Some days, or let’s be honest, some weeks, are just harder than others. And if the week was hard, it doesn’t always mean the week was bad. Sometimes you can have a week without disaster, and even have good accomplishments, but still end up feeling low.
I am susceptible to these feelings, and I have come to find the solution is often to regroup and be good to myself. Depending on the time of day and the type of low I am feeling, the remedy can be different. Sometimes I need a boost, and sometimes I need to relax. Therefore, I wrote down tips for both occasions!
So here goes my list of indulgences that help me bounce back when I’m feeling low.
Fourteen Indulgences
1. Do something you love…
– This could be knitting, working on a home project, or for me, writing. Give yourself time to do something you love.
2. Take a walk…
– This is one of the most beneficial indulgences for me. First, getting out and moving is scientifically proven to help your body and mind. Second, breathing in the fresh air, seeing other humans walking about, and absorbing the scenery can refresh your emotions, and help you pick up your day.
3. Put on music…
– When it’s in the middle of the day and I have a list to get done, sometimes mood boosting music is the way to go. Steer clear from slow songs if you are feeling down. Turn on some peppy music on the best speaker you have and let it inspire your mood.
4. Open up the shades…
– If you have curtains over your windows, push them aside (or dramatically throw them aside) and let the natural light energize you.
5. Back straight and head high…
– Do your tasks with good posture and a high head. When you assert this body posture, it boosts your confidence.
6. Spend time with people…
– Find some people you love, family or friends, and spend time with them. Sometimes all you need is a friend to feel better.
7. Tea…
– Coffee works as well, but I find tea is especially comforting at home. And you get a caffeine boost.
8. Grab a blanket and a book…
– Find a quite place, a comfy seat, wrap yourself in a blanket, and dive into the pages of a new world.
9. Take a break…
– Sit down or lie down, and rest peacefully for a few minutes.
10. Take a nap…
– Sometimes you need to completely rest your body and mind. Treat yourself with a nap.
11. Watch a movie…
– Grab a friend and watch a movie. If you’re out of friends, grab a blanket! I prefer a movie instead of a TV show. TV shows can leave you in the lurch with their continuing plots. With a movie you can enjoy the fulfillment of a whole story. But in concern for time, TV shows are easier to fit in.
12. Chocolate…
– Chocolate makes everything better.
13. Dessert…
– If you don’t like chocolate, pick up your favorite dessert. Ice cream, cupcakes, or whatever suits you!
14. Pray and read the Bible…
– For whatever type of low I’m at, this is the best cure. Open up the Psalms and find comfort. Pray and know the presence of God.
Give Them a Try
Choose a couple of these indulgences and give them a try. Sometimes we need a break, sometimes we need to pull ourselves together, and we always need love.
However you feel, the unpleasant feelings will pass. Pick a tip and pass the time. When you give yourself a chance to recover, it is surprising how fast you can bounce back!
What tip will you try the next time you feel low? What else have you done to bounce back when you felt low? Share in the comments.
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S.J. Siedenburg is a thriller & fantasy novelist, an editor, and a bibliophile with a passion for stories and helping writers finish their novels. She’s the author of the guidebooks Character Presentation, Before the First Draft, and the How to Write a Novel online course. Six of her short stories have been published through writing contests. Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5
2 thoughts on “14 Simple Indulgences to Implement When You’re Feeling Low”
Many of these have worked for me. Also, making music (I play a little guitar/piano/violin), meditation – which goes hand-in-hand with your prayer/read Bible suggestion, and drawing or painting can be an outlet to reframe & refresh! Great tips, SJ : )
Creating music and art, I love these! I can’t draw or paint, but I do color in adult coloring books 🙂 Thanks for sharing!