8/29/15Fall is quickly approaching and even though it is one of my favorite seasons because now I can break out the cozy sweaters and blankets, I know many people who get a little depressed as summer fades away. With school starting up again, and friends going of to college there are a lot of changes that happen around this time and they aren’t always the happiest. I know that I have become a little depressed since weather has been a bit gloomy and all I have wanted to do is sit around and be lazy. It got to a point where I couldn’t stand it anymore and I just needed to work on becoming happier. I know that at some point in the year I am going to get mildly depressed for a bit of time, even if it is just one week. This is because it happens to me every year and it happens to everyone. To help myself through these days and to helps some of you I thought I would collect a list of things I love to do to cheer myself up.
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I want to start off by saying that these are just the things I do and they may not work for you. Choose the ones you like and skip the ones you don’t. As long as your making an effort to make each day better your days will soon be looking brighter.
First off for me would be to clean my room. I am a neat freak and if my room is not clean I can’t concentrate and it makes me feel as though my life is not in control. Just having the dirty laundry off the floor and having everything put in its place makes me happier since I now have a nice clean room that looks much prettier than a dirty one. Now obviously if cleaning stresses you out, then it is probably best not to do this, but there are other options. Put on your favorite movie while you clear those papers off your dresser, or you could even hire someone and help you clean your house. I know that some people claim that mess doesn't affect them, but I would challenge them to try and clean up because they may just not realize how much it can help. It is a simple task that can actually be done quickly and it is very motivating since you can see the changes and motivation is what you want when you are feeling down. You can also think of the benefits of cleaning if you are someone who needs encouragement. It will be much easier to get out the door if you don't spend ten minutes looking for your keys each morning. If your lucky you may also find something you thought was lost or you have forgotten about. Maybe I should make a post in the future of benefits to a clean room, because for me they are innumerable.
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Now this next one you hear everywhere and it is to get active and eat healthier. Now this one can be hard even when you aren’t feeling down, but it is really important to get moving and be active. You can start small and just do something you like, as long as you’re moving. Working out not only helps you become more fit, but you also become more confident about your body. This will also come with eating healthier and drinking more water since you won’t feel sluggish and your body will thank you.
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I think one of the main reasons I have been feeling down is that I have gotten out of my workout routine. It is crazy how much one blogilates video can change your mood, and some of them are only 5 minutes so you have no excuses for not to doing them.
Now this is another tip that is seen everywhere and is very common and it is to get enough sleep. I know that if I am tired all I want to do is sit around and I don't really want to do anything which can just lead to feeling a bit down since you might not be leaving the house, or doing anything fun. Now you don't want to sleep all the time because if you sleep too much then you might get groggy and still end up doing nothing with your day. Just get enough sleep so you aren't super tired during the day and then use that time to be productive. If you are having trouble falling asleep figure out what you can do to improve that. Drink night time tea, take time to wind down at the end of the day, or even get a new pillow, try to find what helps you sleep best.
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Something else you can do to lift your spirits is to hang out with your friends. Even someone like myself, an introvert, will still be happier around friends than alone at home. It may wear you out a bit more but in the long run you will be happier. You can also spend time around your family, as long as you are on good terms with them. I know I am very close to my family, but for those who aren’t spend time with the people who feel like family. You friends and family will cheer you up and make you feel better about yourself when you feel down. Making plans is usually the hard part about getting together with friends, and I am sure there are many people, myself included, who avoid making plans all together since they are afraid they will be bothersome. You just have to remind yourself that your friends are probably in the same position and everyone will be happier if you just ask them to hang out.
This next tip is to get creative, which may be harder for some than others. I do not think you have to paint a masterpiece to be creative, for example I find creativity and joy through singing and playing the piano. There are many other ways of being creative for instance : you could write a story or poem, you could draw or paint something, you could do origami, you could start a scrapbook, you could try a new hairstyle or makeup look, you could make new outfits, you could cook or bake something, you could read a book, you could sew something, you can try photography, you could make a piece of jewelry, you could dance, you could even just color in a coloring book. Get on Pinterest and find what works for you, it is another basic way to become happier. If you just aren’t inspired to be creative I would say just start small and look up inspiration online.
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Another basic tip is just to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. Obviously in the winter this is harder, but you can still go on walks as long as you bundle up. My favorite thing to do is to go biking, but you could also go running, roller blading, or you can even just walk. Look up some pretty places to go in your area if you don't know if any. Lots of people feel grounded when they go outside, but even if you don’t the peacefulness that nature brings is very nice. It is just you and your thoughts and it can really help you live in the moment. So even though it may be hard to leave your comfy couch and Netflix, try to make some time to just go outside. Even if it is only for a little bit, or even if you are only walking down your street instead of in a forest somewhere it will help.
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Now this next tip may not be everyone’s favorite, but my sister’s and I really enjoy it. It would be to go shopping. There is nothing quite as nice as getting a new sweater that you love. Even if you don’t find anything shopping is just a fun activity and it gets you up and moving. It doesn’t just have to be for clothes either. New makeup, new home decor, new books or stationary, anything that makes you happy. For me there is nothing more fun that getting a new item of clothing that I can mix and match to make new outfits. Although I also enjoy trying to make new outfits with the clothes that I have. It forces me to be creative, and I find some of my favorite outfits that way.
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Although I do love shopping it is also nice to go through the things I have and get rid of things. Minimalism is becoming very popular and although I am not to that point I love to have a clean and organized space as I said before. Getting rid of the things you don’t use is such a freeing feeling and it is like lifting a big weight off your shoulders. It is not always easy and it is definitely not the fastest thing to do it is well worth it in the end. If you are not the bast at organizing things there are tons of tips online to help you. I also plan on doing posts later on about tips for cleaning your room as well as your bathroom. Although for starters I would just say start small and work your way up.
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My final tip is one that I use a lot, and it is to spend time on yourself. Most days I throw on some clothes, make sure my hair doesn't look crazy and I head out the door. I don't spend a lot of time for myself on a daily basis, but if I am feeling down I take the time to do my makeup and hair, as well as pick out an outfit that I feel great in. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but because you are spending time on yourself it is showing that you care and that it is important for you to feel good about yourself. You don’t need a reason to wear that cute dress, or to put on a little more makeup, if it makes you happy do it. Now of course if you think of makeup more as a chore than you don’t have to do this, but then spend time doing something else. Paint your nails, have a facial ( it can be at home one), cut your hair, anything that just shows you care for your body and helps to lift your spirits.
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If you want to watch a video to get you more inspired and to learn more ways to be happy, this video explains it really well, and it is by Nikki Phillippi, who actually did a whole series called how to be happy, and she has done them for 3 years now, so I would suggest checking them out for more on this topic.
Well I hope if you are feeling down you can try the things on this list and help to make your life a little better. We all get down sometimes but surround yourself with positive things and positive people and your life will stay a bit happier.