We all have days that don’t feel like our day. Some call it waking up on the wrong side of the bed. There are days we just want to stay in bed and cover our head and hide from the world. It’s usually not a very nice feeling, and none of us wants to experience many days like that. We have all been there at some point in our life, but thankfully most of us can shake ourselves up, get up and keep going.
In our world today, a lot is happening that can easily put us in a negative mood . It will take a conscious effort to maintain a positive outlook. We all need to find ways to deal with our feelings.
Here are 15 ways to lift yourself when you are down.
1. Know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel
Things are not always as they seem. It may be hard to see this sometimes, but changing our perspective about things can help to change our narratives. Someone complaining of no shoes will suddenly be thankful when they see a man with no feet. Look hard, and you will see the silver lining in the dark cloud.
2. Have an attitude of gratitude
Everything in our life cannot go down at the same time; something will always still be working fine. If only we can focus on those little things that seem to be working fine, somehow the big things will start to fall into place. Change your focus and count your blessings, don’t stay down, get up and keep going.
3. Hold onto hope
Hope keeps us going. Hope helps us to want to try one more time, hope keeps us alive. Once hope is lost, then all is lost. There is hope for a tree, how much more for us who are created in God’s image. Hold onto hope, cling onto it, don’t let it go. Stay hopeful. Don’t give up, don’t stay down, get up and keep going.
4. Be kind to yourself
Please don’t be too harsh on yourself; it’s okay to make a mistake. It’s okay not to get it right sometimes. Life is full of ups and downs; mistakes are inevitable, learn from them and move on. Laugh at you, be kind to you, don’t stay down, get up and keep going.
5. Stay physically fit
Science has shown that physical exercises release certain chemicals called endorphins. These work on receptors in the brain to trigger a positive feeling in the body. They also help to lift moods and combat stress. So don’t stay down, get up and keep physically fit.
6. Laugh a lot
laughter is good medicine. It is priceless and also free of side effects! A good laugh causes muscle relaxation and relieves stress and tension. Humour and laughter improve emotional health. People who laugh a lot live longer. Don’t stay down, get a good laugh and keep going.
7. Stay hydrated
Dehydration affects your brain function; it causes tiredness and can increase your stress levels. Staying well-hydrated keeps your mood stable and your motivation intact. Drink water freely all through the day. Most foods, especially fruits and vegetables, also contain significant amounts of water, so keep that going too.
8. Journaling
Writing down your thoughts rather than bottling them up provides a good avenue to get clarity on the matter and allows you to process your emotions better. It will enable you to think clearly and focus on solutions rather than worrying about the issues.
9. Eat good food
Eating a healthy, balanced diet boosts immunity and helps to fight illnesses and diseases. Staying physically healthy is known to have a positive effect on our brain function. Choose healthy options and avoid processed foods.
10. Plan your time and prioritise
Learn to say no and not feel bad about it. Don’t take too much on; less is better. It’s no use being a superhero on the outside but struggling on the inside. It’s okay to say no. Give priority to what’s important and learn to delegate.
11. Set meaningful and achievable goals daily.
Setting unrealistic goals can increase your stress levels, especially when you fail to achieve them. It’s not always about quantity; quality always trumps quantity. Develop the habit of daily goal setting. Having simple, specific and achievable goals help to combat stress. Achieving set goals, no matter how small leads to fulfilment
12. Celebrate every success, no matter how little.
Learn to rejoice in little, before long; much will come. Enjoy the moment, even if you are not there yet. Every little success deserves celebration. Celebrate the moment. Each time you achieve one out of your set goals, celebrate!
13. Have time out
Take regular breaks, Do regular ‘me’ time, yes pamper yourself and have fun. Learn to relax. Take time out for retreats, take a vacation away from all the busyness and come back refreshed and re-energised.
14. Surround yourself with allies
Spend time with people you are comfortable with, don’t stay where you are tolerated, stay where you are celebrated. Find people that make the baby in your womb leap for joy. Look for encouragers, look for people that will hold your hands and help you become all that you are destined to be.
15. Find what works for you!
We are all wired differently, and we all have different coping mechanisms. Find what works and stick to it. Do what makes you happy, when you feel overwhelmed, don’t stay down, do something. Go for a walk, listen to music, watch a nice movie or comedy, read a novel, pray etc. These are some of my favourites. So what’s your coping mechanism? I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share what works for you in the comment section below.
Finally, trust in the Lord.
Do not let your heart be troubled, Believe in God and trust in Him, (have faith, hold on to it, rely on it and keep going) John 1:14 (AMP)
Absolute dependence on the Lord will see us through any seemingly difficult situation. We will inevitably have seasons in our life when we feel down. There are times we go through issues that we can’t explain the whys and the hows, but through it all, we can depend on the Lord to carry us through.
God has a word of encouragement, hope and comfort for us no matter the situation we find ourselves. Please go to the resources section of our website to download a free printable PDF on 10 scriptures that will encourage you when you feel down.
Thank you for connecting with me today. If you have enjoyed reading this post, do not keep it to yourself. Please share the link using the share buttons below.
Remember you are destined to thrive, flourish and blossom
God bless you !
So encouraging, thank you ?
Thanks Zai for your comment. Will you like to share some of the things you do personally that has helped you, we may learn one or two things from you x
Beautiful! Very practical steps! ??
Thank you Nike. Are there other practical steps that you can share with us ?
Thank you so much Seye. This is highly encouraging ? ?
Thank you Ame xx
We tend to have blind spots and not see clearly. Sometimes talking to God fearing friends can help stir you prayerfully in the right direction.
I agree Ame , May God help us xx
So inspiring, thank you ?
Thanks for your comments Lanre and thank you for stopping by x
This is very inspiring. Thanks for launching this blog. Brilliant.
Thanks for your lovely comments Ngozi
Indeed very inspiring and insightful. Some of the de-stress mechanisms resonate with me too. Sometimes, I just want to be alone, so I take a prayer walk, where I’ll have the music, message on and eventually sit in a corner at the park to pray. My husband and I do this when we have challenging issues to trash out with God too. You can only love and help others if you have helped and loved yourself. Thanks sis, more grace!!!
Wow Sola!This is good . Thanks so much for sharing your insights.
Beautiful. God bless you sis
I find it useful to reach out to others and encourage them when I am down. Seeing them lifted gives me joy, gets me energised and I get back on track.
That’s great ! Reaching out to others instead of focusing on our own issues , i agree totally. Thanks for sharing sis .
Thank you for such encouraging words Seye ❤️
You are welcome Tamarie , thanks for stopping by x
Thank you ma’am. This is timely for me?
Thank you for stopping by, i hope you have downloaded the 10 scriptures to pray when you are down. Stay blessed!
I’m glad about that, thank you for stopping by x
This is very helpful and practical.
Thanks Beth for stopping by x
Thank you. These tips are very much needed especially during the current lockdown!
Yes that is true. We all need to actively pursue ways to lift up our spirits despite al that is going on around us. Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth.
True words! Very good reminder of some things we forget in life!
Thank you Leonah x
A very timely article. Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by Mope
Very encouraging.
Thank you! Thanks for stopping by
Lovely post. Totally agree with the ‘be kind to yourself’ and ‘learn to say no’ As women we tend to put others first, be it as a mother or as a wife. If we want to function well in these roles we need to take care of ourselves as well.
So true Bunmi, a little bit of self love is not a bad idea ?
Thank you for these timely and insightful articles. Very much needed in this season. Looking forward to more! God bless you mightily.
Amen! Thank you for stopping by
Such important reminders! I NEED to remember #7 I am awful at getting my water intake in!
It’s like that for most of us, what I do that has helped me is having a bottle of water with me all the time. Thanks for stopping by x
Thanks for being usable in God’s Kingdom.
God bless you
Thanks for this great post. Often we forget the simple things that have a huge impact, like staying hydrated, eating fresh foods and getting some exercise. Thanks for putting this valuable list together.
Thanks, Christine for stopping by xx
Same across your website
And love your prayers
Find it very helpful and pray with it and shared it it was inspiring and uplifting
Thank-you for the scriptures and prayers
Glad you found it helpful