We all have off days where nothing seems to go right and it’s a struggle to keep negative thinking at bay. It can be tempting to resort to creative comforts like chocolate or a glass of wine at the end of a bad day, to make us feel better. Instead, let’s look at some quick and easy ways to lift your spirits and give yourself a feel-good boost – without resorting to unhealthy habits.
Pay someone a compliment
If you’re feeling down or blue try paying someone else a compliment. It might sound odd, but they’re bound to react in a good way and this will make you feel good in turn. The power of kindness works wonders!
Stop procrastinating
There’s nothing worse than having a load of worries rattling around in your head to make you feel anxious and blue. If you find yourself fretting that you’ve got lots of things to do but not enough time, then make a list of jobs that need doing and start working your way through them. By being proactive you’ll instantly start to feel better and you’ll probably find you’re too busy to feel anxious or fretful!
Decide to feel happy
The power of our thoughts shouldn’t be underestimated. If you wake up thinking that you’re going to have a bad day then, sure as eggs are eggs, you’ll find yourself having a bad day. Instead, start your day with the positive intention that everything is going to be good and you’ll find that good things follow. I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction – that you have the power to create your own reality through your thoughts. Make the decision to feel good.
Have a good laugh!
Laughter is a real tonic for the soul. It helps to produce feel-good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin which help to lift depression. If you are feeling down, put on your favourite comedy DVD, think of a funny memory or phone up a friend who always makes you laugh. Sometimes just the act of smiling can help to lift your spirits.
Make positive plans
Get a piece of paper and write down a list of at least five happy things you have to look forward to in the future. This could be anything from getting a new haircut to booking a much-needed holiday. Or it could be as simple as seeing your partner or kids when they get home from work or school. The idea is to focus on positive future events, to shake your brain from its negative state. And thinking about happy things will instantly give you a rush of good endorphins to the brain.
Bring some colour to your world
Colour can really help to lift our spirits. Subconsciously, if we are in a negative frame of mind, we tend to choose to wear dark, sombre colours. So, instead, put on an item of clothing in a bright, cheery colour and feel your mood lifting. Or, why not go out and buy yourself a bunch of colourful flowers to put on your desk? It will feel good to treat yourself and why not? You deserve it!
About the author: Liz Parry is a writer specialising in holistic health and wellbeing, personal development and spirituality. Follow her on Twitter.
First published in August 2013; updated August 2021
