As the old Buddy Guy song goes, Damn right, I've got the blues. Yes, the Happy Sole is not so happy today. I don't particularly know why. I think it's a combination of a) my brother leaving back to Cardiff this morning b) realising the holidays are over c) hormones d) work is average at the moment, and e) trying to stay positive despite being engulfed by a lot of negative vibes. Hear me when I say, this is NOT a post about depression or anxiety; I don't suffer from either of those conditions and by no means am an expert on either matter. But I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels a bit low at times.
Although I believe it's healthy to ride out the emotion, sort of let yourself feel it and then move forward, here are some tips to dealing with the blues and perking yourself up a little!
Be Kind & Smile
Although you really don't feel like it, being kind to others is a great way to improve one's mood. Even something as simple as letting someone go in front in a grocery line, or stopping the car for someone to cross the road, will make you feel a little better. It's usually reciprocated with a warm smile, which is bound to defrost even the coldest hearts.
Bust A Move
Usually when I feel like this, it's due to pent up frustration. I find one way of dealing with frustration is to exercise...hard. There's nothing like throwing around some weights or pounding the pavement, getting a real sweat on, to get those endorphins pumping and make you feel more relaxed. So next time an issue is really getting to you, whip out those punching gloves and go hell to leather.
Belt Out A Tune
Just like exercise will make you feel better, so will music. Jamming away to your favourite hits will distract you from the bad times and make you feel free and liberated. Music soothes the soul, so utilise it's unique abilities and tune out the rest of the world for a little while. Hell, even throw in a little interpretive dance and get those endorphins pumping again.
Have A Cuppa
It's true what they say - a cup of tea is like a warm hug for your insides. When all you need is comfort, recline on the sofa with a steaming cup of peppermint or chamomile tea and really enjoy it. I promise it will make you feel better!
Avoid Social Media
Here's the thing with social media that we ALL need to remember...people only ever post their positives. The problem is, when we're having a below average day, sitting there scrolling though Instagram and Facebook seeing so & so have gotten engaged, or Cindy got a promotion, or Barry just moved in to his new apartment, we're going to feel worse. Although we may be overjoyed for Cindy or Barry, there's still that lingering feeling of 'I'm not doing as well as everyone else'. The best thing to do it avoid social media for a while, read a book instead, or throw yourself into your work. Or better yet, colour in! Distraction is the best way to escape your negative thoughts and just get on with things.
Finally, remember that this will pass. Everyone goes through stages of feeling low, whether they choose to admit it on social media or not. All it takes is a bit of positivity and assuring you get on with things, not letting negativity overwhelm you. Some days you do yoga and drink green smoothies, other days you don't want to get out of bed. That's OK. Life's all about balance.
Keep Smiling.
V x
