Curing the Blues - 14 "Feel-Good" Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

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Curing the Blues
14 "Feel-Good" Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

By Heather Diodati
http://www.whimsies-online.com

Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in awhile.
The best cure is to be around people that you care about; family,
friends; and keeping yourself busy enough to change your mind.
Here are some "mood changers" to help you overcome those "down-
in-the-dumps" feelings.

1. Less Fortunate

Visit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out small
inexpensive surprises to the residents. They will enjoy the care
and attention from something so unexpected.

2. Pamper Yourself

Pamper yourself with a candlelit bubble bath, then prepare your
favorite gourmet meal while sipping on a glass of bubbly white
wine in one of your special crystal glasses.

3. Something Special for Others

Plan some community work - help out at the local shelter,
volunteer at your local church, work with other volunteers to
spread some caring amongst your community. It'll make you feel
better about yourself and happy that you've helped out others
less fortunate than yourself.

4. All in the Family

Spend some quality fun time with your niece or nephew or other
child in your family.

5. The Gift of Time

Offer to do some work to free-up some time for your spouse or
parent. For example, cleaning Dad's garage or a full-house
vacuuming for your wife. How about for your best friend - you can
walk her dog or baby sit one evening.

6. Long-Distance Caring

Call your favorite aunt whom you haven't seen since she moved far
away, or your best friend who transferred to another country -
let them know you're thinking of them.

7. Just For You

Have you wanted that delicate pair of earrings for awhile but
kept putting off the purchase? Give yourself a special gift - you
deserve it!

8. Seize the Day!

It's a beautiful day! Invite a friend out for a walk to enjoy the
sunshine and fresh air; the peaceful sounds of the birds and the
wind blowing through the trees. Or go for an aerobic power walk
with your friend or by yourself. It's a well-known fact that
exercise releases endorphins, the body's "feel good hormones"
which can calm and de-stress you and generally help to change
your outlook on life.

9. A Movie Night

They say "laughter is the best medicine". Rent or go see a funny
movie, either by yourself or with a friend.

10. Dance up a Storm

Go to a line dance class, one that you don't have to pay for a
series of. You'll be amongst many happy people and you'll learn a
few dance moves while you're at it!

11. Gym-Dandy

Go to the gym to work out (again, those endorphins!)

12. Holly Hobby

Get out your favorite hobby and start on that project you've been
putting off - don't stress yourself about finishing it all in one
day; at least start it and who knows...you might get into a
feverish pitch and accomplish quite abit!

13. Tee-Time

Do you golf? Go to a putting range and hit a few. Or do another
sport that you enjoy; invite a friend or relative..or go alone;
you might make a new friend.

14. Thought Process

Start a journal - explain in detail why you feel "down". In a few
months, read what you wrote on this day. Perhaps you will see
everything in a new light and all those gloomy thoughts will have
disappeared.