How to feel better

Maybe I’m not the best person to write about this, but this week I wanted to post something different. I want to share my tips on how to relax and how to feel better when you’re feeling a bit blue.  This is not about how to treat a depression, tensions, anxiety or something like that. It’s just about little sadness, maybe caused by the bad weather, hard day at work or that part of the month (you know what I mean). If it works for me it would not necessary work for you, I just want to give some suggestions.

1. Working out

Because of the summer weather I stopped working out and after 10 days or so I started to feel my level of energy dropping. I’m not a workout fanatic, it’s just that exercising makes me feel happier; I can eat more without guilt and my behind looks better. I’m always proud on myself after, because I’ve done something good for myself and if I manage to combine that with healthy eating it’s a win/win situation. The problem here is an occasional (long periodic) lack of motivation. I think that it’s important to find some activity that you really like. Don’t enroll to Zumba class just because your friend goes there. And please take baby steps – I often make this mistake and push myself too hard at the beginning.

2. Taking a bath

This is maybe more appropriate for colder months. 15 minutes in colorful and scented hot water (from my favorite bath bomb) and I’m a different person when I get out of my bathroom. I discovered this just a few months ago, before it seems to be a pointless thing for me. Baths leaves your skin so soft; you smell very good and get the super clean feeling. It relaxes you, calms your nerves and gets you ready for a good sleep.

3. Listening to music or singing

I listen to my favorite music and dance during that time almost every day. Let me be clear - I do this only in my room when nobody’s watching, because anyone who would see me would laugh and I really don’t want that. The feeling is just great, you can be a famous pop star for a minute and the whole world is clapping when you’re taking a bow at the end. Let your imagination free and don’t set limits. The same thing is with singing. When I’m home alone I always have some karaoke time. Gosh this sets you free, but is less discreet than twerking with your headphones on.

4. Talking with girlfriends

I consider my boyfriend as my best friend, but we can’t talk about things like I with my girlfriends can. Girl talk is often so liberating. We don’t necessary talk about dirty secrets, bad habits of our boyfriends or cute coworkers. It can be about our most embarrassing moments and we’ll laugh them trough together without a guilt or shame. We like to talk about beauty, clothes, celebrities, TV and I admit – we always gossip. It’s the most important part of conversation. You need to know what is new about that old school friend of yours, right? Friends are my best advisers, because they know me the best, we know each other since preschool. Life can be sometimes too busy and it’s hard to find the time to get together, so I now cherish our moments together even more.

5. Spending time with pets

I’m a big cat person, my family owns two cats. I spend time with them every day when I’m at home. I cuddle them, brush their hair, give them to eat and occasionally play with them. I say occasionally, because they are old and lazy to play with me, but sometimes they release that ´inner child´ and became playful. Maybe you’ll laugh, but I talk to them. Of course I know that they don’t understand me, don’t worry. The best part of this is that they always agree with me, no matter what I say and they are very good listeners – joke.  They can also make me angry if they do something wrong or hurt me with their paws, but mostly, they relax me.

6. Reading

Book can transfer you to another world and for some time you ˝deal˝ with problems on the paper and forget on your own. I only like to read real stories and biographies. You can learn so much and relate to many situations from someone else’s life. Sometimes I find solutions just when I need them, without any prediction. People say that the book finds you just when you need it. I believe in coincidences, but often in books are just general advices and you can re-tailor them to yourself, for you current problem.

7. Watching TV

It’s another great distraction. I’m very picky when it comes to the movies. If I don’t like actors – don’t watch. Mean, right? There’s so many of them, it’s ok to be selective. I adore old, overly romantic movies, with great costumes and over the top expressions of love. I also like some movies from Woody Alen – everybody from my house hate him, so I watch that alone and Jerry Lewis. I like situation comedy and TV series (new or from the 90s), because they are much shorter. Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused for two hours or even more, that can have opposite effect.

8. Eating

Let me get this straight – by the term ˝eating˝ I don’t mean overeating or eating just comfort food, especially if you have a problem with controlling yourself like I do. Here I more mean on enjoying in healthy meal which will make you feel good about yourself and healthy. For example eating just a bowl of vegetables foe dinner or having a piece of fruit instead of ice cream. I’m talking about healthy decisions that will make you feel better and your body will be grateful. If a cookie makes you happy and you are able to eat just one (ok maybe three), then eat that cookie, but don’t overdo. Experts say, it’s not good to treat yourself with food, but I disagree if your relationship with food is ˝normal˝.

9. Wearing ˝happy˝ things

Wear clothes that make you happy even if that means being in a pajama all day. Put on your favorite lipstick or an accessory even if you’ll be at home all day, paint your nails with some bright color or put the glitters on. Wear your favorite fragrance, scents are known for uplifting the mood. Find some detail that will make your day. Take to work some object that you love and you can put it on your desk. Surround yourself with things you like.

10. Sexy time

Let’s be realistic. Intimate time with your partner is the most relaxing thing on Earth, but only if you’re in the mood for it. This doesn’t necessary mean just sex, at least not for me. Cuddling and sweet kissing can also be relaxing. If you’re single choose you own way of releasing your sexual tension. I don’t want to write nasty things on my blog, but you know what I’m talking about, just be safe.