Sometimes things go bad. Really bad. So what are we supposed to do when that happens? Cry? Rage? Self-pity? Move on?
When times get tough there are a few things I like to do to bring a little happiness back in.
#1- Feel Sad for A Little While
Be upset. Be mad and feel crazy. Listen to some sad songs and cry a little.
I say this because it doesn’t help to keep things in. If you don’t vent some you’ll feel the negative side effects in your body. We can feel sadness in our joints, hair, skin… We may not know these things are the physical manifestations of our mental pain, but they are happening regardless.
#2- Switch Up the Mood Music
Now that you’ve had time to mope, start to turn things around by finding something soothing or uplifting to listen to. That may be a Chillstep or Epic Soundtracks playlist on YouTube, but it could also be some headbanging heavy metal on your Pandora app. Do whatever works for you.
Music has an emotional affect (or is that effect?) on most people. I say most because there are a few psychopaths out there that would disagree with me. Our brainwaves change, chemicals are pumped into our systems and we FEEL different.
#3- Clean Something
Do you have a junk drawer that needs an overhaul? A section of your closet that could use a good seasonal purge? Dirty baseboards?
Who know why this one works so well. Maybe cleaning symbolizes clearing the mind or maybe the literal clearing of junk just leaves room for more positive vibes. Does it really matter why though as long as it works?
#4- Make a Small Physical Change
I’m not saying to your body per se like getting a tattoo or new piercing. Maybe a nice new haircut or style. If you normally wear a lot of black, try wearing colors for a week. If you wear a lot of workout clothes, try dressing up for a few days. Do something to break the norm that will rock you out of your funk. It doesn’t have to be a long term change, just trying something different for a week can be enough to get you out of that bad mood.
Besides, if you don’t like it you can just stop doing it.
#5- Write It Down
Journaling is cathartic. Just like with #1 from above, getting the bad vibes out is important. Remember they are just feelings, they cannot hold power over you if they aren’t in you.
Some people are really good at compartmentalizing their emotions. Pushing them to the side until later on. I would guess that most people don’t have that ability. So for the rest of us, simply ignoring them and hoping they go away probably isn’t enough to make the change from “This sucks” to “Things are pretty good”
The best thing about writing your thoughts down… you never have to look at it again if you don’t want to. Burn that sheet to ash after you’re done if you feel like it. Maybe that will bring further release, you’ll never know until you try.
#6- Research your issue
I know I can find hundreds of people through Google and YouTube that have the answers I’m looking for. Some of them just have the same question and are just putting their thoughts out there, but there are a lot of legitimate professionals that have helpful advice or even just some wise words that may be THE THING you needed to hear.
We’ve all had that experience before. It could be a saying you’ve heard dozens of times, but one person says it in just the right way, at just the right time, and you all of a sudden “get it”. Like a lightbulb going off in your brain.
I know an internet search is probably how you found this article, but this is just general encouragement. There are some real pros out there that have the hardcore stuff you need.
Personally for me, the best advice playlist I’ve found has been on YouTube. A Psychologist named Dr. Paul has a channel called Live on Purpose. Something about the way he speaks makes sense to me. You’ll find the one that makes sense to you if you look for it.
Just Remember You’re Not Alone
We all need encouragement sometimes. Why? Because sometimes things suck! But it gets better.
North Carolina, USA