5 Things To Do Today To Boost Your Mood & Feel Good
There are days in our life when no matter how hard we try to make ourselves feel better, nothing works.
Our usual meditation practice doesn’t seem to have any effect on us that day. We can’t focus, we lack clarity, and we begin to feel frustrated. The worst thing is that we can’t seem to figure out what the heck is happening with us, which makes us feel even more anxious and agitated.
If you are feeling this way, it usually means that you are either burned out, tired or lacking self-care.
Remember, you are the most important person in your life.
Without you, the world wouldn’t be the same place. I’m sure you have roles that you are fulfilling amongst your family, friends, employer or society every day. By not allowing yourself to practice a regular self-care routine and not prioritising your needs, you are then unable to show up for all these roles, as the best version of yourself.
I recently found myself feeling the worst I’ve ever felt in my entire life, or at least it seemed that way. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling really distracted and couldn’t figure out why. My meditation practices kept failing; I couldn’t stop the racing thoughts as they stole my attention and obstructed me from being present in the moment.
But one day, when I found myself crying on the floor not knowing the actual reason for my miserable state, I decided it needed to stop. I’ve noticed a pattern in my behaviour, so I decided to do something differently.
Usually, I would do a yoga workout as a quick response to my mood swings, and nine times out of ten it works for me. I love yoga. I do it every day as a part of my daily self-care routine. However, that day I knew I needed something different; something more dynamic to help me shake off that blah feeling.
I had a strong urge to feel excited again. I yearned for my usual cheerfulness and playfulness that, once again, I couldn’t find in myself that morning.
The following things have helped me to feel good again, transform my negative energy into positive vibrations, find balance and make peace with myself.
I hope these will assist you in releasing any hidden emotions you’ve been suppressing; the emotions that we are all guilty of hiding both from others and ourselves.
Here are 5 things you can do to feel good today.
1. Sweat It Out
You must have read or, at least heard thousands of times before that exercising releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine.
I’m sure everyone realises that moving our body makes us feel better, happier and fitter. Yet the majority of people don’t seem to be able to find the motivation to start a workout routine, always looking for excuses to not begin.
If you are feeling stuck, want to improve your mood instantly, or need energy or a focus boost, working out is your answer. But not just any workout. Choose a form of activity that you enjoy.
I’d been searching for a perfect activity for almost my entire 30 years of life. I’ve tried contact sports, running, swimming, fitness classes, spinning, cross-fit, and Zumba. I even did some weight-lifting. But none of these brought me joy or excitement.
For me, it’s yoga that brings me joy and pleasure (and a lean body). When the weather is favourable, I enjoy cycling, too. However, when I need an extra dopamine kick, I go for HIIT or a bodyweight workout. This helps me in the moments when I’m feeling stuck and dead inside. It allows me to totally focus on my breathing, and as a result, become more clear-headed and get in touch with my emotions.
Sweating regularly is the best way to get out from any behavioural or thought patterns you may be unconsciously repeating. It also helps to bring a different perspective to everything.
Sweat as often as you can, and you’ll begin to develop a more positive mindset and strengthened ability to control your racing thoughts.
2. Run A Bath
There’s nothing better than a relaxing, warm bath with bubbles after a hard workout or an exhausting day. It’s a great way to show yourself the love and care you deserve.
During winter months, I like to light a few candles in my bathroom to bring in a calming atmosphere. The flame helps to calm me down, relax my mind, and make me feel worthy and special. We tend to associate candles with festive occasions, eating out or birthdays, but burning a candle doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions only. Remember that you are worthy of beauty like this every day.
If you want to feel good, you have to take care of yourself and your needs. We often put them aside, but when we start prioritising them, we’ll begin to feel more energetic, lively and motivated.
When you allow for your own cup to be filled, you’ve got more to give to others.
3. Practice Self-Pleasure
Masturbation can be a powerful tool to help with an emotional release. It’s truly amazing for reducing and releasing stress from your body.
Women often cry after experiencing an orgasm. Perhaps this happened to you, too and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about it. It’s totally normal.
However, I’d like to point out here that I’m not encouraging you to perform mindless masturbation. What I actually mean is a curious self-exploration of your body and every single part of your skin that you can touch, grab or massage with your hands.
This will help you to discover your desires and detect your sweet spots. Identifying and touching these places on your body will provide you with the deepest pleasure. This is where you want to be kissed, licked, rubbed. These spots make you tick.
When you know where these places are exactly, you can begin to totally transform your intimate life into a passionate and mindful exploration journey.
Masturbation gives you an opportunity to get to know yourself, gain more clarity on your desires and form a healthy relationship with your body.
4. Cook Yourself A Delicious & Nutritious Meal
Your diet is very important. You are what you eat, literally. Also, it’s crucial that you prioritise your well-being. Always. Thus, keeping a good diet is key.
By feeding yourself with more fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains, your immune system will improve, your energy levels will rise, and you’ll feel better and lighter.
Ever since I remember, the habit of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day was and still is being promoted in the media, on posters and informative boards at schools and health centres. It’s an evergreen topic talked about by everyone, including health professionals and scientists.
With more research being conducted, the vegan diet is becoming more and more popular. It’s already known and promoted by organisations like PETA and The Vegan Society that a wholefood-rich vegan diet provides all the nutrients required by our body. Eating vegan will also help you achieve a healthy body weight as well as improve your skin.
I’ve been vegan for more than two years now and I’m living proof that these statements are true. I’ve never felt healthier!
Going plant-based has never been so easy. The internet is overflowing with delicious and healthy recipes, and vegan food is available in every supermarket. You have absolutely no excuse not to eat healthier.
Along with taking care of your diet, don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too. It’s vital to stay hydrated.
5. Treat Yourself To Something Sweet
I don’t believe in diets, I believe in thoughtful lifestyle and the understanding of how to maintain balance.
Treating yourself to a little something every day doesn’t mean you’re doing something bad—quite the opposite, you are ensuring you are meeting your needs.
I don’t restrain myself if I feel like eating chocolate, a piece of cake or anything else I may fancy at any particular time of the day. In fact, I treat myself to a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a mini dessert every single day (I’ve been enjoying vegan mince pies lately).
The key is to listen to your body and know your balance. I’ve been practising intuitive eating for quite some time now, and it’s truly working.
By treating yourself every day you avoid overindulging, which comes from the strictness and restrain you keep imposing on yourself.
Why would you want to avoid eating your favourite chocolate, so you could then eat a whole bar at once; ending up feeling shame, guilt or anger afterwards? Instead, eat a piece every day. Keep balance. It’s key to success and feeling content and joyful.
I hope these activities will assist you in shaking off any feeling of numbness that you may be feeling inside. The instant improvement of your mood after putting them into practice will hopefully encourage you to carry them out not only sporadically but regularly.