Tips to help with low mood:
Sometimes it’s hard to shake off a low mood. Things we normally enjoy seem suddenly boring or pointless and we find ourselves filling our time with distracting, yet unfulfilling activities. When we finally face the fact that we are not okay, our first response is often, “What’s wrong with me?”
Rather than looking for answers to that question, it’s best to start with a different question: “What would do me good right now?” It’s hard to fight battles or face challenges when we’re emotionally and physically run down. Starting with the physical, we need to build up our strength and resilience, so that we have our whole vibrant self available to deal with our situation.
The most insidious characteristic of a depressive mood is that it lures you away from things that make you feel better and towards things that cause the low mood to snowball. So in order to overcome the low mood, you have to stop being led by it and take charge.
Things that improve mood include: sunshine, fresh air, nature, exercise, company, helping someone, pets, singing, dancing, appreciating beauty, a change in routine and, especially, a good night’s sleep after a day of physical exertion. To really shake yourself into a better place, get outside and do a hard day’s work for the sake of someone else. This lifts you up in all areas – physical, mental, social and spiritual.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you will feel better when things in your life change. Take your low mood seriously and address it first. Then you can start to bring about the life changes that you want to see.
Stephanie Hills ©