Healthy Mindset: 5 Things That Make You Immediately Feel Better
Have you ever felt like you just needed a pick-me-up? Sometimes the path to a healthy mindset is doing something – anything to feel better. Well, I was going through some of my archived posts and thought this would be perfect for our WildOnes. Feel better (almost) immediately by doing these five things. Originally published on October 18, 2015.
Like gravity, it is so easy to let your emotions and day-to-day problems bring you down. A healthy mindset takes a lot of work! It takes serious effort to climb a hill and it also takes an equal amount of effort to lift your spirits! Trust me, I know! I’ve a proclivity to depression and sometimes it seems easier to let gravity win and sleep the day away. Don’t waste another minute of your life in the dark place!
Here are 5 things you can do to feel instantly better and work toward a healthy mindset:
5. Say “Thank You” Out Loud
There are days when it feels like there is NOTHING to be thankful about. Guess what? For this tip, it doesn’t matter whether you feel thankful or not. You can be ticked off, depressed, or just feeling a little blue. Saying thank you OUT LOUD is a humbling experience and it also recognizes the blessings around you — even if you can’t see them.
It might feel ridiculous the first couple of times that you try this but I’m telling you, just say “Thank You” out loud. Repeat it as many times as you need to but you will feel better. Don’t believe me? Just try it.
4. Smile
Yeah, yeah — you might not have anything to smile about either. Whatever. Do it anyway. Let your lips fight gravity and turn up; flash those dimples (if you have them); lift your eyebrows; scrunch your cheeks and eyes and give yourself a winning smile.
DO IT.
DO IT NOW.
See? The physical manifestation of a smile automatically helps lift your spirits.
3. Just say “Ahhhh!”
No, it’s not the screaming kind of “ahhh.”
In truth, this is one of my favorite vocal exercises and it feels really good.
Take a deep belly breath and like a huge sigh or loud yawn, start with your highest note and let out a big “Ahhhh!” with falling pitch (highest note to lowest note).
The infusion of fresh air and huge “singing sigh” will really get your blood moving.
2. Do Something Ridiculous
It took me a long time to get over myself and be comfortable enough to do something ridiculous. In public, especially, I tend to be very quiet and try not to draw too much attention to myself. If this sounds like you, then this tip might seem more challenging.
It’s really mindset at play. Do you really care what other people think about you or does feeling better rank higher? The truth is, if you’re doing something purposefully silly then it’s okay for them to laugh because they’re laughing with you, not at you.
So, what do I mean by doing something ridiculous?
In one instance, my grown son and I were walking across the parking lot to the mall. I asked if he wanted to hold hands and skip. He said yes! That made me so happy. Goofy things could be doing a goofy “end zone” dance, blowing bubbles in your chocolate milk, wearing a crazy color toe polish, or making fart noises in your armpit.
The point is, you don’t have to do any of this in public if it feels too embarrassing, but do something ridiculous if it makes you laugh. And if you catch someone laughing with you, chances are you’ve paid it forward by making them forget their problems for a moment.
1. Go For A Walk
There is something about your feet hitting pavement or walking a trail that uplifts the spirit. It gets you moving first of all. But it also gives you time to think, plan, debate with yourself…whatever floats through your mind. The point is, you are out of bed and getting exercise. It doesn’t have to be a long walk. Even a short five minute trip around the block is better than nothing and you’ll feel better for it.
Now get out of the dumps and get moving. It’s a beautiful day – and if it’s not – find something, ONE THING, beautiful about it.
Can you add something to the list?
I’d love to hear what tips and tricks you use to get out of a foul mood. Connect with me on social media.
Featured image source: Pixabay