No matter how smoothly our day is going or how many things are going right, there are just things that can happen to take us from highs to the “blahs.” For me, it can sometimes happen so fast that I actually don’t realize what triggered that reaction. Have you been there before?
Over the past few years, I’ve been assembling a self-care toolkit of sorts to help me feel better in those moments. I don’t want to stay stuck in a funk. And, my actions help me begin the process of moving on to “better.”
For your own wellness toolkit, here are five things that I do to feel better instantly.
Acknowledge what’s bothering me.
This one seems counterintuitive. If you’re trying to feel better, then why actively think about the issue that’s on your mind? Acknowledging the “what” allows me to think how I could resolved that issue. Am I feeling guilty all of the sudden because I forgot a friend’s birthday? Even if it’s not in that moment, I can think of a next step that might lead me to “better.”
Take a warm bath or shower.
I love using baths and showers as mental and emotional resets. Between the hot water and the scents, it’s a sensory escape for me. Tip: Use a special smelling scent when you need that extra lift. It doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, one of my favorites is this Olay lavender body wash.
Think of something I’m grateful for.
Many years ago, I came across a quote that said, “It is impossible to feel depressed and grateful at the same time.” No matter if you’re up against something big or small, reflecting on something or someone that you’re grateful for will shift your mind in that moment into a more positive space.
Get up for a quick walk.
Taking a walk distracts my mind from whatever I’m feeling. Whatever is bothering me in that moment sometimes goes away. While you’re walking, roll your shoulders and take deep breaths to really try and release what’s happening.
Play my go-to song that always elevates my mood.
This one right here is a game-changer. We all know the impact that music can have on our moods, so use that to your benefit. My go-to song is always “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness. When the beat drops, I’m ALL IN. Bonus: the message is hella positive!
Those are the five actions that I swear by. What I love about them is that they can be done separately or stacked for maximum impact. Example: Starting your walk with a moment of gratitude before putting in your headphones for your power jam.
This is what works for me. What about you? What do you do when you need an immediate pick-me-up?
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