Jan 27

Jan 27 10 Ways I Shift My Mood When Things Fall Apart

I’ve been missing in action for months, and sadly…I left my blog silent like a ghost town, filled with memories of my lost ambition and promises I’ve broken to myself. Now I’m sitting on the couch thinking about the things I should’ve done better in 2019. Things like…lose weight, continue therapy, stop my vicious cycle of self loathing and self pity. Sometimes, it feels like I can’t help but feel sorry for myself. I masquerade as if I’m a well adjusted person, but when I’m alone with my thoughts, I feel like I’m drowning in sadness.

Sigh, it’s at this point my therapist would remind me that I’m letting my anxiety get the better of me and that I’m being hard on myself again. When things fall apart, for me - usually emotionally - it’s important for me to have to tactics I can use to pull me out of the funk. Here’s a few things I do to get myself together…

1. Watch a movie or TV show that makes me laugh and lifts my spirits. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, boosts your immune system, reduces stress and blood pressure. My go-to shows are Psych, Martin reruns, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Astronomy Club - episodes currently on available Netflix. After watching a couple of episodes I start to feel like I’m in a better place

2. Take a walk. Walking can help to increase your mood, decrease stress, lower BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol. Sometimes, I just like to take a walk at the mall and do a little window shopping. It’s a nice change of scenery and it’s big enough for me to keep my mind occupied. Switching up my environment stops me from overthinking my problems and on the plus side it gives me a decent workout.

3. Journaling. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling allows you to prioritize your problems and fears, track day to day symptoms of anxiety and depression, so you can learn better ways to control them. I recently bought Gabrielle Bernstein’s Supper Attractor Journal, which I use to record my thoughts nightly before bed. Sometimes putting things down on paper allows me to free up space in mind and have a better night sleep. I’ve learned to not focus on needing a structure for journaling I freely write whatever comes to my mind no matter the topic. When I go back and read my thoughts later, I can really see how I’ve grown and how my thinking has shifted.

4. Cuddle with my fur babies. Studies have shown that pets lower blood pressure, elevate serotonin and dopamine, provide companionship, reduce stress and anxiety. I recently lost my favorite kitty girl, Daisy May, which broke my heart. When she was around Daisy May’s purring and kitty kisses had a magical way of making me feel better. She would sit me with when I wasn’t in a good mood and focusing my attention on her was just the distraction I needed. I miss my pumpkin faces girl so much.

***Rest In Peace my beautiful kitty girl.***

5. Play board games with my daughter. Kids are a really good distraction. My daughter and I love to play board games and our family game nights have kept me from wallowing in self pity.

6. See my therapist. Personally, I think everyone should see a therapist. Therapy brings objectivity to your life, is a sounding board for your problems while simultaneously helping you identify solutions. I see my therapist twice a month…it’s money well spent. She helps me regain perspective, has taught me how to reframe my anxious thoughts and her objectivity allows me to see myself differently. Together we created affirmations I recite daily to get my mind right.

7. Listen to an audiobook. Since most of my time is spent in my car, I listen to quite a few audiobooks to occupy my time. Listening to these books allows me to use my imagination and focus on the voice of the storytellers. Currently, I’m listening to the hilariously funny book, Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson.

8. Watch cat videos. Who doesn’t like cat videos? From heartwarming stories about the rescues of stray, playful kittens to cats cuddling with their interspecies friends - all of these videos bring a smile to face. Two of my favorite videos is Cat Loves Giving His Pig Friends Massages and 10 Reasons Why Cats are Better than Dogs.

9. Hang out with or talk to a friend. I recently went to the movies with a friend, even though everything in me wanted to stay home and be sad. I had a great time. We enjoyed good conversation, delicious food and drinks and a great movie, The Gentlemen - starring Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant and Colin Farrell. I laughed so hard, I forgot why I was stressed to begin with.

10. Scented candles. I love coming home from work and lightning my favorite scented candles. The fragrances relax me, keep my apartment smelling fresh and create a soothing and stress free environment. My favorite scent right now is Pumpkin Pecan Waffles which I recently bought at Bath & Body Works.