Having a crappy day?
For some reason, we have this idea that we are 'successful' when we are happy 100% of the time. There is no one who can be happy all of the time, in fact, if there were, I think that person would get quite annoying. While we talk about 'the pursuit of happiness,' science actually shows that purpose and fulfillment actually make for a great life.
That being said, we still have crappy days. Sometimes you just need a pick me up. Often we'll reach to shopping, eating, watching tv, or being on your phone. These don't actually make us feel better, maybe in the moment, but they aren't so effective, in the long run.
Looking for an alternative? Read on!
Here are 5 things you can do to feel better RIGHT NOW! Here are somethings that EVERYONE can do when they are having a hard day to feel better immediately:
1. Take deep breaths. Fill your lungs as large as possible from the sides of your rib cage. Take big breaths in and fill the bottom of your lungs. Hold your breath for the count of 4 and exhale as much as you can. Just a few of these breaths can fill your brain with oxygen and send some happiness through your body. It does this by infusing a hit of oxygen into your body and brain and creating sensations of wellbeing.
2. Give yourself a hug. When I first heard this, I thought it was kind of weird. Then I tried it. Your hands have incredible healing powers and putting your hands on your arms in a hug is actually very comforting.
3. Think of 3 things you are grateful for. Gratitude is the way to happiness. When you think of the things you are grateful for, let the feeling of gratitude run over your entire body! If you just list them and don't feel them, you won't get the full benefits of feeling grateful.
4. Be mindful. What does it mean to be mindful? It means focusing on the present. Let the past and the future go for a few minutes and just focus on what you are doing right now. Focus on how your breath feels, how your body feels, how your movement feels. Be in the present.
5. Do something nice for someone else. Kindness, science proves, is actually a very selfish act. It helps you feel better as well as the person you perform the act of kindness for!
We often think that buying, eating, watching tv, or being distracted by the phone will make us feel better but they're just short term fixes. It's a weed. What do I mean by that? In the book I recently read, Think Like A Monk, author, Jay Shetty wrote about planting seeds or weeds. Things like deep breaths, hugs, gratitude, mindfulness, or kindness are all seeds. They get planted and grow into food for our body. Weeds are "retail therapy" or over eating, they feel like they are good at the moment, but in the end they don't actually feed you.
Bonus!
6. Be Creative! Doodle, craft, whatever floats your boat! Creativity calms your mind and boosts your mood. It's a fantastic way to get out of that crappy mood.
Looking for more to fill yourself up, be creative, and start the way to a purposeful life? Check out my e-activity book "Life on Purpose"