People make mistakes. These words echo in the minds of those who understand it most. But, what do you do when a mistake takes over every emotion in your body? What do you do when you feel far away from yourself?
For starters, you need to take the time to feel some type of way (for lack of a better description) and not push yourself to do anything.
What do I mean by that? Take time to reflect on the feelings brewing inside. Accept your emotions as a step towards working through them.
When the time has passed for reflection, pick yourself up and take action. This is when you can begin to move in a direction envisioned for yourself.
Remember, there is no one ‘right’ way or path for your life.
Here are the top 10 things I do to stop feeling like complete sh*t.
1) Cook Something New
Browsing Pinterest puts me in a better mood. I often explore recipes. Then when I need a pick-me-up, I try my hand in some of the recipes I have pinned.
I also love to take inspiration from other recipes I have seen, and work to created a new dish that is all my own.
If you haven’t already, check out some of my recipes from the links below.
2) Buy Yourself Flowers
There is a special place in my heart for Sunflowers. I remember when I was little my mom and I would gather them for the house. Sunflowers are the only flower I remember my Dad enjoying. When he was in the hospital my sister and I wanted to add some light to his room. He chuckled when we mentioned bringing him sunflowers.
Now that he is no longer with us I like to keep Sunflowers around the house. They make me feel close to him.
So, whether the flowers are real, fake, picked, fresh, or dried creating a bouquet for yourself can boost the mood in your home, and your life.
3) Vision Board Manifesto
I am a vision board devotee.
Creating something similar to my board is one option. Another is to set intentions, and write them down. In the end, there is no right way to set your goals just as long as you set them.
I wrote more on vision boards + free printables here – Designing Your Perfect Vision Board and the Deal with Manifestation
4) Home Spa Night
My home spa night includes a full skincare routine, and nice-warm bubble bath. I have lots of products for nights like these. It might also be fun to treat yourself to a new face mask or other skin care product you’ve had your eyes on.
5) Explore New Territory
I think no matter where you live there is always somewhere to explore – whether that be a new restaurant or cafe, or somewhere in the great outdoors.
Hiking: Arapaho National Forest
Consider stepping out of your comfort zone. It may sound like a cliche, but sometimes pushing yourself to another level is just the boost your self-esteem needs in times of disarray.
6) Speak to the People You Love Most
Get connected with the people that mean the most to you, inspire you, and motivate you.
This is one of the best pieces of advice I can give.
Sometimes it’s difficult to speak with people when you are feeling low. As a natural introvert, I think I may understand that better than most. However, whether you talk about issues that are going on or you just speak about day-to-day life, it is best for your sanity to stay connected.
7) Sage That Sh*t
This may sound corny but honestly sage can be therapeutic. I found this nifty little smudge prayer on Pinterest (of course), which I use when smudging my home.
You may consider combining a meditation practice or yoga session with the smudging to enhance the experience.
8) Get Organized, Set Goals
Getting organized or setting out plans for my goals is such a feel-good rush for my brain.
A Little Something For You
Participating in some sort of planning ritual is beneficial for future success. Here’s a little activity I encourage all of you try:
- Pick an important goal to achieve
- Write down your intent
- Make a list of tasks to accomplish working-up to that final goal
- Build a time frame for when your goal will be accomplished – put tasks down on a calendar
- Be f*cking proud of yourself!
I highly suggest incorporating (at the least) one of these strategies into your life. Especially when you find yourself in a funk.
9) Watch feel good flicks
I’m a Dateline, Law & Order, Tarantino flick type chick. However, it’s sometimes necessary to avoid the dark and gloomy.
Anything Adam Sandler is my go-to – here are my absolute favorites flicks for when I want a little mood enhancer.
10) Thrift Shop Hoppin’
We are talking retail therapy on a budget! Thrift shop hoppin’ is great because even if you’re strapped for cash you can find treasures for less than $10.
We recently moved into our own apartment, and are working to make it feel like home. I would say at this point 80% of our decor is from Goodwill, and other thrift shops. It’s actually become almost an objective of mine to decorate our home in thrift shop finds.
I want to end with this quote I find particularly grounding.
“No amount of guilt will change the past & no amount of anxiety will change the future.”
umar ibn khattab
Remember, no one is perfect. Your life will be a constant fluctuation of positives and negatives. I hope some of these tips help you when you’re in a funky place.
Be kind to yourself.
