When you need a pick-me-upper, the tendency may be to curl up in bed and wallow. We do know how tempting that can be, but it may not be the best thing to do. You can do some other “productive” things instead, and cheer yourself up in the process.
Additionally, these things may help you cheer others up; and it has been said many times that the best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer another person up. So why don’t you do one or more of these things the next time you feel down?
Cheer up!
1. Spend time with a child.
Over the weekend, I spent a lot of time with my three nephews, aged 9, 2, and 1. While there were times when it was difficult – tantrums – I think that I hadn’t had so much fun for a long time as I did last weekend.
We did simple things. I read silly books to them. We danced to nursery rhymes in music form. We talked (for hours) about animals. I taught them how to do whale speak. We marveled at a rainbow.
I think that being silly with kids is the best way to cheer yourself up.
2. Go to your favorite nook and read your favorite book.
If you like reading, then there’s nothing like going to your favorite spot – in my case, that’s my bed – and reading. It can be an old book you’ve read over and over. It can be a new one you’ve been wanting to read but haven’t had the time to. It doesn’t matter. Spend an hour – or as long as you need – reading, and you’ll feel better after.
3. Or listen to music.
If you’re not the reading type, then music might help boost your mood. Studies have shown that upbeat music helps improve your mood. You don’t have to listen to upbeat music, though. I have different playlists which I listen to depending on how I feel, and my feel-good playlist is a combination of upbeat, classical, ballads, and country music.
Oh, and dance while you’re at it!
4. Take a walk.
Go out. Maybe you just need to get out of your home or office. If you’re a city dweller, try this: smile at people you meet on the streets. Even if only one person smiles back at you, you’ll feel real good. Another idea: smile and say thank you to the traffic enforcer who signals you to cross the street.
Not only will these things cheer you up, but you probably will bring a ray of sunshine to those people’s lives as well.
5. Send someone a nice email.
Get in touch with an old friend – someone with whom you haven’t spoken to or seen in a while. A short email or text message can make a huge difference to your mood; and it might also make their day. A simple “You came to mind today. I hope you’re having a good day.” will make a difference.
6. Watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Or whatever movie makes you feel good. I only recently watched this movie, and I just can’t help but feel cheerful and hopeful watching Audrey Hepburn’s character.
Back to you
Which ones of these ways to cheer up have you tried? Do you have other tips to cheer up – yourself and other people?
Also read:
4 Fitness Tips to Get Your Mind and Body in a More Positive Frame
5 foods to boost your mood
Originally posted on September 30, 2014 @ 9:00 am
