I like to think of myself as a perky person, and for the most part, I am. I smile a lot and I like to make others feel good about themselves. But sometimes, I'm just not perky. Sometimes, I don't even want to be. Sometimes, I'm just down, tired, and grumpy. And when that attitude takes over, life gets a lot harder.
It happens to everyone though- not just me. We all need to perk up sometimes, but we aren't always sure how. So for those days- those bland, blah days- here are 5 ways to perk up when we just aren't feeling perky.
Take a "Loud Drive"
One of my very favorite things to do is to go for a drive, roll the windows down, blast the music, and sing at the top of my lungs. If it's cold outside, I bundle up so I can still keep the windows down. There's something about the wind, the wisps on uncontrolled hair, the loud music, and singing (yelling really) that makes me feel free, happy, and at peace. If you have never tried this, I promise you should. Whether you have an awesome voice, or you sound like Big Bird is dying- it doesn't matter. Sing your heart out and you are bound to feel better!
Get the Suds Going
There's nothing like a hot bubble bath to make a girl feel relaxed. Light some candles, turn the lights off, and soak in silence. If you aren't into soaking with nothing to do, grab a good book and get caught up in another world.
I would also recommend using scented bath salts or essential oils in your bath. Lavender or chamomile are both great for calming down and making you feel better.
Organize a Girl Date
Let's face it: when we are down, we want to be left alone. But isn't that usually the opposite of what we need?
I know that when I need to perk up, I need laughter and fun. I need encouragement and love. When that's the case, organizing a date with my girlfriends often does the trick. Getting together with people who make us smile is great medicine.
Take the Focus off of You
Sometimes, we just have to get over ourselves. A good way to do that is to think of people we know who could use the same kind of encouragement we've been seeking. Maybe instead of sulking in our lack of perkiness, we should find ways to encourage those other people instead. Send a nice card, put together a goody-bag, or even just send a sweet email. Believe me, as much as we think we need it, someone else needs it more!
Rest!
I think we forget sometimes that rest/sleep is tied to how we feel emotionally. Depression and anxiety can definitely worsen when we are overly tired and stressed. So consider this when you are feeling down, grumpy, or frustrated- maybe you just need some rest. Take a nap, lay down in bed, and give your brain a break from the harder things in life.
There are many tough things in life that cannot be solved overnight, so these ideas are not some magic formula that makes everything better. But they are awesome ways to relive stress, have fun, and perk up. So no matter what is going on in life- whether you are struggling through a big problem, or if you are just in a funk- you still need to do all you can to perk up. Try these ideas. I am confident that at least one of them will really help you!
What do you do to perk up? Will you be trying any of these ideas? Comment below.
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