There are so many things in this world that can bring us down. But there’s so much more that can make us feel better!! It’s definitely a proven fact that we need some time for ourselves. There’s so many things that I truly enjoy doing, but somehow in losing myself, I have forgotten how much I really love doing some of the things on this list.

In this new journey of mine, my metanoia, I have been finding myself doing these very things that I used to LOVE so much. To bring some of the love back into my life! I am not alone, of course, try some of these things out with family members and friends!!

Listen To Some Of Your Favorite Inspiring Songs

I’m not sure about you, but music has been a part of my life, from the time I was a little itty bitty. I can always find a song, or whole list of songs that seem to make me feel better. By making me feel better, that doesn’t always mean that I’m all smiles and rainbows after I listen. Sometimes these songs will make me cry (which can be a good thing!), and help me to get everything out. Other times they’re empowering, or provide me with a creative outlet and inspiration for my latest projects.

Spoil Yourself A Little Bit

One of my favorite pick me up’s is a little bit of self-pampering. Sometimes it’s as simple as my favorite color nail polish. Other days, I will go all out with a full on spa day! Grab the bath salts, and face masks, then finish up with a nice body lotion. It is so very relaxing, and it gives me time to clear my mind of any negative thoughts. I always feel better, and so nice and refreshed. It definitely sets a nice relaxing and calming tone for the rest of the day.

Read A Book (or magazine, blog, or any other type of your favorite publication)

Now, I know it can be hard to find the time and sit down and read a book. Most of the time, I end up resorting to a couple articles on my phone. It’s something about the convenience. When I am at home, though, and have some time, maybe after I’ve done some nice self-pampering, I like to curl up in my chair and pull a blanket over to get lost in a good book.  It opens up my imagination, and there is something ultimately relaxing about that. If you’re not into books, pick up your favorite magazine, or comic!

Go For A Walk!

It’s no secret that going for a walk is good for you. Just how good is it for you though? Well since walking is exercise, and exercise releases endorphins, it is naturally going to make you happier. There was a bike path by my old house that I loved going on because it was full of trees, and nature. Since I don’t have that anymore, I like to go for a walk just around the town. I can’t wait until Christmas time when all of the lights and decorations are up.

Start A Journal

Writing in a journal can be so therapeutic. Here you can write down any and all of your thoughts. Just be sure that nobody is around to read it, if you want it private. I can’t even count the amount of things that I have written down that I really didn’t want anybody else to read.

Luckily, a journal isn’t ONLY for private thoughts that you don’t want anybody else to read. This is also your creative space, where you can use different pens and markers, write in poetry, or draw pictures. One nice thing is that you also don’t have to write perfectly, or be politically and grammatically correct. This is YOUR SPACE! A good journal is so important! I like to take the time to really look for a journal, one that is really me. My current journal is leather bound and a really pretty vintage brown. I love it, but I haven’t officially started it yet. I’m not even totally sure why I haven’t.

Over the years I have thrown a lot of journals away. Sometimes it’s scary to re-open those journals and read all of the things you needed to get out in the first place. It can also be very humbling, as you realize how far you have come since then.

Find A Hobby

This one can get a little tricky, but once you find the right hobby it can be so much fun! My hobbies include singing, writing and photography mostly. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing, I have been on stage my whole entire life.

Since I can’t always be on stage, and the weather isn’t always permitting for photography (scenic photos are my favorite) I have definitely focused more on writing lately. Even if it’s something that won’t be published. For me, it helps me get some ideas rolling.

Last year and this year, though, I have also done a lot more experimenting with food in the areas of baking and canning! Those activities are a bit more interactive, since I can do them with the kids and my boyfriend. It’s also great in the winter when it gets too cold outside (last year it got down into the -50’s!), and I’m sick of being in front of a computer. Having a hobby (or a couple) is a really good way to distract yourself from any arousing negative thoughts.

Get Crafty!

This may seem a little childish, but trust me on this! Sometimes there is nothing better than just creating! The best part is that there is so much you can do. If you can think of it, you can create it, and there’s no limits!

One night my niece and I wanted to do something together. We are both creative, and Taurus’s, so we have a lot of the same thinking. We decided to make “I love me jars”. Now this is something we both just kind of came up with, so we had quite a bit of fun with it. We both decorated mason jars for the other, using mod podge and decorative scrap book paper that we felt represented our personalities. While the jars were drying, we each wrote endearing quotes to each other to fill the jar with. So when I’m having a bad day I can open up my jar and read a special note from my niece. It’s so sweet!

Take A Nap

Yes, I said it!! Go lay down, relax!! While it is not ALWAYS healthy to shut the world out, it is okay to do sometimes!! We all need time for ourselves, and quite frankly sometimes we just need time to recharge. Even if it’s just to shut your eyes for a few minutes.

I am an empath, so when I’m around a lot of people I tend to absorb their energy. (I don’t mean to, I promise) It can be really exhausting, and the next thing I know I am back in my own head again. Sometimes the best thing for me to do is to just walk away, find some space away from everybody and lie down. Even if you don’t totally fall asleep, relaxing is often times enough. Now I know this is not always possible, but if it is, take advantage of it!

Call A Friend Or Family Member

There’s really not many people I will sit and talk to. So if I’m feeling down a little bit, and want to talk to somebody there is really only 3 people I will call and talk to. Those people are my mom, my brother, and my sister in law. These three people know practically everything about me, so there’s not much I can tell them that they don’t already know about me. The great thing about this, is that you can call and talk, pour your heart out, and for me, it does help me feel better. Never ever underestimate the power of family and friends, also known as your support group, when you need them. You don’t even have to be going through anything, you can just call to say hi!!

Editors Note: My mom has passed away since writing this. It breaks my heart to read this and know that I can’t call her anymore. BUT, it also reminds me of how wonderful my mom was.

Watch Your Favorite Movie Or TV Show

Ahhhhh, the era of Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. With the power of streaming, long gone are the days that we have to sit in front of the never ending TV Guide Channel, and hope we don’t miss what channel and time our favorite show is on. With the power of streaming we can type in the name of a show and or movie and it will come up or we can browse through category and select whatever we would like to watch. Thus, binge watching has been born.

When I’m having a bad day, watching my favorite TV Shoes and movies is one of my favorite go to’s.

***Bonus Tip*** Watch your favorite TV shows and movies while putting on a face mask, or giving yourself a manicure / pedicure! I love doing all of these things with a hot cup of coffee, or tea if it’s night.

Talk To Someone Who Has Gone Through A Similar Situation

I am definitely not saying getting professional help (but if you feel that is something you want to or need to do, by all means PLEASE DO! I’m not here to judge), and I’m not repeating to talk to somebody in your support group. There are lots and lots of online forums, and discussion rooms where people can open up, even anonymously if you wish. Sometimes talking to somebody who has been through a similar situation can help a lot. Listening to their point of view can be refreshing, especially if it provides a brighter perspective.

I’m going to be honest. I have struggled with this a lot, and still do. This is why I have started this blog. As much as I say to talk to your family and friends, and it helps when you do, sometimes it’s just not enough. I get that.

There you have it my friends!! Some of the things I like to do when feeling a little down. You know, you also don’t have to necessarily be feeling DOWN to do these things. I’m sure that goes without saying. I’m also sure I missed like a million more things, but these are the best ones I could think of without boring everybody to death.

Let me know in the comments what you do when you’re feeling down.