Ten instant ‘pick-me-ups’

Life is sometimes like a roller coaster. Ups and downs, with a few hairy bends thrown in for good measure. Not all days are nirvana and life can drag us down from time-to-time. It’s OK to have down days, we all have them and always will. Experiencing the whole array of emotions we’re born with is just part of being human. But, the key is in recognising when we’re slipping and learning to pick ourselves up quickly. Here are ten tried and tested ‘pick-me-ups’ for you to use next time your feeling a little below par.

Laugh yourself silly. OK, I know when you’re feeling low you’re not necessarily in the mood for a good old belly laugh, but, how about putting on a good comedy or watching a funny sitcom. Laughing gets the endorphins flowing through your body, which instantly lifts your mood. If laughing is a stretch too far, how about a good old-fashioned smile? Might sound ridiculously simple, but smiling releases serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. It works… try it now… smile!

Pay someone a compliment. When we are feeling down we tend to focus heavily on our own problems and become very insular. It’s important that you take the focus off yourself and onto helping someone else in someway. It could be as simple as paying someone a genuine compliment, offering to help someone in need or how about volunteering a few hours of your time at a homeless shelter? Focusing on others without doubt diverts your attention away from your own woes.

Stand up straight. Your mind and body are intrinsically linked, when you’re feeling miserable this reflects in your body language, you tend to slouch your shoulders and hang your head. Changing the way you hold your body can instantly alter your mood. Stand up tall; put your shoulders back and head up high. Notice the difference… oh and don’t forget to smile!

Play it loud. We all know music is brilliant at making us feel more alive. Again, it gets the feel-good hormones flowing, giving us that instant ‘pick-me-up’. Seek out a handful of ‘happy songs’ that you know make you feel good. Songs from childhood, songs that evoke good memories, put them on, sign along and if you’re feeling really daring, dance like no one is watching!

Buy yourself blooms. Simple but affective – Buy yourself flowers or a houseplant. Nature is a fabulous healer, allow a little scenery into your life and let nature heal your soul.

Keep a gratitude journal. Each night write a list of ten things that you are grateful for both big and small. Your list might look something like this:
. I’m grateful for John’s help today with the garden
. I’m grateful for the Tesco deliveryman
. I’m grateful that Poppy did well her exam
. I’m grateful I have a healthy body
Keeping a gratitude journal highlights the good in your life and what’s particularly amazing; you start to notice even more thing to appreciate. A great way to change your focus on life and become a more positive person.

Create your Happy Box. This is without doubt my most favourite ‘pick-me-up’. Find a pretty box and start filling it with things that make you happy… photos, quotes, books, affirmation cards, special items, post-it-notes with special messages on, letters, e-mails… chocolates even! The purpose of your Happy Box is to use it to lift your mood when you’re down. It’s your special magic box of ticks!

Get moving. Get outside into nature and run, walk, amble or even a skip maybe. Being outside is a tremendous healer. So when you’re feeling down, get outdoors, breath in the fresh air and get that body moving! You’ll come back feeling totally rejuvenated and motivated. Moments when we’re out in nature tend to be when we’re at our most creative and have our best ideas.

Talk and talk some more. A problem shared is a problem solved, as the saying goes. Find someone to share your worries with, BUT, and there’s a big but, don’t just whine and moan for the entire conversation, ensure that your conversation is solution focused. Don’t dump all your problems on your friend’s doorstep; ask for their input in helping you find a solution, however small. When I’m working with my clients it’s all about finding resolutions and taking baby steps in the right direction. Far more empowering than just complaining, this gets you nowhere!