Getting Back to My Happy Place

I just want to be happy again! That phrase runs through my mind when I am feeling down in the dumps and depressed. I know that I am not the only one. Even the happiest of people have down days. But just HOW do we get over it? How do we switch our thinking to help improve our mood when everything around us seems to be going wrong. It's not always easy to pull yourself out of a bad mood and impart a little happiness into your spirit, but it is OH SO NECESSARY! Happiness is a state of mind and when we can calm our restless mind and bring it back to balance and peace, happiness will surely follow! Here are a few simple things you can do to help improve your mood quickly and easily.

 

1. Find something to laugh at.

Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Find a humorous book, or watch a comedy. Even better, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others.

 

2. Listen to great, upbeat music.

Music can shift a listener's state within moments. It's effect can be nearly magical. Dig out that CD you haven't listened to in ages or tune in your radio to something you've never listened to before.

 

3. Doodling for the fun of it.

Most people can remember when they were young and used to doodle for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures. Drawing is not just for kids or artists. Whoever you are get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw for the fun of it. Notice how your state of mind shifts.

 

4. Simple breathing meditation.

Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere. Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward.

 

5. Go for a walk.

Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds. Can you think of such a setting not? What do you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees? Make it real by taking a short stroll.

 

6. Spend quality time with friends or family.

Sometimes, it's as simple as calling up your best friend or your favorite family member and just hanging out with that positive, light-filled energy that happens when you are together.

 

7. Think happy thoughts.

We truly are what we think. So when you are down, try hard to focus on the positive things that happening in your life or think about things that make you happy. Count all the ways in which you are blessed in the current moment. Write down 5 things that you love about yourself and read them out loud to yourself in the mirror. These are all pretty simple. There's nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up these may be just the thing you need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change more quick and easily--surprisingly so at time-- than you imagine.