Whenever you feel down or really overwhelmed by life, absolutely do not stay in your room sulking all day!
Look I get it, in the moment it feels like the most comforting thing to do. But you’ll be doing yourself more harm than good by sitting alone with your crappy thoughts on repeat.
If you need to do that for a little while, that’s fine. But after, get up and doing something fun and/or productive. This will help you get out of your head and back into the real world.
Sometimes, it’s too easy to get so wrapped up in our own issues that we forget there are a million other beautiful ways that we should be out there, actually living our lives.
So here are 22 wholesome things to do next time you feel down or need a little pick-me up. You can do those by yourself or even with some friends because hey the more the merrier!
1. Go for a solo nature walk
Walking is such a great stress-reliever. So head out in your neighborhood, put on a podcast or a playlist, breathe in the fresh air and get some steps in. Your mental (and overall) health will thank you.
2. Try a new workout class
Exercising is one of the best things you can do when you’re feeling stressed or a little down. Even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing, get up and move. To make it easier for yourself, pick something you’ll actually enjoy like a dance class or a group fitness class.
3. Create a vision board
If you’re feeling a bit down because you feel stuck and like your life is going according to plans you had set for yourself, why not create a vision board?
Yes, life will never go perfectly according to plan but with a vision board you give yourself permission to dream and to visualize your goals which will inspire you to take the right actions to achieve them eventually. Gather relevant photos and quotes, and create a vision board to inspire your goals.
4. Host a movie marathon
Grab some popcorn and choose a theme like fav high school movies or cheesy romcoms.
5. Plan a spontaneous day trip
There’s nothing like a good getaway. Visit a nearby historic town or a spot in your area you’ve never seen before and learn about the history and the culture. Even better if you invite your friends for this one!
6. Learn a new recipe
Put on your chef’s hat, put your worries aside and get cooking. Honestly cooking is so therapeutic sometimes. My fav way to unwind after a long day at school was to bake up a storm. So try a new recipe or bake a yummy dessert for you and your friends.
7. Make a gratitude list –
Grab a blank page and write down all the things that you have to be grateful for in this very moment. Too often we get so wrapped up in our problems that we forget we’re doing a lot better than we think and we already have so much to be thankful for. So remember to always count your blessings!
8. Dance like no one’s watching
Feeling down? Put on your favorite songs and dance like no one’s watching! For me early 2000s hits are always a go-to!
9. Have a DIY spa day
Classic but always a good choice!
Take a day to rest and recharge and pamper yourself. I’m talking DIY face masks, chill music and why not throw in a glass of wine too!
10. Take a break from social media
We all know social media is too often to blame for our crappy moods. So disconnect for however long you need and spend that time to reconnect with yourself and spend some quality, in-person time with your fam and friends.
11. Volunteer
Help yourself by helping someone else. Find somewhere in your area to volunteer by cooking meals or doing fun activities with young kids in a hospital for example. This will really help put your own problems in perspective.
12. Do a random act of kindness
Putting a smile on someone else’s face is a guaranteed way to put one on yours too! Smile at someone, give them a compliment or do a simple act of service for a friend or family member.
13. Get lost in a good book
Reading is my escape from the hustle and bustle of life all day everyday. Find a good book (whatever genre you prefer) and lose yourself in it for an hour or two.
14. Rearrange your furniture
Sometimes what you need to switch up your mood is to switch up your environment. So do some cleaning and/or re-arranging and redecorating in your space and watch how it refreshes your whole outlook on life.
15. Do a puzzle or play a board game
Board games are great because they help you focus, engage your mind and they’re super fun to do! I’m a huge fan of Monopoly and Scrabble–anyone else?
16. Practice mindfulness or meditate
Take a few moments to sit with yourself and just be. Even if you’re not a meditation guru, just take a moment to be present and breathe. We are always on the go and lack stillness in our everyday lives, it’s no wonder we feel so stressed and overwhelmed sometimes.
17. Create a playlist for different moods
Creating playlists is one of my fav things to do! Even if you’re not in a great mood atm, start setting up a fun, upbeat playlist for the next time you have something fun to celebrate. Bonus points if you start playing a few songs ahead of time to give you a boost of energy in the present moment.
18. Watch a stand-up comedy show
If you’re feeling a little sad, some laughter might be just what you need. So why not check out a local comedy club? Bring some friends along for shared laughs and great vibes!
19. Try a “foodie” adventure
Head to your local food truck or one you’ve never tried before and explore some delicious new cuisine!
20. Watch a romance movie (Or read a book!)
If you’re a romance addict like me, you know there’s no better remedy for the blues than a good romance movie. Grab some popcorn, get cozy under a blanket and put on your all-time fav romance movies to watch. Or! Keep the same setup but snuggle up with a good romance book instead!
21. Playtime with a pet!
Cuddling with a pet helps you feel all warm and gooey inside. It’s scientifically proven to help with stress management and the release of happy hormones in your body. So if you have a furry friend at home, show them some extra love during those hard times. If you don’t have one at home, head to a shelter and find one who needs it!
22. Get some ice cream
I used to love doing this after school, especially when I had a particularly challenging day.
So head to a nearby ice cream place and enjoy a scoop (or two…not judging!) of your favorite flavor. In my opinion, ice cream makes everything better in life so what more do you need really?
