am a strange person I gave myself an allocated period of 'feeling sorry for myself' time (about 2-3 hours). I even set my iPhone to be my timer! I cried, I snoozed, I did absolutely nothing but wallow in self pity! By the end of 30 minutes I was bored of doing this and set off to find positive nice things to do! I also realised that I had an entire afternoon for me time. I couldn't let that go to waste!


2. Write. I enjoy writing. I find it really cathartic. And things always make more sense when I write them down. So I did a blog post. And I wrote in my happiness journal. I felt so much better after that! 


3. Do stuff! It is tempting when you are feeling down to stay inside and mope. Unfortunately that won't make you feel any better. If you go to the gym, do it. If you scrapbook, go to your meet. Don't avoid your hobbies or you will feel worse.


4. Spend time with people. I was lucky that my friend and hairdresser had planned to come over the same evening I discovered the lump. It was really nice to catch up with her and it turned out to be a very girly weekend as DH was away!


5. Watch a feel good movie. Or do a moviethon (movie marathon)! There are certain movies that ALWAYS cheer me up! One of them is Legally Blonde! Luckily for me DH had bought the box set with part one and two (I had never seen the latter). I had a great time watching both of them. And I felt much happier!


6. Listen to great music! There are certain artists and songs that are a life saver for me when I am feeling down. These include Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Aerosmith (Don't Want to Miss a Thing), Outkast (Hey ya!), Cee Lo green, anything by Beyonce and Destiny's child, Trinidadian calypso/soca music, Jamaican 'old school' dub, etc, etc........ Play it loudly (or use headphones if you have neighbours). And DANCE!


7. Read! I find that becoming immersed in another world/ viewpoint can sometimes take my mind off whatever is bothering me.


8. Share your feelings. Most of us do not whine or complain all the time. So if you are feeling down, phone a good friend or family member. And talk about it. But don't forget to find out about what's going on in the other person's life as well. So be sure to also let them talk!

9. Be thankful. Make a list of all the positive things that are going on in your life. Or put a positive spin on the negative event (I am aware this can be hard to do). For example when I was feeling sad that I had to be referred, I thought about the positive aspect of this (I was now going to be investigated and know exactly what was going on). It may still be helpful.


10. Cook your favourite meal (or even better get someone to do it for you). Maybe I am just greedy, but if I cook something like Trinidadian stewed chicken I feel soooooooo much better. Don't overindulge but enjoy your food!


There are lots of other things I could have added here such as meditating, praying, going for a walk or run etc etc. For more ideas check out these other useful posts.


♥ 100 things to do when you're upset (the sad thrombone list)


♥ Feeling down - 7 ways to pick yourself back up


♥ How to find Joy in January
  
Have a great day! And please share in the comments any tips that you have for making yourself feel better. 


P.S. Today is my clinic appointment. Wish me luck!

Update I have been given the all clear and I am delighted! :-)