Whether you’re going through a breakup or just having an off day, there are ways to turn that frown upside down — and keep it down for a while. Don’t let a sad mood control you. Fix it, so you can enjoy your day, your week, your month! Here are 11 things you should never, ever, do when you’re feeling sad (because they’ll only make your mood worst):
Self-Medicate
There’s nothing wrong with taking medication. But only when it’s necessary and only when you really know the pros and cons. Medications have side effects and those side effects can impact people in different ways. Your friend might take a medication that does wonders for them, but that doesn’t mean it’ll do the same for you. Talk to your doctor and do your research before taking anything.
Avoid Your Partner
You might think you’re in too bad of a mood to hang out with your significant other. That’s not true. Your significant other might be the person you need to see when you’re feeling sad. Plus, there’s evidence that being intimate with someone can improve your mood and help boost your happiness levels. Spend some quality time with your partner and don’t be afraid to get a little frisky — than can improve your mood, too.
Drink Soda
Soda and other sugary drinks and foods can actually make anxiety worse. If you’re feeling sad and depressed, drink water NOT soda. One of the reasons you might be feeling sad is because your energy levels are low, which is causing brain fog and dehydration. Grab some water and hydrate yourself.
Sit In Silence
Don’t just sit in silence. Read your diary! I know, I know. You might think you’re too old to keep a dairy, but you’re definitely not. Diaries aren’t just for writing down your secrets. They’re for writing down everything. Your diary can be like your best friend, except it won’t talk back. You can vent about your day, write about your goals, and actually list out your insecurities. Your diary can be as vague or as detailed as you want. The point is that you get your words out AND that you have something to reflect on when you’re having a bad day. Look back on the good times and remember, it gets better!
Stare At The Wall
You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate beauty. Beautiful things can trigger positive emotions inside of anyone! Sometimes, without you even realizing it. Go to a museum, read a book (words can be beautiful, too), go to the park, or stroll around a farmers market. Just spend some time looking at something beautiful.
Go Shopping
Spending money on clothes, beauty products, etc. is something a lot of people do when they’re sad. That’s because shopping releases endorphins (those happy/positive feelings). People get addicted to shopping because they get addicted to the feeling of endorphins being released into their brain. Unfortunately, a shopping addiction (like any other addiction) can ruin your life. Avoid shopping when you’re feeling sad, your wallet will thank you!
Slouch
Check your posture! What do happy and confident people have in common? They look confident. They typically stand tall with their shoulders pulled back. Have you ever considered doing the same? Sometimes in order to be happy, you have to act happy. Changing your posture is an easy way to do that.
Listen To Happy Music
This one might surprise you! Why should you avoid happy music when you’re sad? There are a few reasons. First, happy music can make you feel even worse about yourself; especially if you can’t relate to the upbeat and positive lyrics. On the other hand, sad music can provide catharsis — an emotional release that can improve your mood. Avoid the top 40 hits and put on some soft, and slow jams.
Stay Inside
Staying inside is honestly the worst thing you can do when you’re feeling sad! Get up and get out. You can meet up with friends or you can spend time hanging out with yourself. It doesn’t matter, as long as you’re moving outdoors. A great way to really improve your mood is to do some sort of volunteer work. Donating your time to making someone else happier will make you feel better.
Drink Alcohol
The first thing you might want to grab when you’re feeling sad is a bottle of wine or some sort of alcoholic beverage. Try not to! Drinking is a social norm nowadays and honestly, it’s not the best social norm out there. Alcohol alters the state of mind. It can also cause weight gain and a ton of other health negatives. Drinking in moderation isn’t necessarily a horrible thing — as long as it doesn’t become a problem.
When you’re sad, don’t grab a bottle of wine. Try something else to make you feel better.
Dwell On The Negatives
In order to be happy, you have to try to be happy. It’s true! You might think some people are just naturally happy-go-lucky. But they’re not. A lot of people don’t just wake up in a good mood, they choose to do so. They don’t focus on the negative. They focus on all the good in their lives and they work, very hard, to not dwell on the negatives.