Push Your Way Past a Bad Mood.

The Grumpiest Cat Alive by jonnykeelty

We’ve all been there, those times when nothing is going right and troubles and misery keep adding up day after day. Bills are piling up, work is a chore, your daily schedule is overflowing and your dog just died. These are the times when a bad mood begins to progress into depression if you don’t take action.

So what do you do? The regular routines don’t work. You find your gardening dull, TV a bore, reading is an effort and everyday activities seem to take more work than their worth.

Now is the time to push yourself. You have to get moving even when you don’t feel like it. Sitting around thinking about your difficulties only focuses your mind on the problem, not the solution. In order to get out of this funk and start enjoying life again, you have to take action.

The good news is you don’t have to actually tackle your problem right now. You don’t have to finish every to-do item, or complete all your tasks at work, or pay off your entire credit card debt. Instead you need to do something productive, that you can control and that makes you feel happier and more energetic.

Here are a few ideas:

• Exercise.Don’t feel like exercising?Do it anyway.Even moving around for 10-15 minutes will get your heart pumping and send those all-important endorphins to your brain.Take a walk, dance, kick the soccer ball around or hit a punching bag.Just get moving.

• Talk it out.Tell a friend or coworker that you’re not feeling yourself lately.Talk about books, movies, or TV shows you have in common.Just communicating, even if it’s about nothing at all will help you feel more connected to people and ease your loneliness.

• Do something nice.For some reason when you share a smile they tend to multiply.Bring in donuts for the office, or buy a funny card for a friend.Compliment someone’s outfit, help out with a problem, or post a joke on the bulletin board.Doing good feels good and will boost your happiness by at least one level.

• Speak positively.Sometimes we feel bad because our talk is negative.We talk about our problems, our dislikes, our annoyances and irritations.These constant reminders of our difficulties only serve to reinforce them.Instead switch to talk about something good.A friend’s new baby, a movie you want to see, the warm weather this week, or a funny thing your child did.Build yourself a foundation of good thoughts to help you see that life is generally good.

• Music.No idea why it works, but music is like wine for the soul.Match the music to your mood, hard rock to pump up your fighting spirit, pop for an peppy beat, comedy and soundtracks for a quick laugh, or classical for a soothing symphony.If it makes you want to dance, that’s just an added bonus.

• Take lots of breaks.When we aren’t feeling good and our mood and energy are low, it is helpful to take lots of frequent breaks.5 minutes every hour you can read a positive quote, stand in the sunshine, take some deep breaths, close your eyes and rest in silence, or do some simple stretches.Pick your favorite technique or mix and match them for the best effect.

• Take action.One thing is for sure, if you do nothing, nothing will happen.The only way to get rid of a bad mood is do something about it.There is no secret cure for the blues.(How we all wish there was).Instead, try doing something you usually enjoy and see if it lifts your spirits.Go out to eat, see a movie, visit the park, go shopping, call a friend, meditate, nap, play kick ball, or ride a bike.Anything and everything.I have found that sitting around thinking about your problems is one of the biggest contributors to making you feel worse.Put your attention on something better instead.

• Repeat often.All too often even I fall prey to this mistake.I do the exercise, fun, or relaxing activity, but I only do it once a week, or for an hour a day.When you’re feeling down, you need to do things that bring you happiness more often than usual.Here’s where your Joy List or Funny File comes in handy.Find things that put a smile on your face – and repeat frequently.The more you do things that make you feel good, the sooner you’ll feel better.The consistent focus on good things will help you see the world in a positive light again.

When life has kicked you around a bit too hard, it may be tough to get up off the ground and start over. When your fear, anger, and frustration come from a variety of different situations, it can be extremely difficult to find a solution. The old tricks and quick pick-me-ups may not work. Don’t let yourself be discouraged. Keep at it, and things will improve. Sometimes just when you think the sun will never shine again, it comes out bright and gleaming. Keep at it, and never give up.

For some really Zany Fun and a great pick-me-up check out this article over at Brighter Days for You and Me!

Savor the Moment

Sunset by Per Ola Wiberg (former ponanwi and Powi)

When is the last time you had a romantic candlelit dinner with wine and roses? Have you seen the first snowflakes of the season - for many people they have already appeared? While driving did you notice the sun shimmering on the orange and red leaves so that they seemed on fire? Have you heard the crickets serenading at night or birds singing in the morning? If not, you are depriving yourself of some of life’s greatest beauties.

Beautiful moments happen every day. Sometimes, in our rush to get to work, home, the store, wash the dishes or dust the house, we miss out on simple pleasures that could lighten our day and bring wonder and bliss to our lives. We fool ourselves into thinking that we can enjoy it tomorrow or the next day, not realizing that we’re cheating ourselves in the process.

Appreciating and being aware of small joys not only changes our mood, making us smile and laugh more, it changes our perspective as well. When we have 10 minutes of silence before beginning our day of work, we notice that our day starts off more relaxed and peaceful. Our interactions with others are calmer and more productive so we accomplish more.

Scheduling time for ourselves helps keep us balanced. When we make time for Saturday morning golf game, or a trip to the mall with girlfriends, the satisfaction we receive stays with us all week. Putting aside an hour a day to spend time with family, read a book, join a fitness club or take a cooking class adds fulfillment to each day. It’s a small goal that can make a huge difference in how you feel day to day.

Utilize the senses. Take a moment to inhale the fresh clean air outside. Listen to the sound of your child laughing, your cat purring or music you love. Feel the soft cuddly texture of the sweater you’re wearing. Luxuriate in the warmth of a hot, steamy shower. Taste the velvety smoothness of your favorite chocolate, the silky smooth chill of ice cream or succulent flavor of a juicy steak.

Lastly, the best reason to savor the moment is because time is so fleeting. Unexpected difficulties like illness, financial problems or auto and home repairs can hit without warning. Take the time today to relish your good health, happy relationship and positive cashflow. Don’t enjoy tomorrow what you could enjoy today.

Here are a few things to savor:

• Hearing your child saying you’re the best mommy in the universe.
• Seeing the sparkle of frost in the early morning twilight.
• Sitting alone for 10 minutes with only silence for company.
• Attending a music concert. Feeling the vibrations flow through you.
• The flavor and aroma at your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Admiring your reflection in the mirror when you look good.
• Enjoying a Sunday afternoon nap.
• A rainbow after the storm.
• Freshly laundered clothes warm from the dryer.
• Having a job and getting a steady paycheck.
• Low gas prices.
• Adorable costumes and trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

19 Unusual Stress-Busting Tips.

What?!?! by dizznbonn

When life gets too serious, here are a few goofy tips to lighten up and bust that stress out of your life:

• Write a nasty letter in invisible ink.
• Roll down a grassy hill to shake up your world.
• Find a place to hide. (Try the park, your car, the garage or anywhere else you can remain undisturbed for a few hours.)
• Eat funny food. Try goldfish crackers, cherry flavored gummy bears or Scooby Doo ice cream.
• Play basketball and imagine your adversary’s face is the ball. (Ditto for baseball, tennis and soccer.)
• Load a squirt gun with bubble mix and practice your shooting.
• Keep a drawer of crazy buttons and bumper stickers sayings. Put up a wacky motto for the week.
• Go to the pool or run through the sprinklers to “wash your worries away.”
• Have a good sniff. Spritz on your favorite perfume, massage your head with relaxing lavender essential oil or keep your car smelling pine fresh – whatever puts a smile on your face.
• Wear all black to express your feelings. Or dress in all pink to improve your mood.
• Paint your feelings using finger paint.
• Surround yourself with puppies by visiting a local shelter.
• Crank up the music. Listen to some childhood favorites to bring back happy memories.
• Crush and destroy. Find a stuffed animal, gel stress ball or other squishy object and shake, slam, and crush it as you talk about what’s bugging you.
• Become someone else. Escape your problems by adopting a new accent, look or name temporarily. Refuse to answer to your true identity until you feel better.
• Buy a punching bag and get it out of your system. (You’ll get in shape and get those “feel-good” endorphins at the same time.)
• Lie on the grass and cloud watch or star gaze. If you’re still alive after 15 minutes, get up, brush yourself off and continue your day in a better frame of mind.
• Buy some bubble wrap and spend 10 minutes popping them. (I don’t know why but for some reason this always makes me smile.)
• Chew some bubble gum and see how big a bubble you can blow.
• Shake it off. Starting with your left leg, raise it up slightly and shake it as if something were stuck to your shoe. Do the same with the right leg, then your left arm and right arm and finally your entire body. Don’t know why but this works really good. You may have to repeat two or three times to get the full effect.

What are your favorite ways to have fun and loosen up?

You Don’t Have Time to Worry

Worried little girl by txd

How true, how true. Most of us are so busy we don’t have time for living. How could we possibly have time to waste on worrying? Yet hundreds of thousands of us do it all the time. We are plagued by financial concerns, relationship troubles, and difficulties at work. We worry about things that have already happened, our past mistakes, as well as things that could possibly happen, or might come true in the future.

Worry, fear and anxiety steal the joy from our happy moments; it steals the energy and health from our bodies, and steals the wisdom and strength from our minds. To live a more robust, vigorous, productive and joyful life we need to put worry in its place. Slow down the avalanche of negative thoughts that bombard us every day. Try some of the tips below to help you get started:

• Write down your worries. Just the simple act of writing things down is very freeing. It takes away the fear that you might forget something important. It allows your mind to concentrate on the present moment. You are able to deal solely with whatever is happening in the now. It gives you the freedom to take action on your current situation without the distraction of problems that are temporarily out of your control.
• Put a stop to your fears. Many people go through a snowball effect of worry. Perhaps you are worried about having enough money to pay your bills. You may start imagining worst-case scenarios where you lose your job, your car, your house and your spouse. When you recognize this kind of out-of-control fear grabbing hold of you, say aloud to yourself “Stop it. Calm down, you have a good plan.” Learn to put a halt to your unrestrained imagination. Remind yourself of the solutions you have already come up with to deal with your problem.
• Take a news break. One way we tend to worry more than we should is by paying attention to negative events and situations. Anyone who watches the daily news understands how filling your mind with tragedies, natural disasters, death and money troubles, even if they all belong to someone else can fill you with anxiety and stress. Turn off the TV and stay away from newspapers and magazines for a while. Your mind and body will thank you.
• Learn to relax. Scheduling daily quiet time into your day is a must to get your worry and fear under control. When you are busy and overwhelmed with getting things done, you don’t allow yourself the space for peaceful, calming thoughts and feelings. Breathing deeply, listening to soothing music, or repeating positive thoughts to yourself can counteract your panic and apprehension. Sitting outside under the sun or stars for just 15 minutes can slow down your thoughts, brining clarity and peace.
• Set a time limit. If you can’t stop a worry or concern from straying into your thoughts, set aside time to address it. Put aside at least 15 minutes to an hour. Write down what’s bothering you and your ideas to correct it. If you need to, call a friend to ask advice, visit a professional on the subject or get a good book from the library to help. By knowing you have a set time to deal with your problems you are less likely to experience the doubt, uncertainty and uneasiness of facing the unknown.
• Find a good distraction. When your worries are trivial or insignificant, try finding a more useful diversion. Some people find doing a constructive chore, like cleaning, exercising, or taking care of the kids a good way to keep their minds focused on the here and now. If you do this each time your thinking goes astray you may be able to stop the worry habit in its tracks. Life is too short to spend it fearing things that may never happen. Why not arrange your photo album, find new dinner recipes, or sort your belongings for your next garage sale instead?

Give In To Your Whims!

Big Fun by Ernst Moeksis

What do you do when you desperately want to do something you enjoy even though you know you have chores and responsibilities waiting? Do you give in and embrace your passion, or trudge through your to-do list grumbling and groaning all the way?

Give in to those whims! Go re-read your favorite book, dance to the music, or indulge in a favorite movie. Call a friend, go shopping for an hour or take a hot bubble bath. Give in to escape. Retreat into another world, a new environment, a change of pace. Allow yourself a few moments of pleasure doing what you love.

In return, your enjoyment will boost your energy and your mood, allowing you to complete your tasks more quickly and easily. It’s like eating your dessert first. You begin with the best part, and after fulfilling that craving, you receive a happiness high that sustains you through the not-so-fun drudgery still to do.

Of course there are times when we have too many duties and responsibilities, and they need to be done immediately. But whenever possible, we should make time for laughter, joy and entertainment. Schedule it into your day, and recognize the importance of leading a balanced life. Fun is a necessary diversion from the seriousness of life.

A whim is a playful calling of your spirit, saying “Hey, come have some fun, you’ve been cooped up too long.” You might feel an urge to sing, dance, run around outside, play a video game, or play fetch with your dog. You might build a couch cushion fortress with your son, cloud-watch with your niece, or catch lightning bugs with your 4-year old.

Whims are by nature spontaneous and playful, and if you want to stay flexible and adaptable to the changes in life, they are vital. Fun keeps you open to opportunities to fool around and be silly, which is essential if you want to keep a positive attitude in spite of life’s troubles. Light-heartedness keeps the anxieties and complications of life from overwhelming your ability to enjoy the present moment.

So go ahead and frolic in the pool for an hour, join your kids on the trampoline, have a water gun fight with your spouse. Play hide and seek, win at poker with your friends, or go to that free Friday night concert in town. When you feel good, your attitude improves and you will feel happier and more confident. There’s no time like right now.

Don’t Be a Mutant.

Today I kept thinking about a movie I saw recently “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.” In the movie, Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Magorium, avid-shoe wearer, and owner of the fabulous, magical Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium toy store.

Natalie Portman is Molly Mahoney the manager of the store, and Zach Mills plays the wonderful character of Eric Applebaum, hat-collector extraordinaire. But the character who most captured my attention is Jason Bateman, the accountant Henry Weston, also known as “The Mutant.”

The Mutant is the typical, dull, boring business person who is so focused on work and “the job,” that he takes no time to notice anything around him, so obviously he sees nothing unusual about the store. He is plain, ordinary, and has no outstanding characteristics at all.

I find myself constantly surrounded by mutants. Those people who are so engrossed in the process of living, that they don’t take time to breathe and exist in the moment. You know them as the harried friend who talks on the cell phone while you eat succulent lobster at the restaurant. Or the mom who is so busy trying to keep the house spotless, she doesn’t have time to play dress-up with her daughters.

Be aware of the magic around you; the perfume of freshly blooming jasmine, or the soft downy feel of fluffy puppy fur. The sweet silky taste of chocolate as it melts on your tongue. The flush and rapid beat of your heart as you exercise, dance and play. And the musical melody of chirping crickets serenading the soft silvery glow of the full moon.

Beware the mutants. Protect yourself. Learn to live in the now and focus on what’s in front of you. Stretch, breathe, laugh and love. Watch the sun rise in the shades of pink, orange and purple. Turn up the radio on your favorite song, be the first to hug and the last to let go.

10 Great Ways to do Absolutely Nothing.

Float by aussiegall

Today was one of those days when I just couldn’t come up with a great, insightful article. I tried all my usual ideas to spark some creativity, but nothing happened. Then, during a few moments writing for my other blog “BrightDays,” I came across a great idea. Like my friend Peter Gibbons from Office Space, I thought it might be a fantastic time to write about. . .nothing at all.

Some people have absolutely no skill in doing nothing; they can’t handle the challenge. Others, like the friend mentioned above, get a little divine intervention and pick it up all too easily. I figure I fall somewhere in between, so this shouldn’t be that hard of an article to write.

So here are 10 ideas to help you chill-out, sit back and take a load off. I would say a little lesson in relaxation is good for body and mind. Let’s see if you agree.

1. Stop working. This is hard for some people. Without work they feel powerless and awkward. There is a cure for this – it’s called a vacation. If all your friends are also coworkers, you know you stand in this category.
2. Throw out the rules. Get rid of your to-do list, your never-ending chores, and say no to today’s social events. Dispose of the “have-to’s” and give yourself permission to enjoy the process. Take a deep breath and smile.
3. Sit down and get comfy. If you walk in your house and chores jump out at you from every area of your home, you may need step two. Find a soft, plump cushioned chair and plop yourself into it. Now stay there. If you need to, close your eyes to block out your surroundings to help you stay seated.
4. Let your mind wander. Many people don’t know that one secret to creativity and innovation is the ability to allow ourselves to relax enough to daydream. Many scientists experience breakthroughs using this method, and a number of inventors would be out of work without a little mind trip now and then.
5. Cut off communication. Another key to doing nothing is removing yourself from availability to those who would otherwise occupy your time. Turn off the cell phone and let voice mail pick up. Turn off the TV and throw your newspaper away so they don’t distract you from your leisure.
6. Take a nap. One of the best ways to quickly ensure total lack of movement is a good hearty nap. Watch a kindergartener, they can teach you the basics. Just find a snuggly spot, turn out the lights and let yourself unwind mentally and physically.
7. Cloud watch. A great way to slow down is to visit nature. When you lie back on the soft, velvety grass and watch passing clouds you can enjoy the feeling of tranquility and serenity from knowing you have absolutely nothing better to do. Enjoy.
8. Put your feet up. When you are ready to unwind, this simple idea can be a great starting point. The simple act of elevating your feet, tells your body and mind that you are now ready to loosen up. Plus it’s now harder for you to jump back into action.
9. Clear your mind. Sounds easy, but the trouble is, to have a clear mind, you must have zilch in it. Easier said than done. Settle in and see the plain black wall of emptiness. If thoughts rush in to fill the void, gently set them aside. Keep at it until you are free, floating in a sea of stillness.
10. Let go of . . .everything. Often we get caught up in the importance of our everyday lives, and we forget there is also value in simple letting go. By releasing our fears, worries, complaints, and concerns we are open and calm. We are ready for something new and even better to appear.

Why Winter is a Good Time to Slow Down.

Blue in Yellow by tlindenbaum

Well Christmas is over, with all of its lights, fanfare and celebration. One last party to go on New Year’s Eve. Then it’s back to the daily grind and our normal routine. It’s a great time to slow down your hectic pace and take some time for yourself. Winter is the ideal time of year to reflect on our current path. With the early nights, cloudy weather and chill in the air, it’s a perfect opportunity to relax in the warmth and security of your home while you evaluate your life.

Use this extra time indoors to do more inner reflection. Start a new activity like journaling, meditation, Yoga, or another stress-relieving activity. Eliminate any unnecessary commitments and take a “winter break.” Start slowly if you need to, by simply scheduling in a 2-hour weekly vacation. Take the time to do something just for you. Visit the local park for a quiet walk, read a leisurely book, or take a nap.

Slowing down from your busy life works best when you do it daily. Give yourself 15 minutes of quiet every day - even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom to get it! Time alone is especially important for anyone who is overworked. You need that time to slow down your heartbeat and breathing, and calm your racing thoughts. Most people start to realize what an energy boost it is to do nothing for just 15 minutes a day. Those short few minutes help you feel rested and invigorated.

From there you can start looking for additional ways to add more downtime to your day. Look for opportunities when you’re restless. That’s a good sign you’d rather be doing something else. Delegate more chores to the kids, leave your work at the office, and cut down your Internet time. Freeing up even a half-hour a day can result in fantastic changes in your life.

With that half-hour you can simply relax. Listen to some soothing music, read a self-help book, take a short walk, learn acupressure for those headache hotspots, or simply write out a plan to tackle those tasks you’ve been putting off. Use the extra time to focus on yourself, to get organized and reconnect with your spirit. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

Help Me – I Can’t Meditate!

Meditation Retreat by The Philosophy of Photography

Many people I speak to about the serenity and calming effect of meditation tell me that they can’t sit still, or that it doesn’t work for them. They are not alone. While some of us find meditation easier than others, it’s a skill almost anyone can learn. Meditation is less complicated than you think; it is simply the calming of your thoughts, deep, relaxing breathing and relief from daily stress.

Don’t think that just because certain thoughts keep returning or you feel fidgety that you’re not good at meditation. That happens to everyone! It takes practice and a little patience, but the results are worth it. When I first started I struggled with the same problems as everyone else. The intention is to keep your mind focused on one thing and to gently let go of the overwhelming amount of thoughts that swirl through your head. Think of it as a mini mind-vacation. Here are a few of the techniques I use to help me focus my attention:

1. Counting backwards. This technique is highly effective for focusing your attention. Whenever you lose your place, simply start over again. Even if you don’t make it from 100 to 0, you will still feel a calming of the mind and body. Picture a neon sign with numbers counting down. Take deep breathes that raise your belly and exhale slowly. This technique can be done any time.
2. Tense and relax. When your muscles are tight and stiff, this will help them un-knot and loosen up. Take a few deep breaths to relax the body. Now tighten your left leg muscles for a count of five, then release. Do the same with the right leg, then both together. Progress up the body, making sure to tighten and release shoulder and neck muscles, as well as your face. Your body will feel softer, warmer and less sore. If you’re really tense try repeating the exercise twice. You’ll notice yourself really picking up on places of discomfort and pain and breathing more deeply as well.
3. Listen to music. Music helps to block out the ordinary house noises that take your concentration away from your meditation. You won’t hear the dog barking, the car next door, the hum of the refrigerator or other annoying intrusions. Music style varies by person. I suggest instrumental, Native American or African drumming, Tibetan bells and gongs or even nature sounds like ocean surf or birds singing. Allow yourself to follow the melody into a different world, where you can escape the demands of your day.
4. Guided meditation. This is one of my favorites. Unlike music alone, guided meditation will give you step by step guidance, reminding you to breathe deeply and relax each muscle in your body. The soft music lulls you into a calmer state while your mind follows on each exercise to rid your body of stress. Because your mind is creating a picture based on the spoken words, I find this a highly effective method for those new to meditation.
5. If you fall asleep, it means you needed it. Many people believe that if they fall asleep during meditation it means they’ve failed. Trust me, it will happen to you. When I began meditating I would lay down with my headphones on, and promptly fall asleep 10 minutes later. I usually slept anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. It is simply your body’s response to releasing all that tension. As you practice you will stay awake more often. (Also, sitting up during meditation does help with this somewhat.)

Remember that even small bits of meditation, say five or ten minutes can make a big difference if done on a daily basis. Don’t believe that you can successfully stay in a “perfect, peaceful state,” without lots of practice. After years of hectic rushing, the mind is not used to the slowness of this exercise. Give yourself time.

Recognize that interruptions will happen, and be patient with it. Trying for two short 10-minute meditations may be more realistic for you. Don’t feel you have to sit for an hour at a time. This is simply time for you to collect yourself and unwind. Don’t pressure yourself with expectations, other than this is your time to have a break. Enjoy the peace!

Here are few web sites that have helpful instructions for a beginner:

Beginning Meditation – A Zen Primer.

Beginning Meditation Podcasts.

Getting Started With Meditation (what to expect).

The Basics of Buddhist Meditation.

How to enjoy failure.

Ever have those days when everything goes wrong? When all your planning, practicing and preparation counts for squat? Those kind of days happen to me – frequently. That’s why I’m proposing to enjoy the failure. Why not make fun of your failure, or turn a negative into a positive? Here are a few ideas on how.

1. Exaggerate. Not only do I fail to exercise and eat right like I should, I’m so out of shape I couldn’t pass my 89 year old grandma – walking downhill!
2. Gloat about it. I am SO GOOD at failing to stay in a positive state of mind and becoming grumpy that even my dogs reject me – and they love everyone!
3. Have fun with it. If you repeatedly get angry at other people (deserved or not), start making fun of them. In your head see them as a baby, in the nude, or being soaked by a water gun. Have fun with your anger and let it go. (This is especially helpful at work.)
4. Turn it around. Got into a car accident, didn’t get a job or forgot to pay a bill? So what. You learned to be more careful, you can apply for another job (with better pay), and maybe you could start paying bills online instead of through the mail. Learn from your mistakes and they are opportunities instead.
5. Let it go. When you feel stupid, like no one could be worse, compare it the latest celebrity mishap and relax. So many stars are in the news and have destructive habits. Use their terrible mistakes to help you see that yours aren’t so bad. (At least I didn’t do a “Brittany”.)

These methods aren’t perfect – but they’re a start. Hopefully they will give you ideas on how to use your blunders, goofs and screw-ups as a just another arena to find a few laughs. I my past is any indicator; I will certainly get a lot of practice with them. Enjoy!