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Mental health is SUCH an important aspect of everyone’s life. The charity Mind says that “every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem.” I believe that’s probably just known cases as well. Plus. at what point do we brand something a “problem”? Some people may have mental health issues and not be aware of them, just carrying on through it and not speaking out. It is something very close to my heart and something I may do a completely separate blog post on another time.
For today’s post though, I am going to talk about things I do when I need a mood boost. Sometimes, nothing seems to work but even knowing I’m being proactive can make me feel a little better!
1. Keeping snug
Being cosy is something which helps me immensely when I’m feeling down. Sometimes, the only thing that will do is either staying in bed, or getting into bed. I love being enveloped in something and if my husband isn’t around to give me a cuddle, a snuggly blanket will do. Keeping warm helps, cups of tea, comfy clothes and, for me, a cuddle with the puppy!
2. Music
Music has always been an incredible form of therapy for me. It can put you in so many different headspaces and change your mood considerably. Sometimes when I’m feeling low, I find listening to sad songs helps me to get it out of my system, but similarly listening to happy songs can too. A few of my go-to “sad songs” are: Somebody Else – The 1975, Ocean Eyes – Billie Eilish and I’m Still Breathing – Katy Perry. My favourite songs for an instant uplift are: Friday, I’m in Love – The Cure, End of the Line – The Travelling Wilburys and Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks. Spotify is great for organising and creating your own playlists to have an instant go-to.
3. Podcasts
On the subject of Spotify, something else I love to listen to on the app are podcasts (it’s worth nothing podcasts are available in other places, if you don’t want Spotify). I love listening to podcasts when I’m at the gym, doing housework or out on a long dog walk. While it can be good at times to tune into your natural surroundings, I find listening to something uplifting can help alter my mood. At the minute, I’m loving Fearne Cotton’s “Happy Place” as it discusses a whole host of mental health issues with people in the spotlight. I find Fearne’s voice so calming as well! The other one I’m dipping into is Alice Liveing’s “Give me Strength”. It features a whole host of incredible women and provides much needed inspiration and motivation, especially in the gym!
4. Food
I mean, it would be criminal for me to write a blog post without food mentioned! Food can have different effects at different times. If I’ve been feeling low but I’ve had a burst of motivation, eating healthily helps me as it makes me feel like I’m actively doing something to help myself. I favour fruit salads covered in yoghurt, or I’ll bake some healthy oat muffins, as seen in the picture below. (I’ll be doing a blog post about these in future on my blog, so look out for that!) On the other hand, sometimes only a big, fat bar of chocolate or tub of Ben and Jerry’s will suffice, and that’s OK too!
5. Lists
LISTS ARE YOUR FRIEND. There’s nothing better than ticking off a list to feel like you’re winning at life. Keep each part of the list small and manageable. So, for example, instead of having one bullet point as “clean house”, break it down. Have: clean bathroom, tidy clothes away, wipe kitchen surfaces, hoover bedroom. You’re still making progress and you’re ticking off lots in the progress. I always feel better in a clean and tidy house too. Tidy house, tidy mind as they say.
6. Making Plans
I find that keeping busy and being productive helps me lift my mood. It can be very hard to feel productive in any way when you’re feeling particularly low, which is why I just start small. It can be meeting a friend for a half hour walk, or going shopping/for coffee with a family member. If you’re able to, plan a night away somewhere with a partner/friend or a meal out. It’s important to remember that plans don’t always have to be social though – sometimes it’s nice to make plans for just you. Plan in an indulgent bath on a midweek evening, or time to sit and do some colouring/another hobby you enjoy. Having things to look forward to always help me keep a little light at the end of the tunnel.
These are just a few things I try to incorporate into my life to keep myself ticking along. These by no means work 100% of the time but mixing it up a bit definitely helps level out my mood and give me little chinks of light!
Do you have any things you do to help keep your mood lifted? Please share them in the comments as I love to try different things! Thank you again for reading my blog, I really do appreciate it!
Love, KH xxxxxx
A Cornish Wife's Tale 