How To Make Yourself HAPPY When You’re Sad

Okay, over the last year and a half I have been on a roller coaster of emotions in my personal life. Most of the time I am pretty okay with everything because I talk to God, Tina, SR and my nail lady about it when I need support. I’m very lucky to have such great people in my life.

(Note: I don’t talk to Vegas about my life because he’d just look at me like I should go away.)

But there are times when I just can’t shake it and feel very sad. Being sad sucks! Let’s not do that, okay?

So I let myself have a few minutes to just be sad and cry or lay on the floor or eat ice cream out of the container while standing in front of the freezer and trying to avoid catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror…

Then, I shut it down.

Today I was having a rough day and realized I needed a laugh so I put on Inside Amy Shumer (I have it recorded and am super behind). Within minutes I was laughing (or at least smiling, I don’t laugh out loud but I smile at the TV – is that weird?).

And I realized I have a few tips on how I fight off a sad or depressed feeling and want to share in case you have a lil speed bump on the road of life and need it.

What To Do When You’re Sad

1. Pray. If you don’t know how to pray or feel uncomfortable you can just tell God, “Hi God, I’m having a really hard day. Please help me be strong and brave. Oh, and Monica says ‘Hi!’” or something similar.

2. Text or call or email a friend and just vent. Sometimes you need to let them know “Hey, I just need to vent…” so they don’t feel the need to give you all the answers right now.

Then, let it gooooooo.

3. Watch something funny.

As soon as I put on Inside Amy Schumer and Andy Cohen was on it doing a fake reunion show I was hooked. Ha! I actually want to watch it again right now… Anyway. Put on what YOU think is funny.

4. Exercise. Endorphins are the best! Do something active that you like to do.

Take a walk, go for a run, take a yoga class, hit up Cross Fit, play twister, do a plank – actually don’t do a plank, those make me more sad.

Do a FUN exercise that gets your blood pumping and gives you some endorphins.

5. Go shopping. Or somewhere you think is fun. I remember one specific day I went to the mall because I needed to get out. I got ready, put on decent clothes and make-up and just walked around the mall checking everything out.

It’s nice to have some distractions. It’s even nicer to score a cute top on sale.

Tip: It’s okay to be sad while you’re walking around Target but it’s NOT okay to cry loudly while making a fort in the Shoe Department and hide in it while eating popcorn. Allegedly.

Tip #2: Go to the 99 cent store or Good Will if you don’t have a lot of money and just buy something super random or fun. Maybe as a gift? Maybe to wear and see if your friends ask about it?

6. Put on some FUN music. Take a drive and blast Taylor Swift or whatever you like.

Have a dance party at home. Pretend you’re at the club or in the middle of a Zumba class. Dance dance dance dance.

7. Eat a fresh glazed donut. Fresh! The fresh part is important.

Leave your house. Go somewhere with a delicious treat. Talk to the sales person about which one you want, maybe ask what I the most popular one. Buy it. Enjoy!

8. Go on Pinterest or somewhere and search for motivational quotes. Just spend some time reading positive happy things.

Or look up fun crafts or recipes for the next holiday. Focus on something that’s not about you for a little bit.

9. Count your blessings.

Really. Stop and write down everything you have to be grateful for in your life.

There are so many reasons to be grateful and happy and feel blessed – big and small – from having a fancy smart phone to having enough to eat to having nice elbows to knowing how to to make the best pancakes.

10. Watch cute puppy or kitten videos on YouTube.

Bonus:

Question: What do you do when you’re feeling sad?

Note if you are in a true depression (or having other emotional issues) please seek professional help. It’s a very serious thing and you shouldn’t be expected to just fight it off without real help. It’s not about just having will power to pull yourself out of a depression ditch, it’s something that requires outside help. It’s going to be okay. Promise. Go here for info on professional help > Mental Health.org OR check the back of your medical card there should be a phone # for mental health resources like a therapist.

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