10 Ways To Beat the Blues (And Make Other Folks Think You're Nuts) pt 2

If you're still looking for some ways to beat the blues and don't care too much if other folks think you're nuts, read on. Hey, anything that helps to uplift your mood and bring a little sunshine into your heart is worth a try, so here are our top 4 ways to make yourself feel better when you're down...

4. Start learning something new. One of the reasons it can be very hard to beat the blues is that we tend to focus our minds on whatever issue is causing us distress. In a very short time, our thoughts become habitual, and we find our minds returning to the same subject again and again. For some people, a small problem can become overwhelming because of their inability to sustain any other thought pattern for a meaningful length of time. Learning something new, something that challenges the mind and requires concentration, is a very effective way to redirect our thoughts. For example, learning to play a new instrument, studying a second language, training for an athletic event such as a walk-a-thon or marathon, or even taking a class on some type of craft, all require a lot of mental energy and focused thought. Learning something new also creates fresh experiences that can slowly begin to crowd out the old memories. The more you immerse yourself in the learning process, the greater the benefits will be. A bonus is that you may meet new friends and have some wonderful new skills to share with them.

3. Play dress up. There's a reason children love to play dress up-- it's fun. Putting on an outfit or item that is out of the ordinary and makes us feel differently than we usually do can break up monotony. Do you have a funny Halloween costume stashed in the back of your closet or a bridesmaid's dress that you wore only once? What about a costume from a play you were in long ago or even some Mardi Gras beads? The clothes that you wear every day help you to feel like yourself. They also trigger memories, which may be the last thing you want right now. If your everyday feelings have got you in a rut, then you can playfully pretend to be someone or somewhere else for a while. This can stimulate just the quick shift in consciousness that you need to introduce some more lighthearted emotions to your palette. Think grass skirts, clown noses, plastic crowns, 80s rocker wigs, etc. Nothing is off-limits. Just pick something that makes you smile... and go play!

2. Give a gift to a total stranger. Turning our attention lovingly toward others is one of the best ways to lift ourselves out of dark emotions. This is true for many reasons, not the least of which is that participating in or even observing acts of kindness triggers the release of seratonin in the body, which is associated with feelings of well-being. (Extensive research attesting to this was referenced by Dr. Wayne Dyer in his PBS special, The Power of Intention.) Giving also has spiritual significance, in that it creates a positive energetic connection between the giver and recipient. In order for this to be effective, you have to give in the right way, with no strings attached, willingly, and kindly. That is why it's often easier to feel good about giving a gift to a stranger than someone familiar. In the latter case, there may be expectations about how the recipient should act in the future or the desire for some form of reciprocity. If you give a cup of coffee, a teddy bear, or an umbrella to a complete stranger, you won't be expecting anything from that person in return, but you'll have the full benefit of the positive energy and goodwill generated by your act of kindness.

1. Create a Love List. The greatest and most uplifting of all emotions is love. Love is the antithesis of every negative emotion, including those most closely associated with the blues, such as boredom, loneliness, guilt, and disappointment. But when we're feeling down it can be tough to contemplate love in a way that doesn't reinforce the negative thoughts in our minds. So, we need a more generalized concept of love that extends to all the people (and/or animals for you pet lovers) whom we like, love, or appreciate. This is an extremely powerful exercise, although it is simple to do. It can become a daily practice that will change your life in startling ways. Here's how to start.

Get a sheet of paper and write the title "Love List."

Think of as many people as you can whom you have positive feelings for. These people should be those who are currently in your life, although they need not be close to you. For example, if your pizza delivery person is a pleasant sight for you, add him to the list. If you know the person's full name, write it, but nicknames, first names, screen names, even references such as "the lady at the shoe store," will work. The point is to fill the list with as many people as you can think of who leave you with a pleasant feeling.

Leave off anyone who is annoying to you or for whom your feelings are strongly contradictory, such as rivals and former friends. Every person on the list should be someone that you would be happy to speak to or see at any time. This is your private list, so don't feel guilty about leaving off relatives or anyone else. Make sure you feel good about everyone on the list.

Now put your list on the wall. (If others will see it and that will cause issues, keep your list in a private place, such as a journal.)

Study your Love List. See how many people you know who must think as well of you as you do of them. After all, these people are nice to you or they wouldn't be on your list, would they? If they knew you were feeling down, they would care. If they could help you, they would try. From your heart, send loving thoughts and wishes to everyone on your list. Say their names, even those you don't know very well. This is a safe way to send out love, and you will feel the results very rapidly.

There are more detailed instructions for the Love List practice here, but remember to add to your list at every opportunity. Each day, you will probably meet or think of someone to add to the list. Soon, you'll have a very long list of wonderful people in your life. Doesn't that feel good?

By now, you should be feeling a bit better, or at least have a couple of ideas to help. Why not chime in and share your own ideas on how to beat the blues? Just add your thoughts in the comments section.

#encouragement #inspiration #depression #beattheblues #selfdevelopment #selfhelp #uplifting #blues