Life is full of ups and downs, and when you’re walking through the valley, it’s hard to remember what it feels like to be up on the mountain. Feeling low every so often is normal, but when it becomes a persistent part of your life, it may feel exhausting and overwhelming. You desperately want to feel better, but you don’t know what steps to take to get there. While we all wish there was a magic happiness switch to flip, that’s unfortunately not how it works. Feeling better takes effort, strategic planning, and perseverance, but it’s always worth it to build a life that you’re truly happy about for yourself.
While there is no magic solution for feeling happy all the time, there are some simple steps you can take to feel better when you’re a little low. The key is to find a solution that works for you. For some it’s a simple walk outside, others love meditation, or you may have a certain playlist that always hypes you up. If it works for you, that’s the perfect solution. Everyone is on their own unique journey in life and can find joy in any number of areas. Take the time to consider your needs and get to know yourself. If you’re needing some help or a push in the right direction to start feeling better, here are just a few suggestions of things to try and explore that can lead you on that productive, happy path.
Treat yourself to some pampering.
Life gets overwhelming sometimes. Between work, social scenes, and any stress at home, no wonder you might feel low. Sometimes the best way to feel better is to take the time to reinvest in yourself. Treat yourself to some pampering. While this may seem like an extravagance, it can be exactly the pick-me-up you need. A visit to the nail salon can help you relax for an hour while someone else takes care of you. Find the serenity and wellness you’ve been looking for at the spa or while getting your hair done. These are little, simple solutions that give you the opportunity to forget your worries for a while and have groomed nails and a fresh cut. That will make you feel beautiful for weeks to come.
Perhaps you don’t have the funds to spend on an all-out spa weekend, but you still want to do a little pampering. There are so many options for at-home care as well. Draw yourself a bubble bath, and pour that big glass of wine. We promise you to deserve it. Pampering yourself can also look like prioritizing your time and energy. If you’re the type of person who is constantly putting your needs on hold to help others, take the opportunity to set some healthy boundaries. Designate an hour every day that is time just for you. No work, no socializing, no nothing. Pamper yourself with the gift of time and a break from the craziness and stress of life. It will make you feel better to get centered and appreciate your own journey more often.
Focus on your physical health as well.
Your physical health greatly affects your mental health. Exercising just 20 minutes a day can release endorphins and drastically improve your mood. Getting in the habit of daily activity can be a simple hack to finding an overall sense of happiness. Obviously, exercise may not be everyone’s cup of tea right off the bat, but there are fun ways to engage your body. Take a Zumba class, start your morning off with some yoga, or find a gym buddy that can help motivate you. Even starting small with daily walks outside can help you feel better. You’d be amazed at what good a few minutes outside to clear your head can do for you.
Taking care of your physical health also means finding solutions for areas that are ailing you. If you have a bad back, find some stretches that you can do so you aren’t in pain all day. Research supplements like Nerve Control911 that help loosen your muscles and lower your anxiety. Finding that perfect vitamin or supplement can help your body feel better and improve your mood. And with the best, all-natural ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body. Of course, it’s always crucial to talk with your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications to make sure they’re safe for you.
Engage with your hobbies, and get creative.
Living in a work-driven society can make you feel like every single minute of your life has to be planned out and productive. It often feels like if you aren’t working, you aren’t succeeding, and that simply isn’t an option. That kind of thinking can be incredibly damaging and doesn’t allow for much opportunity for joy. One great way to start feeling better is to reengage with your hobbies and your creative side. Just because doing a puzzle or doodling isn’t a productive use of your time for work, it is incredibly productive for your soul.
There are so many things that can be considered hobbies for you to explore. Maybe you’ve thought about collecting stamps, learning to bake, or simply sitting in the corner and reading for an hour. These are all great ways to unwind and do something just for the joy of it. Getting creative with your hobbies can also help open your mind and make you feel better. It doesn’t matter if you’re an adult, pull out that princess coloring book! Download a class in digital lettering and design. Learn an instrument and write a song. By giving your brain permission to get creative and think differently, you’ll feel freer and happier overall.
Practice gratitude, and connect with your circle.
In your darkest season, it can be hard to find the light. However, taking the time to recognize what you’re grateful for will work wonders for your soul. Take just ten minutes a day to write out or list all the things you’re thankful for from that day. You’d be surprised how many blessings are in your life that you don’t even realize until you start listing them out. This helps you not take anything for granted, from people and opportunities to your belongings. Acknowledging all the good in your life can make you feel better and fulfilled.
Once you take the time to recognize all these blessings, you can also take the time to share them. Connect with your circle of friends and family, and tell them how much they mean to you. Express your gratitude for them being there for you through thick and thin. This will help foster meaningful relationships in your life with people who are in it for the long haul.
Let loose, and be silly.
A lot of the bad feelings you experience can be a result of ruminating or getting inside your own head. If you’re really looking to feel better, sometimes it’s best to just get out of your own way. Take the time to let loose and let go. Blast the music and have a dance party for one in your living room. Make a low-budget music video with your friends. Dress up your cat and have a photo shoot. Find that playful, silly, child-like joy and imagination. It will help fill your life with laughter and love and instantly make you feel better.
You don’t have to overthink your own happiness. Take the time to let loose, find something you love to do, take care of your body, and practice gratitude. See how quickly these steps can lead you on the path to feeling great.
