How to feel better super FAST!
Most of us, if not all of us have days when we feel discouraged, tired, de-motivated, lazy etc. Maybe you simply woke up on the wrong side of the bed, experienced a setback in reaching a personal or professional goal. Had to cop a hard loss, a decision that didn’t go your way or had to endure some tough (but hopefully) fair criticism.
So what do you do to feel better? Here are some ideas to help you feel better super-fast and how to do it.
It’s likely you already have a few go-to activities, but it’s important for you to have a substantial list – one that doesn’t include things like food, alcohol, drugs or other addictive substances. You’ve heard plenty of stories and perhaps you’ve even participated in mindlessly consuming food or other substances. Temporarily allowing you to trick your body AND your mind into feeling happy for a moment. Of course you already know but let me state the obvious; you’re really doing yourself more harm than good. Honestly, you need to address your problems head-on. So here’s how to feel better about yourself, starting right now.
HOW TO FEEL BETTER: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EMOTIONS
One of THE QUICKEST ways to feel better is to recognize that you are in charge of your emotions. This will put you at cause and give you a sense of being in control rather than being a slave or victim and feeling helpless. The next time you feel sad or upset, follow these three steps. You’ll feel positive and empowered within minutes!
- ITS OK TO LET YOURSELF FEEL
We all need a centre. Realise that “happiness” is a state of mind and let it act as your centre point – you have the power to always come back to it. Of course this doesn’t mean you no longer feel other emotions. That would turn you into a robot! The fact is, allowing yourself to acknowledge, feel and work through other emotions is a big part of your emotional intelligence. Ask yourself, “what emotion am I feeling right now”? Identify what you’re feeling and ask yourself what is this feeling telling me? You may not instantly work it out, but you will put your unconscious mind to work and allow your conscious mind to listen. When it’s ready it will come to you.
- PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Most humans have the capacity to experience an entire spectrum of emotions for a reason. They’re here to teach us lessons and help us grow. This means the sad, the happy and everything in between. Be thankful for them – and encourage practicing gratitude in all other aspects of your life as well. This will move you from a potential “scarcity” mindset towards adopting an abundance mindset. You’ll focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have. And that’s one of the best lessons in how to feel better.
- CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
It’s important to let yourself feel, but don’t dwell on your feelings. Every emotions serves a purpose so try to find the lesson in them. Typically once you have found the lesson or learning(s) holding on to the (negative) emotion is no longer needed. Then, you can change your mindset by replacing those negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of being sad, remember good times. Instead of being upset about a setback at work, you’ve realised some lessons and this helps you focus on how you can improve in the future. As the saying goes “Where focus goes, energy flows”. Decide which direction you would like your energy to flow.
NINE MORE WAYS TO FEEL BETTER NOW
In order to feel even happier and achieve longer lasting success, you need to stop allowing destructive habits run unchecked and create new, healthy ways to give yourself a boost. This list has some light-hearted tips for you on how to feel better about yourself:
- SING ALONG WITH YOUR FAVORITE SONG:
Personally, this is one of my favourites! Put on your favourite song, crank the volume, windows down, let the wind blow through your hair and sing your heart out. Of course, it it’s in the middle of winter, maybe keep the windows up. To really get into it, add in some dancing. Movement promotes flow in more ways than one.
- WATCH SOMETHING FUNNY LIKE A MOVIE:
Laughter is contagious! Even if you’re not in the mood for humour, however you can trick your mind into being in a good mood by watching something funny. A good old fashioned bout of laughter releases endorphins, our “feel good” hormone. So get laughing!
- TURN OFF SOCIAL MEDIA:
Social connections are essential – but social media can lead to major feelings of inadequacy, shame and jealousy. Take – a – break and switch it off. It can eat so much of your valuable time which you will NEVER GET BACK.
- TALK TO A FRIEND:
We all crave meaningful connection, and when don’t feel great; texting alone just doesn’t cut it. Hearing your best friend’s voice could be just what you need. That familiar reassuring voice on the other end of the line without any judgement, just a listening ear.
- SPEND AN AFTERNOON WITH YOUR FAMILY:
For most people, family is what life is really all about. Whether they are your blood related, adopted or surrogate family. Remind yourself why you work so hard. Just spending time with them, being present with them will surge your oxytocin levels (our bonding hormone).
- TAKE A WARM OR ICE BATH:
Self-care is essential to learning how to feel better about yourself. Add some candles or essential oils for extra relaxation. For others an ice bath oddly enough also makes you feel better (after you get out though).
- READ A BOOK:
Reading a book is a good way to take your mind off things. It reduces stress, it can suspend your critical faculty and can even help you sleep.
- JOURNAL:
Writing can be extremely relaxing. Recapping the day, noting your thoughts, putting on paper can be a very therapeutic exercise. Journaling turns your experiences, thoughts and ideas into a story. Who knows, it could be a top shelf story in the making!
- GO FOR A WALK/RUN THROUGH THE PARK:
Being outdoors in nature and exercise are good for your mental health. A walk or run in the park is a win-win. From my own experience, I find running very meditative. I hope it does the same for you.
By all means create your own personal list. And the next time you feel disassociated from pleasure and closer to pain, pull out your list and change your state of mind. The more you practice, the easier you’ll find it to move into the positive emotions that make life meaningful and enjoyable. You are in control!
