We have all been there.
There are times in our life when things just don't go according to plan. You are feeling low and then something comes along and puts you in an even bigger slump. To top it all off, just when you think you are starting to feel better it starts all over again and you are back to where you started.
You don't feel happy. You don't feel motivated. You don't feel like you can control what is happening in your life. You don't feel anything.
Lately, this has been harder for me than I ever remember. I don't recall not being able to pull myself out of a slump but maybe it just comes with age? More challenges and obstacles to work through? Not sure, but what I do know is that because of this I have made a bigger effort on being aware when I am feeling like this. I make sure I understand that I feel down and that I need to take steps to work through this frustration and these feelings. I have looked to trying out new things that make me happy and really fuel my soul. It has made a difference and at the very least let me concentrate on something else other than the negative things going on around me.
Honestly, the best thing is to always remember that you don't have control over everything and that God knows exactly what he is doing. You're plan is not always His plan and that is okay. You must trust that it's in His hands and that whatever you have planned for yourself could never compare to what God will plan for your life.
With that being said here is my list of steps to take when you're feeling down to turn that frown upside down!
1. Take a long, hot shower or bath
I love this because it gives you alone time for just yourself. You get to sit back, relax, and really take in you. Nothing is a greater than getting to understand who you are and how to be content with your own company.
2. Watch "feel good" movies
Who doesn't feel better when they are watching Disney movies with good morals and happy endings? This makes me feel like I can conquer the world.
3. Clean, organize, and tidy up
When my mind is racing and I can't focus on anything else, I clean. It stops me from digging deeper into a weird state because my mind is focusing on cleaning or organizing. This really works, I'm telling you!
4. Play an instrument
Sometimes it's the piano but most recently it has been the ukulele. I just started this new hobby a few months ago and it has been such a soothing pastime. I can sing, listen, learn and just enjoy the music that is in front of me.
5. Blast broadway soundtracks
If I am sad, the second I put on "Defying Gravity" and dance around my room, singing at the top of lungs the sadness just goes away. You can't help but smile while dancing around your room.
6. Coffee
Sit on the floor, listen to your breathing, and just drink a warm cup of coffee. Enough said.
7. Be thankful
This one really helps me. I started out saying 3 things that I am thankful for everyday and I really started to notice and be more appreciate of the great things in my life. Now, I start naming them off until I just can't anymore and let me tell you... my mood just instantly lifts because how can it not when you think of all of the amazing things in your life?
8. Write it out
One of my college roommates my junior year used to journal every night. I saw how great it was for her to work through her emotions so I bought a journal and started doing the same. I would be so upset and crying but then once I wrote out how I felt I was able to compartmentalize all of the situations and come to a better understanding of everything. I highly recommend journaling.
9. Get creative
Doodle, paint, create a new outfit, cook a dish. Just doing something that honestly makes your mind focus on something other than the bad feelings you are feeling at that exact moment.
10. Memorize a Bible verse
In High School, a very dear friend who always helped me out spiritually told me that she would open up the Bible and close her eyes and then just point to a part in the bible and read that verse because it would be something that she needed to hear. I have always done that since then and it is crazy how perfect those verses end up being just when I need them.
Obviously, there are many ways to flip your mood and start to feel better again, but these are just the things that I have realized work for me. I hope that maybe you can find something out of my list of feel goods to help you overcome some obstacles that might be in your path right now.
Oh and remember, nothing lasts forever. You are stronger than you think and you can overcome any negative thing happening in your life. All it takes is some positive thinking and faith!
Much love to you all,
-xo