Even if you wake up feeling great, there is no end to all the things that can bring you down during the course of the day: watching the news, getting stuck in a downpour, paper cuts, knocking over a cup of coffee on your white pants, parking tickets, surly people – the list goes on. Here are my favorite ways to feel better when it seems that the world is out to get you.
1. Look for the positive in the situation. Not always easy, I know, but if you try hard enough, most of the time, there is a glimmer of good in what just happened: The toast burned so you had to have oatmeal instead which is much healthier; at least it was only a $25 parking ticket; your ruined shoes give you an excuse to buy a new pair.
2. Make a list of things to be thankful for - your health, family, pet, home, job, upcoming vacation, great friends, happy memories.
3. Laugh. I read somewhere that if someone cuts you off in traffic, instead of getting mad, start laughing out loud instead. You’ll feel ridiculous at first, but that makes you laugh for real, and it actually helps. Every time your first response is anger, try to replace it with a laugh.
4. Expect good things to happen. If you pull into the grocery store parking lot and it is packed, instead of sighing and thinking negative thoughts, expect that a great spot will open up just as you get to it. I’ve tried this many times, and it actually happens more than you would think.
5. Stock up on funny sayings, clips and quotes. I collect favorite quotes all the time and when I need a pick-me-up, I read through them. Some that never fail to put a smile of my face are quotes from Homer Simpson, Seinfeld and Woody Allen.
6. Get upside down. Inverted yoga poses are wonderful for all the organs, and can help boost your mood as well. An easy one to try is “legs up the wall” which is exactly what it sounds like. Lie on your back with your butt up against a wall, swing your legs up so they are leaning against the wall, and just relax like that for as long as you want.
7. Stop and smell the roses. If you spend all day every day rushing around trying to get everything on your to-do list done and never take a second to stop, you not only miss out on short blissful moments, you can also be weakening your immune system. If it’s a nice sunny day, stop to look at the bright blue sky and feel the sun on your skin. Sit down and have a quality cuddle with your pet. Wander around your (or a friend’s) garden and let nature wow you. Just 5 minutes of stillness and just being can make a world of difference.
It’s not easy being a human, and life constantly throws the unexpected at you. But responding with anger and dwelling on old grievances only makes it more difficult. Trying to make the best out of everything not only changes your mood right then, it can actually make you a happier person overall.
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