It is impossible to feel happy 100 percent of the time. Things happen in life that make us feel different things, not all of them positive emotions, and that’s okay because we need to feel these emotions from time to time to really appreciate it when we do feel happy and on top of the world.
The important thing is to have some ideas on hand for when these not-so-happy feelings get us down to move us away from them and back into happier thoughts and feelings.
Today, I wanted to share with you my favourite ways to get happy when I’m feeling down. The idea for making this list originally came from Leonie Dawson’s My Shining Year workbooks, where she shares her “list of things to do when everything sucks” and encourages you to create your own so you are prepared for when things hit rock bottom.
So here’s my list to inspire you to create your own, and I recommend using it anytime you are feeling down – don’t wait until you hit rock bottom 🙂
(Psst: I also created this list in printable format (and included a place for you to make your own list) so you can hang it on your wall to refer to when you need a boost. Grab it HERE!)
Go for a walk
Take a break from whatever you were doing and get some perspective by getting away from it and stretching your legs. The movement will do you good and may even spark some positive endorphins to be released!
If you can’t get out for a walk, try do some stretches nice and slow to really enjoy the process.
Take some deep breaths
Whenever I’m stressed or anxious, my breathing gets really shallow so it does me the world of good to consciously take some deep breaths. There are plenty of breathing exercises out there if you want to get technical about it, otherwise just take some nice slow inhales that fill your chest and belly and then exhale all the negativity out.
Hug someone
A good hug with your partner, friend or family member can do wonders for releasing bad feelings. It is comforting and supporting at the same time. If there is nobody around to hug, a pet provides a good substitute – I love to give my horse a hug, it still feels comforting and supporting AND she doesn’t ask what’s wrong which is sometimes a blessing!
Marvel at nature
Nature is both simple and incredibly complex at the same time. It can do wonders for the soul just to spend time in nature and admire its’ beauty and uniqueness. Anything from raindrops, how the sun is shining through the clouds, the foliage of a plant moving in the wind, to a beetle going about its’ business or horse having a play can put a smile on your face.
After you have been truly amazed, remind yourself that you are a part of nature as well and are just as remarkable 🙂 If you can’t get out in true greenery, then find somewhere you can look up at the sky or go and have some cuddle time with a pet.
Watch a ‘comfort’ show or read a favourite book
I don’t know about you, but I have some movies and series that I find comforting to watch. I’ve seen them many times and know them inside out now, which I think is part of the comforting factor. I know what’s going to happy and often I’ll be smiling before a scene has even started because I know a good bit is coming up.
My favourite comfort shows include the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice series, the Harry Potter movies (and books) and the Heartland series. My favourite books are too many to mention here, but generally, they involve ones that take me to another world for a bit!
Have a pamper session
Take some time to spoil yourself. This doesn’t necessarily have to involve spending money. Try a facial with homemade products or my favourite, a nice soak in a bath of warm water and soap bubbles!
Do something creative
It really is good for the soul to do something creative every now and then (or even every day if you can!). Luckily, there are so many ways we can show our creativity, so if one activity doesn’t really spark us, there are many more out there to try. Do whatever feels good for you.
Ideas to be creative include:
- Drawing or painting – let your hand go freestyle and see what develops.
- Writing fiction – let yourself create a magical world where you can control exactly what happens!
- Singing – A good, loud sing-along is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. It’s a good way to release emotions that may be upsetting your system and return to a calmer, happier state. Go out there and sing like no one is listening! If you are somewhere you can’t sing, then pop in some earplugs and listen to a heartfelt song. Here’s a list of some of my favourites.
- Dancing – I love a good dance! You can be creative with your movements and it gets the heart pumping which is good for your mind, body and soul (as long as you aren’t pushing it too hard!). Dancing to upbeat songs can really lift your mood.
- Photography – looking at things as possible photos really helps us to appreciate their beauty.
- Mosaics – breaking tiles could be a great stress reliever and mosaics can be really beautiful.
- Knitting – not only can knitting be calming, you can create a nice warm woolly jumper, a long scarf or a tea cosy (just to name a few things!)
- Sewing – quilting is a popular pastime or you can sew yourself up some clothes.
- Scrapbooking – have some fun and make your photos look pretty!
- Styling or design, eg. creating a new fashion look, arranging your home decor or even coming up with a new invention of some sort can be satisfying.
- Gardening – plant some colourful flowers in a fun pattern.
- Cooking – a delicious homemade meal can really warm the heart.
Get positive
Learning to turn negativity into positivity really is a great tool to have on your journey to happiness. Some ways to try and do this include:
- Hang out or talk with happy/positive people – give your bestie a call for a cheer-up session.
- Read good news stories – remind yourself that good things happen too.
- Read or watch something inspirational
- Laugh funny laughs – my friend and I did this on the school bus one day. We were in genuine hysterics before long!
- Journal – brainstorm ways to turn negatives into positives.
- Meditate or visualise – Quiet your mind and reset it with a positive visualisation.
Surround yourself with beautiful aromas
Diffuse some lovely essential oil or burn a scented candle to give your mood a boost. Some top picks are:
- Lavender to calm frazzled nerves or get a good night’s sleep
- Lemon to uplift and add a bit of zest to your life
- Peppermint to invigorate and increase your concentration
- Any smell that makes you reminds you of a happy time in your life.
I hope you can use this list to kick-start your own. To start with, make a note of what works and what doesn’t (I keep my list in the Notes app on my phone). Then when you are feeling down, you can refer to your list and pick one to boost your mood.
It’s great to have a visible list to check in with too. Click below to grab a printable version of my list and a template for you to start your own.
If you are currently feeling severely down and/or depression, please know that you can get through this, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. If you are feeling suicidal or on the edge of reason, please reach out right now by contacting family, friends or by using one of the contacts here. Know that others have overcome these dark feelings and are now living lives full of joy. I want that for you too, so please have hope and start your own journey to happiness xo
