So, you're teetering on the verge of being depressed. Or maybe you're just "blah". Perhaps you aren't feeling anything. Or maybe it's even worse. My husband knows when I start combining multiple curse words to hurl at my computer, he should immediately run out and buy dark chocolate. Or just run out...
But even at the worst times, it's amazing how a small thing can help direct you to a happier mood. Here's a sampling of ideas to get you to a better place when you need a shove in the right direction.
Change your sheets. Yep, sounds small, but you know how nice it feels with a fresh set of sheets on your bed. Enjoying that faint smell of fabric softener. Slipping between those cool, crisp sheets starts your night right. And thinking about the fact that you've changed your sheets lets you anticipate that moment. This probably tells you how seldom I change my sheets. Hmmm... Next subject.
Project it till you perfect it. I love this saying. A friend used to say this instead of "fake it till you make it." It works. Stand tall like you feel confident. Smile. Walk with energy. The funny thing is that, after a while, you forget that you're faking it and actually feel the way you look. If I force myself to smile all day, by the end of the day I think I had a great day -- even if the world was falling down around me.
Appreciate things that don't happen. It's easy to recognize good things that happen, and we should, but sometimes it's enough to recognize what doesn't happen. You made it to the store safely. Or, if you're like me, you're happy when you made it to the store without seeing anyone you know. (I gotta start brushing my hair more often.) You can appreciate that your friends and family are all okay today. And definitely be happy you don't have one of those awful bumps inside your nose that hurt so much.
Collect some quotes. Motivational quotes can really lift your spirits. And yes, when you do an internet search, they are usually attributed to the wrong people. (Trust me, Lincoln never said anything about trusting what you read on the internet.) But that doesn't make the sayings any less inspirational. Start your own collection. Check a few sources to see who really said them. And then consider adding them to pictures so you have a bunch to post to social media or to email to friends who are having a bad day.
Splurge. Maybe you always buy the cheapest shampoo. Or you get the cereal that's on sale. Or you just grab soap without thinking about "flavors." Pick one item and get a nicer quality version as a gift to yourself. Who deserves a gift more? Okay, maybe your cat thinks he does. But cats always think that.
Drink more water. Dehydration is terrible for your mood. You don't even realize it's happening. Keeping a cute glass or bottle of water nearby and making yourself sip throughout the day will help your mood and your weight. Of course, you'll also get your steps in while running back and forth to the bathroom, but that's another matter altogether.
Give yourself some flowers. You pass by them in the grocery store all the time. You think about buying them for others, but today is a day to get a bouquet for you. It's amazing how spoiled it makes you feel to have fresh flowers in the house. Add some scented candles and even a bologna sandwich seems like dining out.
That's just a starter list. Stop and think about all the little things you like. Write them down on slips of paper. Put them in a jar. And whenever you need a lift, pull one out and do it. As you see from this list, it doesn't have to be expensive to make a difference to your mood.