1. Exercise.
Who can fight endorphins? Show me the person who is completely pissed and frustrated after they finish working out. I make it a goal to give myself time every morning to get in some type of physical activity, even if its only 10 minutes! Three days a week I have to be at work by 6 a.m., which requires a 4 a.m. wake up. I schedule myself about 20 minutes to get in a quick bike ride or yoga practice, but I give myself permission to only fulfill 10 minutes. My overall goal with this morning workout is not to lose weight or create some huge calorie burning session, but just invite my body into some physical activity. Giving myself that 10 minute obligation takes the pressure off of me in the event I can't get in full 20 minutes, because let's face it, that's a super early time to get up in the morning. In the evening I have much more time to get in at least 30 minutes, but do your best to give yourself some physical activity first thing in the morning!
2. Music.
There is nothing better than turning on music that makes you feel good. I wake up to great praise and worship music every morning and listen to it throughout the day to keep myself in a state of happiness. In moments when I am feeling down, praising God in advance for turning a situation around always makes me feel so much better. So turn on your favorite tunes and get that immediate happiness fill.
3. Be Present. Be Grateful.
Stop, breathe and be present. Look at where you are in that very moment. You are alive, you are breathing, your children are healthy, you have shelter, food, etc. Just be present in everything that is happening around you and tell God "thank you!"
4. Smile.
Yep, smile, you're on candid camera. When I am feeling at my lowest, it's crazy how forcing myself to smile does something for me. First of all, you are being present. You are taking that very moment to stop, acknowledge your feelings, but pressing through and bringing forth that smile. Also, serving that smile up to other people gives you a boost as well. You never know what someone is going through and sharing your smile with the world can not only be a happiness hack for you, but for others!
5. Pray. Meditate.
As I have progressed through my depression, prayer and meditation has brought me the most resolve. At times when I am most overwhelmed or upset, simply going into my prayer closet, turning on some praise and worship music, sitting there for a minimum of 7 minutes in complete silence and allowing God to speak to me is the best therapy. This was actually a meditation method suggested to me by my life coach Dr. Walter Sims. Sitting quietly for 7 minutes and on the 8th minute, the number of new beginnings, writing down everything that God spoken to me during that last 7 minutes. See a lot of times we go into meditation to empty our minds or we go into prayer sending up our petitions to God. Yet, what if we sat silently and just asked Him to speak to us and tell us what He wants us to hear? Doing this has truly deepened my relationship with God.
6. Laugh.
Who can fight the power of laughter? It's true medicine for the soul. Anne Frank said "There's only one rule you need to remember: laugh at everything and forget everybody else! It sounds egotistical, but it's actually the only cure for those suffering from self-pity." Laughing about a situation can prevent it from defeating you! On mornings where I am not at my best or just because, I will sometimes wake up, stare at the ceiling and just laugh for no reason for at least 10 seconds. No reason at all, just laugh. Afterwards I feel really silly, but it definitely changes my mood!
7. Help Someone.
In the midst of our own pain, you can find joy in helping others. Do something for someone else during the rough patches. It doesn't have to be anything big. An act of service could be a smile, going out of your way to pass that overwhelmed mother a buggy at the grocery store, opening the door for someone, or if you are feeling extra chummy, picking up the tab for someone when you grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte at the drive thru. Just be of assistance to someone out of the blue and it will immediately increase your happiness factor!
Please visit the Lovelee Motivation Facebook Page to receive daily motivations and inspiration.
P.S. If you are not in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, but need someone to talk with about your suicidal feelings, please do not hesitate to call one of the following national suicide prevention lines: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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