Down in the Dumps


No one ever likes to admit when they're under the weather....down....or the taboo word "depressed." For the last month, there have been more rainy days than sunshine and it has made me down. It sucks to feel down when you are usually an upbeat and happy person.

Life isn't always cheerful. In fact, I wholeheartedly believe that in order to appreciate joy, one has to get acquainted with sorrow.

I just spent the last 30 minutes belly ache laughing at a facebook post and it inspired me to write this blog post. Yes, good old fashioned laughter is really the best anecdote for the blues. Communicating with people who make you laugh, reading a funny book or watching a comedy is a sure way to make you feel better; if even for a short period.

Some other ways that I have found help lift my spirit when I am down include:

1) Wearing bright colors or fun prints. Walking into a room with bright colors on or a whimsical print is an instant mood lifter and may even invite welcome comments on your attire. People tend to dress in dark colors when they are depressed or when it's cold so why not dress colorfully and reflect the mood that you want to attract?

2) Surround yourself with light. Sometimes literally. Sitting in a dark room is depressing in itself. Light some candles or turn on some bright lights. You will notice that the room ambiance changes when you let some light in. Open the blinds if the sun light is out for natural light.

3) Buy something that makes you happy. It doesn't have to be extravagant or fancy. Simple things like gummy bears, fresh cut flowers or lemons for homemade lemonade make me happy.

4) Create your happy space in your home. Find a place in your home and make it your happy space by adding a comfy blanket, framed photos of your favorite memories, a few good books, mug warmer, etc. Only utilize this space when you truly want to relax and be happy. Don't use this space t sulk or cry because now you won't associate it with happiness. I retreat to my daughter's room (she's away at college) and read in her bed which is by a window.

5) Write your thoughts down. Keep a journal when you are feeling depressed. It will help to get the feelings OUT of your thoughts. One day when you are stronger, revisit your journal and measure how far you've come.

Rainy days are no fun. There's always a calm after any storm. And if you look hard enough, you may even find a beautiful rainbow.

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