Everyone feels down sometimes, but if you’re sick of being miserable, there are things you can do about it.
While mindfulness meditation, going for walks, and writing in a journal — the standard advice here — can be helpful, if they’re not making much difference, you might want to try something different. Here are some lesser known tips that might sound a bit strange but could work wonders in helping you feel better.
1. Smell some lemons.
Yeah, you heard that right. Give those yellow fellas a good sniff. The scent of lemons can apparently perk you right up. It’s like a little sunshine for your nose. Next time you’re feeling meh, head to the fruit bowl and take a big whiff. Who knows, you might end up making lemonade — literally and figuratively! And hey, if nothing else, your kitchen will smell amazing.
2. Strike a power pose.
Stand like Superman for a couple of minutes — hands on hips, chest out, like you’re about to save the world. It might feel a bit silly, but it can actually boost your confidence. Just maybe don’t do it in the middle of the office — unless you want to be known as the office superhero, that is. You might even inspire a new office trend — Friday Power Pose sessions, anyone?
3. Chew some gum.
Pop a piece of gum in your mouth and chew away. Apparently, it can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Plus, you’ll have minty fresh breath. It’s a win-win situation. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try some of those wacky flavours — bacon gum, anyone?
4. Watch cute animal videos.
Source: Unsplash Take a break and watch some puppies or kittens doing adorable things. It’s practically impossible to feel grumpy while watching a baby goat in pyjamas. Just try not to fall down a YouTube rabbit hole and spend three hours watching “Top 100 Cutest Animal Moments”. Actually, who are we kidding? Go for it! You might even discover your new spirit animal in the process.
5. Do a random act of kindness.
Help an old lady cross the street, pay for the coffee of the person behind you, or just give someone a compliment. Being kind to other people can give you a mood boost too. It’s like a boomerang of good vibes. What goes around comes around, and all that jazz. You might even start a chain reaction of kindness — how cool would that be?
6. Take a cold shower.
Brace yourself and turn that shower knob all the way to cold. It’s a shock to the system, but it can really wake you up and boost your mood. Plus, you’ll be saving on your hot water bill. If nothing else, you’ll be so busy thinking about how cold you are, you’ll forget to be grumpy! And hey, you’ll have a great story to tell about your polar bear plunge experience.
7. Laugh, even if you don’t feel like it.
Source: Unsplash Force yourself to laugh. It might feel fake at first, but real laughter often follows. Your brain can’t tell the difference anyway. Before you know it, you’ll be giggling for real. Of course, you probably shouldn’t do this on public transport — people might think you’ve lost the plot. Or do, and see if you can get the whole bus laughing along with you!
8. Eat some dark chocolate.
Grab a piece of dark chocolate and let it melt in your mouth. It’s not just delicious, it can actually boost your mood. Who knew being happier could taste so good? You don’t have to stop yourself from eating the entire bar in one go, either! You could even become a chocolate connoisseur and host tasting parties — now that’s a hobby that’ll keep you smiling!
9. Squeeze a stress ball.
Get yourself a squishy stress ball and give it a good squeeze. It’s oddly satisfying and can help relieve tension. Plus, it’s a great way to strengthen your grip. You’ll be opening stubborn jars like a pro in no time! Maybe you could start a collection of weird and wacky stress balls — the quirkier, the better!
10. Try some tongue twisters.
Say “she sells seashells by the seashore” five times fast. It’s hard to stay in a bad mood when you’re tripping over your own tongue. If nothing else, you’ll be too busy concentrating on not saying something rude by accident to feel down. You might even discover a hidden talent for speedy speech — future auctioneer, perhaps?
11. Dance like nobody’s watching.
Source: Unsplash Put on your favourite tunes and have a solo dance party. Shake your booty, flail your arms, whatever feels good. The sillier you look, the better you’ll feel. Oh, and make sure your curtains are closed, unless you want to give your neighbours a free show! Who knows, you might invent the next viral dance craze in your living room.
12. Write a thank-you note.
Jot down a quick thank-you note to someone, anyone. Focusing on gratitude can really lift your spirits. And hey, you might just make someone else’s day too. It’s like spreading happiness through the power of stationery! You could even make it a daily habit — imagine how many people you could make smile in a year!
13. Blow some bubbles.
Grab a bottle of bubbles and start blowing. There’s something magical about watching those shimmery orbs float away. It’s like blowing your troubles into the air and watching them pop. Plus, it’s a great way to practise your circular breathing — you know, for when you decide to take up the didgeridoo. You might even discover you have a hidden talent for bubble art — bubble sculptures, anyone?
