Ever since I was fortunate enough to receive a visit from the hormone fairy at age 12 life has been a mixture of the ups and the downs.
Something I figured out pretty early was, even if you're having a bad day, if someone who is not personally connected to you asks how your day is going, say "good."
For some reason within our society, the fact that for some individuals good days don't come automatically, has become a topic that is danced around.
As you may have already guessed, I am someone who has to work for those happy days. I don't consider myself unfortunate, or plagued by this reality in any way as I once did--it is now just a mere fact which I must constantly remember and take into consideration throughout each day.
If you are like me, here are a few things which I have tried. Some worked, some didn't. Some may even work better for you than they did me. Either way--they are steps towards happiness, and you can't go wrong with happiness right?
#1 Exercise
For some of you exercise may be on the same caliber of getting a tooth pulled and I get that. On the down days it seems like the least appealing option. I am fully aware though that as long as I am in a regular exercise routine, I will have better days, and happier relationships. If you are feeling down, the key is small steps, such as walking, jogging, or doing a few sit ups and crunches. It is more about establishing a habit of exercising than having one or two days when you run faster, further, or harder than you ever have.
#2
St. John's Wort is an all natural supplement and is commonly used to treat symptoms of depression. Johnny and I took this supplement for 2 months when we were first married. What I can say about it is, we felt a difference. We are not sure whether the difference was due to the assistance of this product or to other circumstances changing, but we considered it well worth our time and money.
#3
Vitamins! There is nothing more depressing than getting sick and behind schedule. We make sure to take one multi-vitamin a day. During the winter months we combine that with Vitamin C&D. That may seem like overloading it, but we'd rather have more nutrients than less. Studies have shown that there is some correlation among Vitamin D levels and depression. Seeing as those who receive less sun light [and therefore less vitamin D] typically show symptoms of depression, this would make sense. Since Johnny and I live in Utah, and the winters are harsh--we always make sure to have Vitamin D in stock.
#4
There is nothing better than having some brain candy on hand. For those nights that I can't sleep, or those days that I feel the urge to just be lazy books allow me to do just that. Now, obviously T.V. and movies do as well--but to avoid that coma that we all end up in after hours of staring at a screen [admit it, you know what I'm talking about], books seem to be the better option to relax while still keeping your brain active.
#5
A balanced diet. How many times have we heard that one? Well, it works. Johnny and I have ourselves on a "no meat at home" diet and it is amazing how much more energy I have on the days when we don't go out to a restaurant and gorge ourselves with whatever carnivorous options there are. Rather than be one of those people who tries to sit here and convince you of a particular lifestyle--feel free to ask me more about how or why we do this. This really is key though, just follow that pyramid & you will notice the difference. [make sure to allow for guilty pleasure every so often...you know we do!]
What do you do to pick yourself up on your off days? I'd love hear your suggestions.
Heres to Happy Days,
I&J
