Curing the Blues: 14 "Feel-Good" Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

You have permission to publish this article electronically or innprint, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. Ancourtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.nnCuring the Bluesn14 "Feel-Good" Ways to Get Out of the DumpsnnBy Heather Diodatinhttp://www.whimsies-online.comnnEveryone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in awhile.nThe best cure is to be around people that you care about; family,nfriends; and keeping yourself busy enough to change your mind.nHere are some "mood changers" to help you overcome those "down-nin-the-dumps" feelings.nnn1. Less FortunatennVisit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out smallninexpensive surprises to the residents. They will enjoy the carenand attention from something so unexpected.nn2. Pamper YourselfnnPamper yourself with a candlelit bubble bath, then prepare yournfavorite gourmet meal while sipping on a glass of bubbly whitenwine in one of your special crystal glasses.nn3. Something Special for OthersnnPlan some community work - help out at the local shelter,nvolunteer at your local church, work with other volunteers tonspread some caring amongst your community. It'll make you feelnbetter about yourself and happy that you've helped out othersnless fortunate than yourself.nn4. All in the FamilynnSpend some quality fun time with your niece or nephew or othernchild in your family.nn5. The Gift of TimennOffer to do some work to free-up some time for your spouse ornparent. For example, cleaning Dad's garage or a full-housenvacuuming for your wife. How about for your best friend - you cannwalk her dog or baby sit one evening.nn6. Long-Distance CaringnnCall your favorite aunt whom you haven't seen since she moved farnaway, or your best friend who transferred to another country -nlet them know you're thinking of them.nn7. Just For YounnHave you wanted that delicate pair of earrings for awhile butnkept putting off the purchase? Give yourself a special gift - youndeserve it!nn8. Seize the Day!nnIt's a beautiful day! Invite a friend out for a walk to enjoy thensunshine and fresh air; the peaceful sounds of the birds and thenwind blowing through the trees. Or go for an aerobic power walknwith your friend or by yourself. It's a well-known fact thatnexercise releases endorphins, the body's "feel good hormones"nwhich can calm and de-stress you and generally help to changenyour outlook on life.nn9. A Movie NightnnThey say "laughter is the best medicine". Rent or go see a funnynmovie, either by yourself or with a friend.nn10. Dance up a StormnnGo to a line dance class, one that you don't have to pay for anseries of. You'll be amongst many happy people and you'll learn anfew dance moves while you're at it!nn11. Gym-DandynnGo to the gym to work out (again, those endorphins!)nn12. Holly HobbynnGet out your favorite hobby and start on that project you've beennputting off - don't stress yourself about finishing it all in onenday; at least start it and who knows...you might get into anfeverish pitch and accomplish quite abit!nn13. Tee-TimennDo you golf? Go to a putting range and hit a few. Or do anothernsport that you enjoy; invite a friend or relative..or go alone;nyou might make a new friend.nn14. Thought ProcessnnStart a journal - explain in detail why you feel "down". In a fewnmonths, read what you wrote on this day. Perhaps you will seeneverything in a new light and all those gloomy thoughts will havendisappeared.nn