What do you like to do when you are feeling low?

What do you like to do when you are feeling low? When I was 22, I became depressed and remained depressed for a little over a year. For over a year, every single day I had a fight with. For more than a year, every single day felt overwhelming and pointless.

Since then I’ve made tremendous progress by becoming more self-aware, practicing self-love, and seeing the infinite blessings and possibilities in my life, but I still have days when those familiar old feelings take over.

I’m not always self-conscious, I don’t always love myself, and sometimes I yearn for everything I don’t have or haven’t accomplished. I would just completely shut down and look for ways to distract myself from my feelings.

17 Ways to Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Down

Everyone is different, and everyone has different ways of dealing with pain, but if you’re looking for tips, you may find these helpful:

1. Step back and self-reflect

Whenever I start to feel sad, I try to stop, reflect, and get to the root of my feelings.

2. Reach out to someone

I used to suppress my feelings for fear that I would be judged if I talked about them. I’ve since discovered that connecting with a cherishing, understanding individual is probably everything thing I can manage.

3. Listen to music

Music can heal you, put you in a better mood, make you feel less lonely, or take you on a mental journey.

4. Laugh

Watch an amusing film or invest energy with somebody who has better than average humor… Laughing relieves stress and has a natural ability to heal.

5. Go for a walk

Walking always helps me clear my head and remove negative energy. It is especially therapeutic if you choose to walk in a scenic spot.

6. Write

When I’m feeling sad I usually write the first thing I do. It always helps me to put my thoughts and feelings in front of me.

7. Take a nap

Sometimes we just need to recharge. I always feel better after taking some rest.

8. Plan a fun activity

Moving around never assists me with feeling good, so it for the most part assists with arranging something amusing to do in case I’m feeling like it. It could be as big as creating my own vision board or planning a trip.

9. Reconnect with someone

Connect with an old companion or relative you haven’t addressed in some time. Reconnecting with people almost always lifts my mood and fills my heart with love.

10. Cry

I don’t like crying in front of people, but whenever I get a chance to go off on my own and cry, I always feel better afterward. Crying relieves pain.

11. Try deep breathing exercises 

Find someone you like and do it whenever you are stressed or overly emotional.

12. Cultivate gratitude

Practicing gratitude every day has been a major source of healing in my life. When I step back and focus on everything I should be thankful for, it makes me feel like I have everything I need and lack nothing. It makes me feel complete.

13. Get out of the house

I work from home, so most of my time is spent indoors, tucked away in front of my laptop. I have to make it a point to hang out from time to time, whether it’s to get some fresh air or go out to eat with a friend.

14. Focus on what really matters to you

Sometimes I forget what matters to me and what is not. Some things just don’t value bothering about.

15. Daydream

Take a mental break. Allow your psyche to meander for some time.

16. Take a mental health day

Sometimes we just need to take a day off to clear our heads and nourish our souls. My mental health history has been a bit volatile, so nurturing it is a priority in my life.

17. Let it go

This is my very simple mantra. I usually say this to myself several times each day, which has been very liberating and empowering.

Read Also: What to do If Nothing Makes You Happy