11 Ways To Feel Better Whenever You Want To

11 Ways To Feel Better Whenever You Want To

If you're fighting with yourself to be or look a certain way, if you're trying to get yourself in shape or healthier, or if you're simply feeling "blah" about yourself and your life…it's easy to linger in that emotional space for a long time. Like, years.

It's like you're internal "spark" burns out. You don't feel enthusiastic about waking up and jumping into your day. When a stranger smiles at you and nods hello, you wonder, "What's up with that person?"

When you're in this state, it can shape the way your entire day goes. If you stay in this state, it can shape how your life goes.

However, the good news is that you're in control of your life and your experience. You're in the driver's seat. (And if you're not, who is?) You have the ability to change the way you feel when you choose to.

It can be really hard to want to feel better and do something different when you're feeling blah. That's why I have a list. Here's 11 Ways To Feel Better Whenever You Want To…

1

Don't just say generic words--give a compliment that you know would be meaningful to the other person. It doesn't have to be about aesthetics…it can be about how they responded to something, how they made you feel, how they put careful attention to something, whatever.

Try complimenting someone about their kindness or their quick wit. When you give someone the gift of helping them feel good about themselves, you'll instantly feel better, too.

Offer a compliment to someone. Even better, compliment a stranger.

2

Dressing yourself in a bright blue shirt, a rhinestone belt, a unique pair of shoes or a gorgeous, chunky necklace can automatically make you feel more inspired. It forces you to feel more "fun" about what you're wearing to show the world.

Wear a bright color or piece of jewelry.

3

Everyone has something that they know can make them feel better. It might be kicking off your shoes to walk barefoot in the grass, going to the park on a sunny afternoon, taking yourself to a movie, putting on your favorite song, getting a manicure, buying a new book, or having a special drink.

Pick something you know makes you feel "treated" and take advantage of doing it for yourself.

Treat yourself.

4

Impress yourself…dress yourself in clothing that makes YOU feel appealing, regardless of what you think others find sexy or attractive. If you feel amazing in a pair of pink capris, red stilettos and an orange, flowing shirt, rock it.

If you feel awesome in a black t-shirt and a pair of crisp khakis with your favorite tennis shoes, find the best quality t-shirt and pants and strut your stuff.

Dress to impress.

5

Nourish yourself with something that feels fresh, wholesome and really good to you. Maybe it's a green smoothie, or a crisp salad or a pint of raw blueberries.

Maybe it's a fine cut of steak from grass-fed cows. Whatever it is that you feel good about when you eat, choose with intention as you plan your meals for the day.

Eat a meal that makes you feel good about yourself.

6

Getting your body into motion with exercise releases feel-good chemicals into your brain. It's said to be one of the #1 ways to feel better, because of this endorphin release.

You can take as little as 10-15 minutes to dance, walk, jog, lift weights, climb a tree, run with your dog, etc. Anything to put your body into motion in a way you enjoy.

Move.

7

Who haven't you checked in with lately? Do you have a childhood friend you haven't talked to in years? Maybe a cousin or sibling that you haven't seen since Christmas.

Maybe your mother that hasn't heard from you in ages. Take 15 minutes to reach out with a phone call, or stop by in person if you can. In a rushed society filled with email, social media and constant activity, it can be rare to stop by just to visit and say hello. It's amazing what talking to another person you appreciate can do for your mood.

Call or visit a friend spontaneously.

8

Animals can be incredible teachers. They don't get hung up in drama, they don't get stressed or overwhelmed by relationships, finances, work or annoying neighbors.

They simply eat, reproduce, and live in the moment. Petting your cat for a few minutes, playing with your dog when she greets you or going out in nature to watch the birds or squirrels can instantly remind you not to take yourself so seriously.

Play with or go be around animals.

9

Getting outdoors is another instant mood-shifter, especially when you can get out in nature. If you're in a city, you can go to the nearest park.

If you live near woods, water or mountains, do whatever you need to do with your daily schedule to get out for a walk. Smelling the fresh air, listening to sounds of nature and appreciating the sky gives perspective when you're feeling uninspired.

Go outside in nature.

10When was the last time you sat down and created something? As kids, many of us would spend hours playing with dolls, play-doh, blocks, trucks, or imaginary friends. We also might have gotten into creating things as teenagers, like building birdhouses or making jewelry.

It can be as simple as downloading an app where you can sketch and doodle for 15 minutes. Or you can stop by a craft store and get supplies to bead a necklace. You can go find your nephew and offer to help him build a treehouse. Or maybe you find a new recipe and decide to try creating something new for dinner. When your mind is in a creative space, it's thinking in the present and imagining into the future.

Make something.

11

Stopping what you're doing to close your eyes can change your state, even if you only have 10-15 minutes.

Put on a timer if you have to, go to a quiet space, put your head down at your desk or stretch out on your couch. Take 5-6 deep breaths, close your eyes and let your mind relax and wander.

Listen to your breath and focus on breathing to quiet your thoughts. Snooze for 10 to 45 minutes. When you wake, your mind will be refreshed and ready to start rolling with a new disposition.

Take a nap.

These 11 ways are strategies I employ regularly in my life to lift myself when I'm feeling uninspired, or to chill out when I'm overwhelmed. Having a list of reliable strategies to help when you're in a low emotional space gives you the confidence to know you can get out of it.