10 Easy (…and Healthy!) Tricks to Raise Your Spirits When They’re Down

We all have moments of weakness when we feel like crawling into a hole or giving up on everything or feel like throwing in the towel on life. Things that normally are no big deal become a big deal and in some instances, they become completely paralyzing to us.

Can you relate? You just don’t have the energy to cope. In fact, you have no energy at all and you’re not even sure if that is a result of the depression or if the depression is a result of that.

Here are 10 Tricks to Raise Your Spirits:

  1. Accept the emotions– This one may seem counter-intuitive, however, acknowledging these emotions might be the first step to recovering from them. It might be time for you to accept what’s making you feel upset and move on.
  2. Take yourself on a date– You might be thinking… really!!? Yes, really! Why not? Find something you really enjoy doing and go get inspired. Love plants? Go to the greenhouse. Love to cook, go buy yourself a new cookbook and some fresh ingredients. Whatever your “thing” is, give yourself an opportunity to enjoy it. You never know where it could lead. Depression is a vicious cycle that must be broken and crappy as it is, you are the only one who can break it.
  3. Listen to music – music is incredibly therapeutic. Don’t forget, soldiers would write marches to help them possibly through the worst of times. Studies have shown that music reaches the pleasure and emotional centers in the brain. The power of music to boost one’s mood is significant.
  4. Clean your house – believe it or not, your surrounding can have a lot to do with how you feel. Sometimes cleaning, folding and organizing your space is just what you need. There’s something to be said for taking the time to re-prioritize and reorganize your life. Also as a side a note, when you’re cleaning your house it’s a great time to listen to music, reflect on everything, and clear your mind.
  5. Stop dwelling and practice gratitude– this is perhaps the most important trick here. The last thing you should be doing to boost your mood is thinking about all the bad things in your life. Instead, try to shift your thinking. Anytime a negative thought enters your mind, picture that thought floating away in a cloud. Think instead about all the things you have to be thankful for. Avoid feelings of guilt, sadness, and self-loathing.
  6. Get moving and be active– Most are aware that getting out and being active is good for mental health, but few know just how deeply rooted that is. In fact, studies have concluded that exercise isn’t just a treatment for depression, but it actually has the power to prevent the onset of depression, to begin with. There are times that depression is there for a good reason. It shows up to remind us when it’s time to make a change. Sometimes that change is being healthier and caring more for ourselves.
  7. Find a creative outlet– Music, painting, writing or journaling are all creative ways to treat depression. Also sewing, knitting, or woodworking. Connecting our mind with our emotions and physical being to create something beautiful is incredibly healing to the spirit.
  8. Spend time with a friend who you can talk to– Having someone to vent to or talk to that understands you can be a great way to raise your spirits when they’re down. Sometimes knowing that you’re not alone to bear the pain is the best medicine for the pain. A shared burden is always less of a burden.
  9. Reset your sleep cycle– You might be surprised to learn that the amount of and quality of the sleep you are getting can have a lot to do with your mood. When you are down in the dumps and have a lot on your mind, sleep can be hard to come by. Try going on a long vigorous hike or staying up all night to make yourself tired enough to reset your sleep cycle. A little adjustment often times is all it takes to ward off those bad thoughts and emotions.
  10. Treat yourself to an evening of relaxation– Number 10 is pretty self-explanatory. People often spend so much time and energy doing for other people that they forget to take care of themselves. Then they wonder why they are so down and depleted. It is important to take the time to recharge your own energy source so you can better help others. For some, that is an evening of complete relaxation watching movies and ordering out dinner. Others may need a trip to their massage therapist or to the spa. Whatever your mode of relaxation, treat yourself to an entire evening with no ties (aka no guilt) attached.

The best thing about using these techniques to raise your mood is that you can choose to do one or all of these things. Like anything else, the more time and energy you put into raising your spirits, the happier you will feel. We wish you much luck on your journey and today encourage you to open your heart-space for yourself. Remember you ARE worth it! 

Related Articles:  Stop Pushing Your Anxiety Out the Door and Start Listening to What It’s Telling You

5 Ways to Become a Better Person TODAY

©Love Wide Open

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