How to Feel Better when You Don't Know How You Can!

Ever have one of those days that just feels like the world is ending? We all have from time to time, however, with all of the current events going on around the world, those days seem to be in abundance. All the talk about money, and economy, and elections and the future can take a toll on the average person just trying to keep up with it all. For many of us, this has resulted in an emotional overload day after day that seems just get more unbearable. Even with myself, I have had many days begin positive and happy and take a turn for the worst seeming over nothing. Many of these days I have just felt like everything is hopeless and depression and worry sets in.

What I have found to be helpful in the midst of this global hurricane is to practice a few methods when I am feeling depressed and overwhelmed. The very first thing to do if you begin to feel that way is to turn off the TV and don't read any Internet headlines. At first it may seem like you are denying the current state of things, however that's not what this is about. This is about eliminating damaging mental clutter that can really trip you up if you are trying to have a positive day. The media thrives off of bad news. For as much trouble as there is in the world there is an equal amount of good that doesn't get the attention over the shocking scandals and impending doom that is always lurking and waiting to get everybody, or so I hear. Taking your attention off from these things and applying it elsewhere can drastically shift your perspective and change your mood for the better, which by extension will effect everyone around you.

Once I have taken my attention off of the mental clutter, I employ one of 3 things that works well for me. Animals, music, and positive people are the best three things that I have found to help when I hit an emotional pothole. One of the best things that I recommend is to spend time with a pet. A dog or cat can be a very supportive and caring being to understand you and support you in these times. Animals usually have more understanding of feeling and emotion than some other creatures, so they are very well qualified to help you. Even after the loss of my cat, sometimes a local stray will come to visit me outside and sit in my lap. Even in a few cases, if I sit outside and consciously attempt to understand how I am feeling, and try to feel better, a squirrel or a bird drops by to say hi. The one night I was sitting out back after a horrible seeming day and I had made a frozen pizza for dinner that I took out with me. Shortly after, the local skunk waddled by and sat at my feet and ate pizza with me!! Usually after devoting my time and attention to a pet or animal, I find that I feel better even within five minutes.

Another thing I have always turned to, that has been reliable since my very first memories, is music. The genre or subject is not important; the feeling it brings you is what is important here. Some people feel better by listening to upbeat, happy music when they feel overwhelmed but that's not always what works for everybody. Sometimes like in my case, the most sad country tearjerker works for me. That way I'm reminded that things could be worse, so look at the bright spots and don't worry about the rest. Other times I find that up tempo happy tune I love and give the speakers in my truck a good workout on my way home. There is no wrong way to express yourself with this. The key to it is to just let it all flow and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Sing along if you wish, tap the steering wheel, cry, or whatever it is that works for you and makes you feel better. After all, this is about you, so give it all you've got!

If all else fails, I go for the "phone a friend" option. The best people for this route are ones that you have known for a good while and you are confident that they will be supportive of you. A spouse or significant other is usually the best choice, or if they are busy try a best friend. Remember, you aren't alone in this sometimes washing machine on spin cycle we call life and you have probably been there for them in times like these before. Eliminate any idea of guilt that may come up for approaching someone for support. Nobody is perfect and we all have times when we aren't the most fun to be around. Hugs are one of the best things for situations like this and the best thing is that those are 100 percent free. So, take as many as you can get! Going out for coffee is always a good option too. It's not so much the gesture that matter, it's the care and support that lies just under it that matters. The bottom line is that you are cared for no matter how you are feeling. Which can be a drastic improvement over impending world doom and crisis's that you hear about constantly.

So, no matter how bad things seem, or how bad you may be feeling, it's all in your hands to turn things around. The world doesn't have the power over you, YOU do! If you choose to feel better, you will. If all else fails, look down at the ground, at yourself, and then up. That will just remind you that gravity is still in place, and you aren't floating around bouncing off of buildings! Sometimes finding something that seems small or overlooked to be happy about can be just as effective. So try your best and remember what works when those emotional potholes cause you a nasty bump!