Breathe.

Inhale fresh air, exhale toxic thoughts. Take a deep breath in, hold. Release, completely emptying your lungs. Repeat. It may sound cheesy, but a breath of fresh air does wonders for your spirit. 🙂 

Take time ALONE.

There was a period of time when nothing scared me more than being alone. I would tell myself I was an “extrovert”… because, of course, that would explain why I always wanted to be on the go and around people. When we fear to be alone, we seek outside sources to fill the empty space. The truth was, I didn’t know who I was and I didn’t like the person I was being, but I didn’t have to worry about it when I was distracted by other people and places. There came a certain point when I finally realized that I HAD to take some time alone with myself to really get to know who I am and what I need from ME. 

Read.

You are a BADASS: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jin Sincero

*This book was one of the BIG game changers for me!

Also, Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Exercise.

Go for a walk. Do yoga videos at home. Do jumping jacks during each commercial break of your show— just DO something. Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. And happy people don’t kill their husbands.. they just don’t. →[If you don’t get the Legally Blonde reference, we can’t be friends. ;)]

Sit outside.

Okay, I realllly hate to admit this, but nature used to be the total opposite of “my thing.” I didn’t like bugs or physical activity, so I guess it makes sense that I wouldn’t be outdoorsy LOL. But being outside and enjoying nature is actually one of the things that I feel like truly “healed” me when I was at my lowest. (PS I still don’t do bugs..⊗)

Go outside. Look around. Be present. Take in all of the greenery, the browns, the wind, the sky, the birds, the trees. All of the things that need absolutely nothing from you and are thriving.

Journal.

I can’t say this enough: Get a journal. Make one. Use a napkin. Whatever works for you. Just start writing. Let your bottled up thoughts and worries flood through your pen and onto paper. When I’m upset, I vent to my journal (poor thing), which helps me get my thoughts organized and keeps me from overreacting in the moment. After I write a full thesis over why I’m right, I either am fully prepared for battle (lol) or I realize I’m being dramatic and let it go {←usually the case..} Also, I use my journal for happy things, such as favorite quotes, random thoughts {Lord† knows I have plenty}, doodling, making lists, daily gratitude (I talk more about this later), reflection, documenting events, weighing out pro’s and con’s, and jotting ideas for other things. Journals have numerous uses and they’re the perfect way to spend some alone time with yourself!!

Make a list of things that make you happy.

Notice I didn’t include a number because it differs for everyone. Think about all the things that make you happy or make you smile. Make a list and GO DO them! You have to pick yourself up out of your rut and change your behavior in order to change how you feel. 

TIP: If you are really struggling, I know it can be hard to think of what could make you happy. Hugs.♥ Maybe try to think back to the last time you were happy or at least feeling “okay.” What were you doing? If you can’t think of many things to list, go try new things! I literally have TOO many hobbies now because this is exactly what I had to do. Email me and I can give you plenty of ideas!

Figure out exactly what brings you down.

It’s very important to be able to assess your situation and determine what is bringing you down. Once you know what is hurting you, STEER CLEAR. Let it go. Let them go. Does binge eating leave you feeling sick and guilty? Stop. Do you keep letting him/her take advantage of you? Stop. Do you absolutely dread work every day? Find a new job. Do you hate waking up with a hangover and a conscience full of regret? Stop. Stop feeding the hurt, the guilt, and the pain. There are plenty of people out there that will beat you down. You can’t keep doing it to yourself. 

Daily Gratitude

When you feel like nothing is going right, it’s sometimes because you are so used to looking for the wrong. Make a list of 10 things that you accomplished or are thankful for from TODAY. What went well? Write it. Did something make you laugh? Write it. Did you get a compliment? Write it. Did you refrain from choking the rude cashier at Priceless? Write it. Did a stranger open the door for you? Write it. Was the breeze extra refreshing? Write it. 

Learn to seek the positives and be thankful for even the little things. Sometimes you truly have to work to find the silver lining, but I promise it’s there.

Be kind.

Psychologists constantly debate whether people are inherently good, but I believe without a shadow of a doubt WE ARE. Doing good things for others makes you feel better. Being kind is the best way to cheer yourself up. Pick someone, think of something kind you could do for them, and do it. Send a sweet text wishing a friend good luck on an interview. Call your mom just to tell her you’re thankful for her. Bake some cookies for a neighbor. Take a long, hot bath {Hey, you’ve gotta be kind to yourself too;)}. Let someone go in front of you in line. Wave and smile at 5 strangers. The best way to change your thoughts is to change your actions.