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This is the time of year when a good majority of us may tend to find ourselves slowly plunging into sadness. Understandably so, because one (for those who celebrate the holidays), all the months of busyness around those festive days that occupied the mind went in a poof just like that! Not only it’s all quiet now, but it’s back to the reality of normal daily living again. Suddenly, there’s just this feeling of void and emptiness. That empty feeling can sometimes manifest as a sense of loneliness, confusion about your life and goals, or lack of motivation. On top of that, depending on where we live in the world, it may even be more difficult to get out of the funk due to the prolonged, darker, and gloomier weather, plus the usual nasty colds or flu the winter season brings along with it oftentimes make us feel even worse. Before long, we may battle every day to do even the basic things. Worst of all, some may even begin to feel that every day feels heavy and pointless. Then you find yourself in what I call a “zombie daze,” that’s when you completely shut down and desperately look for ways to distract yourself from your feelings. When this is the case, although overwhelming, it can be managed by taking steps toward resolution.
In some cases, you may know why you are sad; in other cases, you may not. Sometimes, you don’t have to be in a horrible situation to feel sad. It can come on at any time, even if your life is going pretty good. Regardless of the cause, or even if there doesn’t seem to be one – what can you do to combat sadness when it holds you in its grip and improve your mood?
I’d like to share eight tips to help shift your mindset through a series of positive practices. At times it’s not always easy to get out of a funk. That’s why from time to time, I find it important to take the time to get still, pause, and reflect now and then on these reminders to help me rediscover these seeds of joy in these activities. I’m aware that everybody is different and everybody has different ways of dealing with pain, but if you’re looking for suggestions to start the process toward activities that can impact your mood, you may find these tips helpful.
*Improving your mood to a better state of mind can sometimes be as simple as taking a pause to find those moments of delight in your daily life by engaging in the following activities:
Tip No. 1: Start Your Morning Off On The Right Foot. This is nothing new but quite effective. Upon waking up, take 5 minutes in the morning to write down at least three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude helps you see what is there instead of what isn’t. For me, there’s no greater motivation to jump out of bed when I have something to look forward to. For some, it could be making that favorite cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or matcha.
Tip No. 2: Listening To Music. Music has such power to change our mood. That’s one of the first things I do when I wake up in the morning, is to put on one of my favorite playlists based on my mood for the day. Clearly, sad music (though it has its time some days) would not be advisable if you need a mood boost. Personally, there’s nothing like music to take me on such a mental journey.
Tip No. 3: Do Something Creative. When did you last take time out to do something creative, like a favorite hobby or play your favorite instrument just for fun? Or even creating a vision board of things that lift your mood.
Tip No. 4: Change Up Your Daily Routine Every Now and Then. Doing something exciting and unplanned has a major impact on our brain’s function. The reason is that it helps us experience more excitement in life and encounter new experiences, which has been said to help prevent burnout. Some of my favorite memories entail things I did spontaneously.
Tip No. 5: Take a Nap and Recharge. I always feel better after taking a nap. When we keep taking on more or get tangled in a loop of pointless thoughts, the higher our stress levels increase. Conversely, devoting 15-20 minutes daily to taking a nap is much more beneficial. It would definitely increase productivity (and) keep stress levels down – meaning a much better mood.
Tip No. 6: Consume Less Social Media. Replace social media with going outside in the fresh air for a walk or simply sitting outside and reading a book. I find it to be a game-changer. Preferably a book that will boost your mood and energy. The Bible, believe it or not, has an extraordinary way of making you feel at peace when you read it. Alternatively, this book is a great one!
Tip No. 7: Savor Some Dose Of Positivity. Plan something fun to do if you are feeling up to it. It can be doing something as simple as watching a feel-good movie or listening to a motivational podcast. For me, the simple act of flipping through my favorite decorating magazine and books always lift my spirits.
Tip No. 8: Pray About It. The Bible says that if you pray about your concerns, ‘the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your heart and your mental powers.’—Philippians 4:6, 7. That’s a guaranteed promise from God. To give us inner peace to help us cope with our anxiety, and protect our thinking and emotions. Try it! You’ve got nothing to lose.
If you have found any of these suggestions helpful, please share them with friends and loved ones. I would also be grateful if you were to let me know how these tips have helped you in the comments below.
*Note: I don’t claim to be a psychiatrist or medical doctor of any kind. This post is purely for those suffering from a temporary case of sadness. If sadness persists, it could be that you suffer from a health disorder, such as depression or if you do suffer from clinical depression, there is nothing to be ashamed of. If that’s the case, it’s important to get medical help. Just know you’re not alone. Really, there’s no need to be ashamed of your condition or for seeking help. With treatment, many sufferers have begun to feel better—perhaps the best they have felt in a long time!
Let this year be the year of a healthier you mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. That’s my goal.
