Life is full of ups and downs, whether you’re dealing with workplace conflict or experiencing the loss of a loved one. However, while we have little control over the events in our lives, we do have control over how we respond to them, process them, and move forward.
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As a result, you must find as many ways as possible to take care of yourself when you don’t feel all that great – so that you can move forward with your head held high. However, that’s often easier said than done, especially if you’re in a dark place – so here are some top tips to get you started!
- Figure out the root cause of your unhappiness. Sometimes, there’s a direct correlation between our unhappiness and events that have occurred in our lives, but other times, it’s not quite so clear. Figuring out what is making you feel bad is the first step to moving forwards, as it enables you to remove yourself from that situation moving forward.
- Push yourself to exercise. Whether or not your new year’s resolution was to get fit, exercising is a great way to make yourself feel better when you’re down. This is because it helps your body produce endorphins that promote feelings of happiness and elation. It can also be a great way to clear your head.
- Spend some time in the kitchen. Comfort foods, such as warm, delicious soups, are another great way to make yourself feel a little better. Furthemore, they’re a great way to invest in your long-term health as you develop valuable culinary skills that steer you away from takeout menus and towards the kitchen. For example, if you’re looking for the perfect pick-me-up, you could learn how to make lentil soup. Not only is it delicious, but lentils are also one of the foods that should feature more heavily in your diet, meaning this recipe is a win win.
- Know when to seek help. When you are feeling down, you must ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to rely on your friends, family and loved ones and try to spend time doing the things you love. After all, laughter is great medicine. However, it’s also essential that you know when to see a therapist, especially if you have been dealing with these issues for a long time and are not sure how to move forward in a healthy way.
- Dedicate some of your time to yourself. Whether you’re a busy parent or spend what feels as though you’re every waking moment at work, if you’re looking to improve your life and become happier, then it’s time you start dedicating your time to YOURSELF. Thankfully, there are various ways to do this. For example, you could start small and allocate 10-15 minutes each morning and evening to your self-care routine. Alternatively, you could re-engage with an old hobby that you felt you had no time for in the past. To put it simply, the key to happiness is investing in yourself and what makes you feel good.
