How to Make Yourself Feel Better

If you’re feeling down or even depressed, it can be a difficult time, but there are things that you can do to make yourself feel better.

1 – Exercise

Exercise can be a practical and effective way to manage depressed thoughts because physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals, which can improve your mood and make you feel better.
Physical exercise can increase energy levels, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Research has proven that regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental health and can be as effective as medication or therapy for some individuals.
Don’t worry if you aren’t in great shape or can’t manage strenuous activities, engaging even in gentler forms of physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga, can provide benefits, regardless of the intensity level.

2 – Connect with loved ones

Connecting with loved ones can be a practical and effective way to manage your feelings. Spending time with family and friends, talking about your feelings, and sharing experiences can provide comfort and support, reminding you that you are not alone.
It has been found that social support can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety, and increasing feelings of happiness, so connecting with loved ones can provide a sense of belonging, increase feelings of self-worth, and help to foster a sense of community.
Whether through in-person interactions, phone calls, social media, or Zoom calls, connecting with loved ones can help to make yourself feel better.

3 – Get outside

Just by gettingyourself outside, you can have a positive impact on your mood when you’re feeling down. Whether it be taking a walk in a nearby park or nature trail, going for a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting and enjoying the fresh air in a quiet outdoor space.
Engaging in outdoor activities such as gardening, bird watching, or even doing yoga in a park can also help to distract you from negative thoughts and improve your mood. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, increase feelings of calm and relaxation, and provide a sense of perspective and awe, all of which can be helpful in making yourself feel better.

4 – Try Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practices can be helpful in managing feelings of sadness by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Easy ways that you can incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and guided imagery. Just by engaging in daily mindfulness practice, such as taking a few minutes to focus on your breathing, can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and allow you to release stress and tension.
Practicing yoga or tai chi, can also help to bring your focus to the present moment and improve your overall mood and will help to increase resilience and reduce the frequency and intensity of negative emotions

5 – Get Enough Sleep

Possibly the easiest thing on this list is getting enough sleep.  It is so important for overall mental health and can be especially helpful when you are feeling sad. Lack of sleep can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, making it more difficult to manage negative feelings.
On the other hand, getting a good night’s sleep can improve mood, increase energy levels, and improve overall cognitive functioning. Sleep allows the brain to process and consolidate memories, regulate emotions, and recharge, all of which are important ways of making yourself feel better.
By creating a consistent sleep schedule and relaxing bedtime routine can also help to improve the quality of your sleep, further enhancing its ability to positively impact your mood. In short, getting enough sleep can be a valuable tool for managing negative feelings and improving overall mental well-being.

6 – Eat a Healthy Diet

Something we all should do is eat a healthy diet. Consuming a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein will provide the nutrients and energy your body needs to function at its best. Certain foods, such as omega-3-rich fish and nuts, have been linked to improved mental health and may help to manage unhappiness.
On the other hand, consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can worsen mood and increase anxiety.
By making small, gradual changes to your diet and focusing on nourishing, whole foods, you can improve your overall mental health and improve your mood to make yourself feel better.

7 – Seek Support

Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide a safe and supportive environment to express your thoughts and emotions. Just having someone to listen and offer a different perspective can help to provide clarity and increase feelings of hope.
Support groups, both in-person and online, also provide a sense of community and belonging, reminding you that you are not alone. Seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor will provide structured help in the form of therapy or counseling, which can help to identify the root cause of your negative emotions and develop strategies for making yourself feel better.

8 – Volunteer

Volunteering is a very practical and effective way to manage negative feelings by shifting your focus away from your own problems and onto helping others.
Research has shown that volunteering can have a positive impact on mental health by increasing feelings of purpose and self-esteem, reducing stress, and providing a sense of community.
Whether you volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or hospital, you can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others and feel good about making a difference. Volunteering can help to build a sense of belonging and connectedness, reminding you that you are not alone in your struggles and that you have a role to play in your community.

9 – Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a practical and effective way to manage feelings of negativity by shifting your focus away from negative thoughts and towards the positive aspects of your life to make yourself feel better.
You can use gratitude practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes, or reflecting on the things you’re thankful for each day. These will help to increase positive emotions and reduce feelings of negativity.
Individuals who regularly practice gratitude experience increased happiness, improved sleep, and reduced stress and anxiety.

10 – Engage in Activities You Enjoy

Engaging in activities you enjoy is a practical and effective way to make yourself feel better if you’re down in the dumps. Doing things that bring you joy and fulfillment, like hobbies, sports, or creative pursuits, will help to take your mind off of negative thoughts and emotions.
By participating in enjoyable activities, you will increase your feelings of happiness and satisfaction, reducing feelings of hopelessness and improve your overall mood. Individuals who regularly engage in activities they enjoy experience increased life satisfaction and decreased symptoms of depression.
Taking part in activities you enjoy can help to increase feelings of self-esteem, boost confidence, and provide a sense of accomplishment. In short, engaging in activities you enjoy can be a valuable tool for managing feelings of sadness and improving overall mental well-being and just generally helps to make yourself feel better.

Further Recommended Reading

Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King

Good Vibes, Good Life is a motivational and uplifting book that emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care in achieving success and happiness. King draws on his personal experiences and spiritual beliefs to offer practical advice on how to develop a positive mindset and overcome limiting beliefs. 

The book is divided into three sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of self-love: self-awareness, self-care, and self-expression. One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and the importance of nurturing each of these aspects of ourselves. Overall, “Good Vibes, Good Life” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life.

Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present by Nick Trenton

Stop Overthinking is a must-read for anyone who struggles with overthinking and anxiety. Trenton’s writing is clear and concise, with practical advice and techniques that can be applied immediately. The book covers a wide range of topics, from mindfulness and meditation to cognitive behavioral therapy and self-talk. 

One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on the power of positive thinking and the importance of focusing on the present moment. Overall, “Stop Overthinking” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to reduce stress and anxiety and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

The Makings of a Powerful Bitch: A Woman’s Guide to Embracing Change and Finding Peace and Purpose by Shawna Oliver

The Makings of a Powerful Bitch is a powerful and empowering book for women who are looking to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Oliver’s writing is both engaging and relatable, with personal anecdotes and practical advice that will resonate with readers. 

The book covers a wide range of topics, from overcoming fear and self-doubt to setting goals and achieving success. One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on self-love and self-acceptance as the foundation for personal growth and transformation.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by Admiral H. McRaven

A motivational and inspiring book that offers practical advice for achieving success in life. Based on a commencement speech he gave at the University of Texas at Austin, McRaven emphasizes the importance of taking small actions that can lead to big changes. 

The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which focuses on a different lesson that can be applied to achieving success in life. One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on discipline and perseverance, as well as the power of teamwork and camaraderie.

Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering by Joseph Nguyen

This is a thought-provoking and insightful book that explores the role of thinking in human suffering. Nguyen argues that much of our suffering is caused by negative thinking patterns and beliefs that are not based in reality. The book offers practical advice on how to identify and challenge these beliefs, as well as techniques for developing a more positive and constructive mindset.

One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on mindfulness and self-awareness as the key to changing our thinking patterns and reducing suffering. Overall, “Don’t Believe Everything You Think” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to overcome negative thinking patterns and live a more fulfilling life.