If you've been reading this blog, or my face book, or my emails, or basically been anywhere near me or my writings you might have got the drift that I'm feeling low.
blue.
There is not 'a' cause, its the usual case of lots of smaller things and myself being the type to hit lows now and again. this week having been a 'now'.
What do you do if
you're feeling blue because of the financial crisis? Or if you're just having
an extremely lousy day? Here are nine strategies that can boost your mood right
now in a happiness emergency. In the next thirty minutes, check off
as many of the following items as possible. Each one will lift your spririts,
as will the mere fact that you’ve tackled and achieved some concrete goals; by
doing so, you boost your feelings of self-efficacy, which can boost happiness.
1. Boost your
energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better,
take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move
faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for
your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of emotional
contagion, if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel
energetic, too.
2. Reach out to
friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t
seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is the KEY to
happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly,
socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts.
3. Rid yourself
of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, do an errand
you’ve been putting off, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing
an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and
relief.
4. Create a
calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space
around yourself by sorting papers, pitching junk, cleaning a closet, stowing
supplies, sending out quick email responses, filing, or even just making your
piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often
just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Try to get in the habit of
using the one-minute rule — i.e., never postpone any task that can be
completed in less than one minute. And always make your bed in the morning! For
most people, outer order contributes to inner peace.
5. Lay the
groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to
read (important: not something you think you should read) or
plan an excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store,
movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a
regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part
of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; research shows
that people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people
than when they’re alone.
6. Do a good deed: make an
email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind
date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do
good, feel good — this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because
of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because
of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll
strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people. Along the same
lines...
7. Act happy: put a
smile on your face right now. Research shows that even a fake smile has a
positive influence on your emotions — turns out that just going through the
motion of happiness brightens your mood. In the same way, a recent experiment
suggested that people who use Botox might be less prone to
anger, because they can't make angry faces. If you’re smiling, other people
will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.
8. Count your
blessings. Take ten minutes to think about all the things in your life
that are going right, about all the things that other people do to help you,
about all the things that you’re thankful for. In the tumult of everyday life,
it’s very easy to focus on the negative and to lose sight of what really
matters.
9. Perform an action
that reflects your values. Do you think organ donation is a good idea? Sign up online
to be one yourself; it takes less than a minute. Worried about climate change? Refill your water bottle from the tap instead
of buying a couple of bottles throughout the day. The First Splendid Truth
holds that to work on happiness, we should think about feeling good, feeling
bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth. Living up to your values
will help you “feel right.”
Some people worry
that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more
sociable, likable, healthy, and productive — and they’re more inclined to help
other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting
others as well.
take number four for example. seeing how my art desk and my computer desk looked like this
I figured that I ought to tackle them. and I did. {picture to follow. I forgot} I also did the sitting room -see here are parts of it after. I'm not silly enough to show you before in there;) Its not cleaning - altho it is cleaning too, its moving it all about. fresh again.
Now that does make a difference. I dont spend a lot of time in the sitting room, I live in the computer room {with my imac and art stuff in there where else would I go?!} and the kitchen, because I'm the chef/cook/maid in this house. So when I walk into the sitting room and its freshly tidied I DO take a deep calm breath and relax.
Of course I have four children. and Mr Britguy. and therefore most of the time I walk into the sitting room its a sharp breath and much muttering/shouting/cursing as I fall over three pairs of shoes, six tiny razor sharp plastic animals, a whole complicated furry dog game in progress and several slouching bodies.
Oh and today I did my pinboard. which is about {I'm terrible at estimating measurements}...erm... 4ft by 7ft. from the ceiling to the back of my desk.
This is before and after, {see, remembered to take both shots on this!}
Its organised again, and I have space to fill. which makes me feel creative.
So, how am I feeling?
well, better than yesterday. Not quite bouncing around the walls full of joy {thankfully, -that sounds tiring}
but better. A kind of pale blue I think.
