8 Ways to Feel Good Instantly

Instantly happy when I'm around people I care about | Photo by Arlene Chambers Photography

No one likes feeling blah nor do they fancy feeling like crap every day. 

There were times I found myself with others who weren't really that great to be around; sometimes I'd find it hard to get out of (or deal with) troublesome situations; I was stressed out by multiple factors...whatever the reason, it was hard to get out of the mindset that I was having, yet again, a shit day.

Out of sheer observance of others I found to be optimistic, I thought to myself "how awesome it would be to think like them." Feeling inspired (and simply wanting to do something about my mental health), I've learned ways to get myself out of that funk.  I'm not an expert but feeling crappy constantly literally breaks you down physically.  My knees hurt, I was gaining weight, I had headaches...the list goes on!

In no particular order, here are (8) things I do to instantly feel good and get myself back on track emotionally.  I truly hope that I can inspire some of you to try these things if you want to to feel your best whenever you're feeling a little (or a lot) down!     

1) Get moving

Basically, you've got to exercise.  Not only does it help you physically, it allows you to clear your mind.  Do what you can to get yourself moving!   Even if it's only 20-30 mins a day that you're dedicating yourself to exercising, it all adds up.  Pretty soon it'll be routine and you will find it "off" if you skip a workout.  For me,  Zumba, dancing, the stair climber, and walking are where it's at.  My husband plays ball - basketball and football - and also lifts weights or runs on the treadmill..    

Physical activity releases endorphins!

Find something you love so it doesn't feel like a chore - whether it's getting fresh air (hiking and jogging are good ones) or doing something to center your mind (maybe try swimming or yoga).  Some people love to do something a little closer to home (gardening, home improvement, maybe even cleaning)!  Whatever it is that you do to get your heart pumping, you'll be rest assured that you did something to naturally feel good. 

2) Take some "me" time

To some it may seem selfish, but I think every single one of us could benefit from taking some time alone to recharge.  Sometimes when we overexert ourselves, we become irritable, overwhelmed, and just really awful to be around.  Trust me when I say you'll be doing everyone around you a favor by doing these things in order to get yourself in a good mood.

The spa is a fave go-to of mine

For me, it's going for a spa day by myself or even as simply as taking a nap.  My best friend loves to go for a drive and may sometimes take a spontaneous road trip with his dog.  There's also meditation or doing your own nails, for example.  Do what you need to do to check YO - self before you wreck YO - self!  ;-P

3) Treat yourself

I'm not saying this so that you go broke...I mean, many of us would love a new bag or shoes but there are ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank!  

Make yourself something you haven't had in a while or even try something new - an acai bowl, for example.  Not only is it good but healthy too!  If you don't feel like making that very thing you crave, go somewhere that makes some of your fave treats.  It's not going to put a big dent in your wallet especially if it's a once-in-a-while deal. 

Sometimes we treat our kids to frozen yogurt, a smoothie, a movie etc.  We take opportunities like these to bond with them as well and we all genuinely have a good time.  

These fancy bowls can be made at home!

Treat yourself from time-to-time!

4) Do something you ENJOY!

Get some of those good vibes!

This is so important - keeping your creative juices flowing takes you to another level.  With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you're challenged to use the more creative side of your brain especially if you work in an industry where it may be technically-inclined. 

Whether it's a side gig or hobby, many professionals I know have jobs they don't necessarily love so they have extracurriculars - photography, modeling, painting, etc.  If you don't know where to begin, maybe sign up for a class in something you've always wanted to learn (I'm thinking of taking classes in photography myself) or maybe get involved in a book club.  

Not only will you do something that peaks your interests, you'll feel enriched learning more about it and maybe even meet others with similar endeavors.

My tools are essential for the hustle

5) Make an Effort to Look your Best

Makeovers make me happy

Before some of you get worked up about why I say this, I want to clarify that I'm not talking about plastic surgery or dressing in head-to-toe designer duds.  I do feel that taking some time to groom yourself (whatever that may be to you) to help you feel confident, is an instant mood booster.  For me, makeup is my "go-to" - not only do I love applying it, it makes me feel really good.  No matter how little or as much as I have on, I feel like myself and I will make no excuses for it. 

​For some people, "looking their best" might entail having on an awesome outfit OR coloring their hair to cover their grays (or maybe just trying on a funky shade) OR maybe even shaping/maintaining their eyebrows or facial hair.  Whatever you want to do to upkeep your appearance, go for it - chances are you'll feel on point and walk around with some kick-ass confidence!

6) Perform a Random Act of Kindness

Make someone's day

It's true when they say you feel good helping your neighbor (or even a stranger)! 

I, myself, have done several things...for example, I sometimes pay for a person's order who's waiting behind me at the drive-thru; I've genuinely complimented a stranger (seeing their eyes light up gives me complete joy and some have even told me I've made their day); or I've helped older people cross the street.  Just the other day, we caught our kids on camera shoveling the snow in our cul-de-sac so that our neighbors could drive in and out easily (granted they didn't do the whole block but it was their efforts that made us proud). 

It's the little things like this that spreads love, respect, and camaraderie in our communities...a few things that aren't as prevalent nowadays if I'm being honest.     

7) Phone a Friend

One thing I fear may lose its appeal is actually talking to people without your eyes being plastered to your smart phones.  It's a must to be able to connect with your friends and family on a personal level.  Conversing with others is simply NOT the same as texting or direct messaging them.  You'll be able to see their emotions (sorry, emojis don't cut it) and you're less likely to take their comments out of context. 

Sure, I still text or DM my friends but we try and make it a point to meet for lunch, dinner, or drinks to catch up.  We try not to use our phones in front of one another unless it's absolutely an emergency or we're taking food pics (hehe - come on now, we're still down with the times).  Hanging with my friends helps me instantly feel good in knowing that I still have those connections with people I don't personally see every day. 

8) Make your BED

I know this might sound corny but it's true!  Upon waking up, I make sure to make our bed.  Not only does it make me feel good but, for some reason, it makes me feel like I'm able to tackle the day ahead of me. 

There have been a few times when I don't (I AM human!) and I notice a big difference.  I come home and, if my bed is in disarray, I feel a little scatterbrained.  It's all mental, sure, but just that one task as soon as I get up from bed, it seems to prepare me mentally.  

An old pic but my bed is often made up

I've had numerous challenging days and every time I fall back to any of these "feel-good" strategies, it never fails me. 

I hope that you're able to use some of these tips to get yourself out of any funk!  Sometimes we need it more often and that's completely okay - feeling good can be easily attainable and we shouldn't have to feel guilty about it.    

~XOXO, Mari