13 Ways to Pick Yourself Back Up if You’re Feeling Down

So, I recently got some upsetting news, and it has me feeling really down and blue. I have no desire to do anything but eat ice cream and cry. But obviously, I am not going to get anything done if I continue this way. So, I’ve decided to list several things that I can do that will help get me out of my funk. I hope this list helps you when you’re down.

1. Make a List

This is the simplest thing you can do that will help a ton. In fact, this list I made of ways to pick yourself up, is my list. If you need inspiration, you can always Google your problem, and see the different ways to deal with it as recommended by others. You could also make a pros and cons list. A Pros and Cons list always spells out very clearly the good vs the bad.

2. Excercise

I know you probably know this already, but when you’re really stressed or frustrated, there’s nothing like burning some calories and sweating it out in the gym–or going for a walk. Exercising releases endorphins, which help you feel happier & less stressed, and not to mention, you’ll be so tired that you’ll definitely get a good night’s sleep.

3. Listen to Music

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Seriously, though, music has healing powers. There’s literally a song virtually every situation. In my particular situation, I literally stayed up for 2.5 hours (until like 2:30am!) listening to certain songs that fit my situation, and I was amazed by how much I could relate to the artists. It helped me feel better. Because I felt understood. Like…YASSSSS!

4. Cry it Out

I know there are some people who may disagree with me…but I believe that crying releases your pain. And a good cry will make you feel SO much better. Just remember not to sit and wallow in self-pity. Cry, and then get back to business. If you’re like me though, the crying comes in random bouts. Like, I will be focused and doing something, and then–in my situation–something on Facebook or something that I come across will remind me of the situation I’m in, and then here comes the waterworks. But I allow myself the time I need to cry (as long as it’s not in front of the person. But even then, sometimes, I think that’s healthy. It’s OK to show emotion. You don’t have to act like a hard b!*ch or man all the time, although that’s what society has led us to believe. It’s normal to show emotion.)

5. Recite Positive Affirmations

This one actually came about, because I know that my love language is positive affirmations. I get pleasure when I’m complimented, and have life spoken into me! I get excited! 😊 So, while I was down, I decided to download an app that gives me positive affirmations every hour. 12 / day. From 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM. But you can adjust the time and amount that you’d like to receive. It cost $14/year. Which, to some people, might be a waste of money, but for me, it really helps, and I see it as an investment in myself. You gotta do that sometimes.

6. Write / Blog / Journal

Writing is therapeutic AF. It lets you express yourself. You don’t have to write about your problem/situation either. Just writing about where you want to be in the next 2 weeks. A year. Or remembering a better time / situation then your present one. Or even writing a short story. Or even starting a blog, like the one you’re on now. Just try it. You’ll be happy you did. Especially when you can look back on it and see how far you’ve come. 😁

7. Write them a letter & then…

Burn it. Rip it up. Or leave it. You don’t have to give it to them. But this is more for you than them. It allows you to come face to face with your emotions and helps you process them. If you’re anything like me, you may not be “quick on your feet” and can think of exactly what you need to say on the spot. Writing your emotions down about the situation or person/people involved can bring clarity and then you can process what you’re feeling. It helps relieve your stress and trauma, too.

8. See the Lesson / Self-Reflect

This is perhaps one of the harder things to do on the list. In my situation, I felt really hurt, and could not see the “silver lining” at all. But then I started to do a few of the other things on this list first, and it helped me see my thoughts in a clearer way. I was able to understand–not agree with–the other person’s point of view. It’s okay to disagree. But if you can stop and say, “hm, although I don’t agree, I can see why they feel that way.” Then you’re already making progress!

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9. Cuddle with Pets

This one goes without saying. Pets make everything better. They can feel when somethings wrong with their person–you–and they are there for you. If you don’t have a pet, consider spending time around someone else’s pet! Or go volunteer at a shelter. They are always looking for people to help, and shelter animals are in desperate need of love and attention. It’ll be good for both you and them. And hey, who knows, you may decide to bring home your next best friend!

10. Talk to a Therapist

I know that talking to a therapist is stigmatized heavily, but it shouldn’t be. There’s nothing “wrong” with you for seeking someone to talk to. Sometimes parents, friends, and other loved ones just don’t understand, or can’t be unbiased. What you don’t want is to fall into depression, or feel like harming yourself because you have no one to talk to. I’ve been there. It’s not a good place. If you ever feel like you are getting to that place, please know there are people who you can talk to.

11. Pray

If you aren’t spiritual or religious, feel free to skip this one. But me being a woman of faith, I know that my God will never place more on me than I can handle. I remember having .82 cents in my checking account, wondering how I was going to pay my bills, and that same week, I got blessed with over $1,200. I cannot doubt him. He may not be on your time, but he always delivers on time. I’m not going to preach too much, but ask for what you need. The ability to forgive, the ability to heal, the ability to take the anger, hurt, resentment, pain, etc. from your heart. And watch our Lord God do it!

12. Talk to them

I saved this one for second to last. This is probably the hardest one on the list. Dealing with the root of the problem head-on may sound overwhelming or may even be impossible in some cases. But if you take some space and time to process your feelings and emotions, and you do some of the other things on this list first, trust and believe this one gets easier. Because, if you’ve followed everything on this list, I’m willing to bet your mood has 100% improved and you’re perhaps a little calmer and can think a little clearer. But this decision may not be best for everyone. Use your best judgment.

13. Let it Go.

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Sometimes, all you CAN do it just accept it, get over it, let it go, and move on. The time you take dwelling over it, you’re missing out on precious time that you could be using to make good memories and emotions instead. You only have one life to live. So why not live it to its fullest? Don’t “borrow trouble” as my family would say. That means when you take on problems and create issues when you really don’t need to. I feel as though we all do this at times. Sometimes we need to slow down and relax. Inhale the good shit, exhale the bullshit.

There, we made it though the list. I will have you know that I have done EVERYTHING on this list, and I am now feeling so much better. Live is good. Live it. Love it. Be happy. ❤️

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