Have you ever felt down in the dumps? Have you ever questioned what to do in order to feel better? Have you ever needed a pick me up? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions this is the article for you. As someone who has felt down in the dumps before, here are the go-to activities that I use to brighten a bad day.
Disclaimer: Prior to partaking in any of these activities I recommend assessing what’s going wrong and how you’re feeling. Some activities require creativity while others require energy and physical activity. Some require being open and honest with people you care about and some require taking time for yourself. Choose the activities that resonate with you and don’t push yourself to do anything that you don’t want to do at the moment.
Journal
If you feel the need to release your stress in a way that’s private and can allow you to be creative, I highly recommend journaling. You don’t even necessarily need to write about your particular experiences on that day. You can write about whatever you want, especially things that make you happy. The goal here is to do what makes you feel better so if you would like to reflect on your current situation that’s nice but if you’d like to avoid it entirely that’s okay too. Here you can really let your creativity roam free. You can create layouts for future journaling or draw, among other things. Personally, I like to make lists of things that make me feel happy and draw pictures of them on the sides.
Bake
When I’m feeling sad, I lean towards treating myself to something sweet. If this sounds like you, I recommend baking. By baking, you satisfy the need to get up and do something to make yourself feel better while at the same time treating yourself to some dessert. It’s a win-win situation! Baking also allows you to be creative. Decorate a cake or some cookies. You can choose a recipe or wing it but whatever you do make sure to pick something that you’ll like to eat when it’s done. It’s so filling to make something and then be able to enjoy it later.
Go Outside
The great outdoors has been known to calm people in times of stress. If you’re stressed or just sad it’s nice to get away from your problems and relax outside. There’s something so serene about observing nature in all its tranquility. You can have a picnic or even get some exercise by going on a hike. For a more transportive experience, you could sit on a park bench and read a book. The possibilities are endless with this suggestion.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Whether it be family, friends or a pet, spending time with those you care about the most can be therapeutic. Your loved ones are the best listeners and will be able to give you advice or just comfort you. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that you’re not alone. You don’t even have to talk. At times like these, a hug can suffice. People care about you just as you care about them and will do their best to make you feel loved.
Be Spontaneous
When I get sad, I like to remind myself that I am a real person who is capable of making my own decisions. If I want to go to Disney World, I can go to Disney World. If I want to get a tattoo, I can get a tattoo. I can do whatever I want and so can you (within legal and financial reason). This is your life and you’re in control. “Don’t be limited by the way you feel,” I like to tell myself.
Please know that it’s okay to be sad. If you feel like crying it out or taking a nap, you are valid in doing so. You don’t have to do something to feel better if that isn’t what you want to do. Your feelings are valid and it’s entirely up to you to decide what to do in these instances of being down in the dumps.
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