We've all been there. When we have weeks and months of rain, snow, storms, and gray skies, it's easy to become "blue". We might feel sluggish, lazy, down in the dumps, or even depressed. As the month of March begins, the hope for Spring arrives! We expect the sun to shine, flowers to bloom, birds to sing, and blue skies to appear. But how do we shed off our winter blues?
Here are 10 great ways to change your mood, give you more energy, and get you ready for a new season!
1. EXERCISE: Do something active or go for a walk, even if it's just for 15 minutes.
2. MUSIC: Make a new iPod playlist or a CD with your favorite songs. Music can instantly change how we feel so make sure you pick songs that make you feel your best!
3. MAKE A FUN PLAN: Write a list of the fun things you want to do now that the sun is out and better weather is on it's way. Looking forward to something in the future can boost your mood.
4. GET GRATEFUL: Start a gratitude journal - write down three things you are grateful for every day. Start with anything, even if you feel they are simple choices like, "I'm grateful for waking up today"...just keep at it and you'll discover how much you have to be grateful for.
5. TAKE A RELAXATION BREAK: Turn the lights down low, put on some soft music, and sit back in a comfortable chair for half an hour. You could even try 20 minutes of simple "counting" meditation: Sit up straight, close your eyes, and count each breath as it comes. Whenever your mind wanders or you lose count, start again. It's remarkably effective, and there's virtually no way to do it wrong.
6. GET SOCIAL: Just hanging out with a group of friends can provide an instant pickup.
7. CLEANSE: Drinking more water and eating healthier can jumpstart your body and give you more energy quickly.
8. HELP A STRANGER: Hold the door for someone. Offer to carry a heavy package or box. Give directions when asked. A little kindness goes a long way. You’ll immediately feel happier when you take a minute to assist another human being—even in the smallest way.
9. MAKE A VISION BOARD: Grab a few magazines, a poster board or large piece of paper, scissors, and glue. Start thinking about what you want in your life...think today, tomorrow, and in your future. Cut out words, pictures, sayings, or anything that catches your eye. Glue these on your large paper to create your vision board!
10. LAUGH: Find a way to laugh—jokes, movies or tv, funny books, playing with your pets and watching their silly antics, being silly with a friend. Laughter is an effective way of changing your mood, and can help your body as well as your emotional state.
If you're feeling really awful, you may not be able to shift your mood as far as you'd like to, right away — and that's okay. It's actually more reasonable to expect little shifts, rather than an extreme shift. Each movement you make matters. Even a small shift in your mood might bring relief, or make it easier to laugh or to have fun. But most importantly, Paper Dolls, figure out what techniques work for YOU and use them!
Tell us what worked for you or give us some new ideas of your own!
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These are great tips! I especially like the one about playing with a pet. If you don't have one, try the humane society. They have dogs that you can take out and walk, once they train you. The unconditional love that an animal can show is amazing! If you do see some sun- get outside! 15 minutes of natural sunlight helps to maintain vitamin D levels!! =)
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