This week I had one of those 'meh' days. You know the ones.
Nothing major had gone wrong. Truth to be told, I had no real cause for complaint. Yet there I was. One girl and her bad mood.
Now I'm one of the lucky ones in this game called life. So how to kick myself up the backside and remember that?
No-one likes a whinger. So I tried some quick fixes for getting back on track:
1. Half hour happiness hit
Schedules permitting, take time out and do whatever makes you happy for 30 minutes. For me it was a short run in the fresh air. I didn't feel like going but boy did I feel better afterwards. I always do. Running's not for everyone, though. Go with whatever works for you - climb a hill, bake a cake, dig out your crochet, attack the garden, chill out with yoga. You know better than anyone else what makes your heart sing.
2. Do something for someone else
Far wiser people than me have doled out this advice. They've got it spot on. Do yourself a favour by looking outwards rather than inwards. Email that relative you've been meaning to contact, offer your neighbour a lift home, surprise the kids with their favourite tea. They'll love you for it. And you'll feel better as a result.
3. Find yourself a theme tune
Ah, the marvels of music. Seek out a *happy song* to lift your mood on one of *those* days. It doesn't have to be as obvious as Pharrell Williams. I go through phases, the most recent of which is 'Birdhouse In Your Soul', played at top volume. (Yup, another old age reveal.) Find a track - or several - you can't help singing along to. Play. Loudly. On repeat if required.
And if all else fails? Read this. I defy you not to laugh. 'At The Clothesline', I salute you.
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NB. There's a difference between temporary doldrums and depression. If you think you may be suffering from the latter, please PLEASE seek help.
