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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

We all get down from time to time and sometimes it can be a real struggle to get back on track to feeling your best. More often than not, it will just take time to get over something that’s making you feel upset, but sometimes you can just get in a funk for what seems like no reason at all. Whatever the case may be, I’m going to be providing you with 3 tips on how to “refill your cup” when you’re feeling down, so keep on reading!

1. Distract Yourself from the Issue at Hand

Whether it’s a fight that you had with someone close to you, getting a bad grade on an exam, or you’re just in a mood, finding ways to distract yourself from the problem at hand is easily the quickest way to get back on track to feeling better. This can be different for everyone, but some examples include going for a walk, cooking yourself a yummy meal, hanging out with friends, putting on your favorite TV show, cleaning, going for a drive, etc. The list could go on and on forever, but the point is, don’t just sit around and dwell on it! You’ll only feel worse. Instead, distract yourself for a bit and come back to the problem with a fresh perspective! 

Photo of young brunette woman wearing a backpack and walking down a street alone shot from behind
Photo by Karel Rakovsky from Picjumbo

2. Gratitude Journaling 

Gratitude journaling is a great way to remind yourself of all of the positive things in your life and all that you have to be thankful for. It can be as simple as opening up your journal or notes app on your phone and writing down the first five things that come to mind that you’re grateful for. I know it might seem silly, but when you start listing out all of the things that you have to be grateful for, the issues in your life can start to look a lot smaller.

journaling
Photo by My Life Journal from Unsplash

3. Complete an Act of Service 

Whether it’s helping your mom with a chore, bringing your best friend her favorite coffee, or cooking a meal for you and your roommate, completing an act of service is a great way to “refill your cup” when you’re feeling down. Even though it might be the last thing that you want to do, you’d be surprised at how helping others and making them smile can instantly make you feel so much better. 

ABC/Craig Sjodin

I hope you learned something new about how to “refill your cup” when you’re feeling down! Always remember, feelings are temporary, so anything that you’re feeling isn’t going to last forever. 

Hi! My name is Isabella Sohn and I am a Junior at UIUC studying communications with a minor in leadership.
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