If you find it hard to pick yourself up after a setback keep reading as I provide genuine ways that work.
I know how you feel as I’ve had my fair share of setbacks over the years. Sometimes it’s easy to blame someone else, or even yourself. I don’t think anyone can go through life without at least a few ups and downs.
It’s not the situation
When you’re faced with a setback it’s not the situation itself but how you react to it that’s important. The first thing you have to question is whether you can change it.
Stressing over something that’s out of your control will bring you down. In such circumstances, it’s best to accept it and move on. On the other hand, if you can fix it, make a plan of action that will put things right.
Why do I feel so down?
There are a number of reasons you may be feeling a bit down. Unless you’re clinically depressed you can help yourself feel better.
You may be getting over a breakup, recovering from a divorce, or even feeling down after you lost your job. Whatever the reason you must firstly realize it’s only temporary. Nothing stays the same and you’ll feel better soon
Feeling down for no reason
If you’ve no reason to feel down take a look at your lifestyle. If you eat a lot of junk foods or you don’t get enough sleep you may need to address these areas.
The weather can also affect your mood, and if you suffer from SAD winter can be a difficult time. Those who suffer from seasonal affected disorder are highly sensitive to changes in weather.
Anyway, here are what I consider to be the best 6 ways to pick yourself up. I hope you try some of them out as none are hard.
1 Feel gratitude
There is no better way to pick yourself up than feeling grateful for what you have. Making a list of things that make you happy, even if it’s something as simple as playing with your dog.
No matter how bad you feel, gratitude will quickly lift your spirits. Once you start typing, you’ll find so many things you have in your life to be thankful for. Keep the list on your mobile device so you can look at it anytime you feel down.
2. Setting goals
A great way to pick yourself up, especially if you’ve faced rejection is to set goals. Try and have faith in yourself as you’re much more capable than you realize. You really can achieve anything you want if you set your mind to it.
Decide what you want in life. If you feel down because it’s taking you longer to do something, then make a plan. Maybe you want to write a novel but you can’t seem to get started.
How long will it take? Have a date in mind and work back to the present moment. Create daily action steps that are easily achievable. Maybe get up one hour earlier each day and use that time for writing.
The same goes for anything you want in life. Having goals keeps you focused. Getting over a break up can be painful. The last thing on your mind is setting goals, however, using it as an excuse to reinvent yourself could be the best thing ever.
Being single gives you plenty of freedom to do what you want. Now is the time to sit down and make some plans! Think about any ambitions you put on hold when you were in the relationship.
3 Mindfulness
Mindfulness is becoming increasingly popular. It’s not the same as meditation but can make you forget your problems and lift your mood.
In meditation, you’re focusing on the breath or an object. You’re calming down your thoughts by observing them as a third party.
Mindfulness gets you to focus on an activity or just like meditation, your breathing. For example, coloring is a popular way of practicing mindfulness.
Being mindful means you’re fully aware of the present moment. You can’t help but feel calm as your brain can only focus on one thing at a time.
[instantazon id=’wpis_1522586324′]4 Exercise
If you’re feeling low the last thing you want to do is exercise. However, it can be a great way to pick yourself up. A common reason for feeling a bit down is inactivity. The more you lie around feeling sorry for yourself, the worse you’ll feel.
Sitting on the couch watching tv is great for a short while, but not for long periods of time. Getting outside in the fresh air will boost your mood.
Research has shown that walking in a green space and spending time in nature lifts your mood and makes you feel happier. Even if it takes all your effort to grab the keys and leave the house, you’ll soon notice the benefits.
If you live in the city with few green spaces walking will still have a positive effect. If you work in an office spend your lunch break outside in the fresh air.
<Exercise can even become addictive as it has such a powerful effect on your mood. Lying in bed all morning will have the opposite effect and only make you feel much worse.
5. Listen to upbeat music
Music has a very powerful effect on your mood, and listening to upbeat music you enjoy will make you feel better. It’s even been shown that music can help alleviate pain. Whether its soul, jazz, or funk, listen to what makes you feel energized and happy.
6 Spoil yourself
One of the best ways to pick yourself up is to indulge in your favorite treats. Go shopping with a friend and buy yourself a nice top, or get your hair done.
Eat your favorite comfort food. Whether it’s ice cream or a bar of chocolate, as once in a while won’t do you any harm.
7 Spend time with friends
Even if you don’t feel like going out anywhere it’s good to keep up with your friends. Feeling low is the time you need them most.
Meet up for coffee or go and see a movie. Tell your friends how you feel. Talking things through with someone helps put everything into perspective.
You can often find solutions or ways to resolve things just by talking about them. This is when inspiration hits you.
8 Forgive yourself
We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human. The main thing though is that you learn from them. Beating yourself up over past mistakes is not only pointless, it will bring you down. You can’t travel back in time like Marty in Back To The Future!
If it was possible we’d all be traveling back a few years! I know I would. As I mentioned previously if you can’t change a situation accept it.
Do your best for now and plan how you can improve things in future. Rejections, setbacks, and crisis are all part of life.
Above all else, keep positive. Most times things work out for themselves. Sometimes it may feel like the end of the world, but trust me it’s not.
Remember, everything is transient. Nothing stays the same forever. You may be feeling down right now but this will change. I hope this article has inspired you with ways to pick yourself up.
Wishing you health and happiness
Take care
