'Cmon Get Happy
In recent weeks, I've been thinking about ways that I could help myself "get happy". I think dealing with any kind of chronic illness or ongoing stress can cause us all to get a little bleary-eyed and tired from time to time, so over the last few weeks, I've been sort of cataloging a list in my mind of little tricks that make me happy. Anytime I feel that things are slipping out of my control - whether it's from the uncertainty of a medical prognosis, the unknowns of future job and financial situations, or general "blahs" from life - these are little tricks that seem to help me keep my chin up. While I would love to say that I'm able to maintain a Zen-like level of calm at all times, meditating on things as they occur, sometimes I just need some distractions to keep that spring in my step. I'm always looking for more great ideas, so please feel free to comment with your own "get happy" tricks!
1. Take a walk outside. Even 10-15 minutes in the sun brightens my mood!
2. Wear a bright color. The more "down" I feel, the brighter I like to go. Not only does it perk me up, but I find that it makes me look (and therefore feel) more cheerful!
3. Take an extra 10 minutes to physically sit down at a table for a good breakfast. I've never been a good "granola bar and go" girl. I like a good egg and piece of toast. Mike and I recently started a new routine where we sit down to breakfast every morning. The protein and extra few minutes in the morning help us both feel calmer and more in control all day.
4. Have dinner together at the table every night. This time has become precious for Mike and me. We use the time to reconnect and talk about our day. The TV stays off, the phone stays on the hook, and we simply enjoy the conversation together. Even though it's just the two of us, we resist the temptation to watch TV while eating.
5. Curl my hair. I know it sounds silly, but with such a full face from my medications, I get self-conscious. Having my hair done makes me feel better and helps to hide the fullness. My hair has been my one "vanity", so I feel blessed that I still have it, even if it's a little thinner. But that extra step of giving it a little fluff puts a spring in my step!
6. Organize something. This is a big one for me. Recently, when I got some less-than-favorable lab results, I went straight into my classroom and started organizing my cabinets. I slip into a Zen-type medication when I'm tidying up that allows me to "turn off the crazy" for a little while. I always come out on the other side proud of my newly organized space and with a greater sense of calm.
7. Call or chat with a friend. I like to check in with other people and hear about their day. I always learn something new, and it helps me to get in a good couple of laughs while getting my mind off my own inner-thoughts.
8. Hit the gym. Even just 30-45 minutes of activity helps me feel better. When I walk away, I know I did something to improve the situation.
9. Put on lipstick. Again, this probably sounds silly, but every year I make this a goal. I'm notoriously bad about never wearing lipstick, even though I know it makes me look more pulled together. For some reason, taking that extra little step brings some color to my face and makes me feel more "finished".
10. Cuddle with dogs. Feeling the unconditional love of a pet (or two) really helps to put things in perspective for me. The simplicity of just being with another (person) helps me calm down.
11. Spa time. This doesn't even have to be anything fancy. Sometimes just "retiring" an hour early for a good long shower and taking the time for grooming, filing nails, and using some good quality moisturizers (hellooooo yummy Origins ginger line!) makes me feel pampered and indulgent.
12. Go to bed early. A good full night's sleep always helps me reset, and as the saying goes, everything looks better in the morning.
13. Thank someone. Sending a random act of kindness or gratitude to someone that I care about helps me feel loved in turn.
14. Watch a funny movie or clip online. I often flip through my favorite scenes from movies on YouTube just to perk up my spirits. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite source materials!
15. Listen to a "get happy" playlist and dance. I've collected song that perk me up and make me wanna boogie. I shut the door and let loose, not caring at all what I look like! It makes me feel like a 12-year-old girl again, and I love every minute!
16. Eat some fresh fruit. There's a simple joy in enjoying some really cold and juicy grapes slowly, or slicing a crisp Asian pear as a snack. The simplicity of the sweetness and cold texture, along with the knowledge that I'm enjoying a healthy snack that's in-season and ripe, is like a little dose of happy pills. A great piece of fruit is SO much better than a piece of chocolate or a cookie, which I end up feeling guilty about eating all day.
17. Drink a diet ginger ale or Sprite. There's nothing better! Being on liquid restriction with very limited soda makes this treat extra special. If I'm feeling particularly adventureous, a scoop of orange sherbet makes a great addition! Low fat, low calorie, AND kidney friendly! Yes, please!
18. Get a massage. There's a great local massage school that has a $20 hour massage special on certain days of the week. I like to schedule a session with an intern when I can for a guilt-free treat that helps reduce my swelling and makes me feel pampered.
19. Paint my toenails. Being immuno-comprimised, I'm not able to go to nail shops anymore, but doing a little at-home mani/pedi on a movie night allows me to take some time to make myself feel a little more polished.
20. Plan for the future. The uncertainty of the present seems more bearable when I'm planned for the future. Simple things like finally setting up a will and making financial plans for retirement make me feel like I at least have a voice in how things go in the future, even if I feel powerless in the present.
I would love to add to this list, so if you have suggestions, please feel free to add them! As I think of more, I'll keep adding to the list. One of the medications that I'll be on, probably for a couple of years at least, is prednisone. Side effects of prednisone include the moonface and buffalo hump (mmm.... attractive). It also causes depression and "Jekyll and Hyde" type mood swings. I'm hoping that this list will help me recognize those swings more readily so I can redirect my mindset before it becomes a full Exorcist episode. I've learned to avoid certain things, like driving in heavy traffic or going to the grocery store on weekends, but I prefer to think of the positive ways to offset the medications first. Hopefully, this list will help me maintain that positive mindset.
1. Take a walk outside. Even 10-15 minutes in the sun brightens my mood!
2. Wear a bright color. The more "down" I feel, the brighter I like to go. Not only does it perk me up, but I find that it makes me look (and therefore feel) more cheerful!
3. Take an extra 10 minutes to physically sit down at a table for a good breakfast. I've never been a good "granola bar and go" girl. I like a good egg and piece of toast. Mike and I recently started a new routine where we sit down to breakfast every morning. The protein and extra few minutes in the morning help us both feel calmer and more in control all day.
4. Have dinner together at the table every night. This time has become precious for Mike and me. We use the time to reconnect and talk about our day. The TV stays off, the phone stays on the hook, and we simply enjoy the conversation together. Even though it's just the two of us, we resist the temptation to watch TV while eating.
5. Curl my hair. I know it sounds silly, but with such a full face from my medications, I get self-conscious. Having my hair done makes me feel better and helps to hide the fullness. My hair has been my one "vanity", so I feel blessed that I still have it, even if it's a little thinner. But that extra step of giving it a little fluff puts a spring in my step!
6. Organize something. This is a big one for me. Recently, when I got some less-than-favorable lab results, I went straight into my classroom and started organizing my cabinets. I slip into a Zen-type medication when I'm tidying up that allows me to "turn off the crazy" for a little while. I always come out on the other side proud of my newly organized space and with a greater sense of calm.
7. Call or chat with a friend. I like to check in with other people and hear about their day. I always learn something new, and it helps me to get in a good couple of laughs while getting my mind off my own inner-thoughts.
8. Hit the gym. Even just 30-45 minutes of activity helps me feel better. When I walk away, I know I did something to improve the situation.
9. Put on lipstick. Again, this probably sounds silly, but every year I make this a goal. I'm notoriously bad about never wearing lipstick, even though I know it makes me look more pulled together. For some reason, taking that extra little step brings some color to my face and makes me feel more "finished".
10. Cuddle with dogs. Feeling the unconditional love of a pet (or two) really helps to put things in perspective for me. The simplicity of just being with another (person) helps me calm down.
11. Spa time. This doesn't even have to be anything fancy. Sometimes just "retiring" an hour early for a good long shower and taking the time for grooming, filing nails, and using some good quality moisturizers (hellooooo yummy Origins ginger line!) makes me feel pampered and indulgent.
12. Go to bed early. A good full night's sleep always helps me reset, and as the saying goes, everything looks better in the morning.
13. Thank someone. Sending a random act of kindness or gratitude to someone that I care about helps me feel loved in turn.
14. Watch a funny movie or clip online. I often flip through my favorite scenes from movies on YouTube just to perk up my spirits. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite source materials!
15. Listen to a "get happy" playlist and dance. I've collected song that perk me up and make me wanna boogie. I shut the door and let loose, not caring at all what I look like! It makes me feel like a 12-year-old girl again, and I love every minute!
16. Eat some fresh fruit. There's a simple joy in enjoying some really cold and juicy grapes slowly, or slicing a crisp Asian pear as a snack. The simplicity of the sweetness and cold texture, along with the knowledge that I'm enjoying a healthy snack that's in-season and ripe, is like a little dose of happy pills. A great piece of fruit is SO much better than a piece of chocolate or a cookie, which I end up feeling guilty about eating all day.
17. Drink a diet ginger ale or Sprite. There's nothing better! Being on liquid restriction with very limited soda makes this treat extra special. If I'm feeling particularly adventureous, a scoop of orange sherbet makes a great addition! Low fat, low calorie, AND kidney friendly! Yes, please!
18. Get a massage. There's a great local massage school that has a $20 hour massage special on certain days of the week. I like to schedule a session with an intern when I can for a guilt-free treat that helps reduce my swelling and makes me feel pampered.
19. Paint my toenails. Being immuno-comprimised, I'm not able to go to nail shops anymore, but doing a little at-home mani/pedi on a movie night allows me to take some time to make myself feel a little more polished.
20. Plan for the future. The uncertainty of the present seems more bearable when I'm planned for the future. Simple things like finally setting up a will and making financial plans for retirement make me feel like I at least have a voice in how things go in the future, even if I feel powerless in the present.
I would love to add to this list, so if you have suggestions, please feel free to add them! As I think of more, I'll keep adding to the list. One of the medications that I'll be on, probably for a couple of years at least, is prednisone. Side effects of prednisone include the moonface and buffalo hump (mmm.... attractive). It also causes depression and "Jekyll and Hyde" type mood swings. I'm hoping that this list will help me recognize those swings more readily so I can redirect my mindset before it becomes a full Exorcist episode. I've learned to avoid certain things, like driving in heavy traffic or going to the grocery store on weekends, but I prefer to think of the positive ways to offset the medications first. Hopefully, this list will help me maintain that positive mindset.
I hope I have figured out how to post!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE to work in the yard!! Spring shows up and I am ready to dig in the dirt. I pull out all the old plants and plant new ones. I watch them grow and bring a renewed sense of life to our home!