Do Tell: What Do You Do to Lift Your Spirits?

September 18, 2009

I'm a fan of motivational tips because even though some of them may seem corny and random, they can be helpful in a pinch.

I needed a picker-upper the other day and was reminded of this list of things to do to ensure a better life. It may sound silly, but doing two things on the list — eating almonds and taking a walk while grinning like a weirdo (OK, that's not how he put it!) really did boost my mood.

I'm all about being proactive. What do you do to lift your spirits?

Source: Getty

43 Comments

pixiedusk 3 years 26 weeks

chocolates! never cease to make me happy! but i cant eat chocies now *sigh* thats why im sad... =(

jadenirvana 3 years 28 weeks

Fuzzies: I totally agree! What is it about messy cooking that is so cathartic? My fiance is horrified by my spattered, stained cookbook, but to me they are just well-loved! When I am in a funk I always go to this flower shop by my work that is like a fairyland. When I'm at home, I look through all my old pictures and reminisce about fun times I've had to remind me there are more to come!

jadenirvana 3 years 28 weeks

dikke kus 3 years 32 weeks

Clean. Listen to music. Call someone. Shop. Watch a favorite movie.Or all of the above. Sometimes I write, or maybe even paint. Just depending. Another thing I've done is go to a book store and hang out reading a great book. I'm sure I've also gone to a gym and worked out. I guess it just depends on my mood and how bad it is.

dikke kus 3 years 32 weeks

Clean. Listen to music. Call someone. Shop. Watch a favorite movie. Or all of the above. Sometimes I write, or maybe even paint. Just depending. Another thing I've done is go to a book store and hang out reading a great book. I'm sure I've also gone to a gym and worked out. I guess it just depends on my mood and how bad it is.

mollylove 3 years 32 weeks

I call a good friend and have a good laugh!

mira1988 3 years 35 weeks

I actually love to clean and play country music blasting for hours. Or I go for a walk and look at the mountains.

nancita 3 years 35 weeks

I like to look at photos from fun times, have a nice cocktail or sandwich, or go for a walk.

prencesschris 3 years 35 weeks

baking & my fav music

prencesschris 3 years 35 weeks

baking & my fav music

Autumns_Elegy 3 years 35 weeks

I'm a get drunk person too. Either that or coffee, lots and lots of coffee. Walking around helps a lot too. :)

Autumns_Elegy 3 years 35 weeks

I'm a get drunk person too. Either that or coffee, lots and lots of coffee.Walking around helps a lot too. :)

asktaz 3 years 35 weeks

i usually get dressed, turn up the music and dance it away! dancing(or exercise in general) burns off stress hormones and raises endorphin levels. Always makes me feel better!

jennaboa 3 years 35 weeks

I go to the toy store around the corner from where I live and play around like a kid for a while, bouncing on bouncy ball horses, wearing silly hats and blowing bubbles. And then I head to the attached tea shop, order a coconut bubble tea -- because its bubbles and has the coolest fat straws. Living like a kid is a much better option for me than blowing all my money on new shoes (my other preferred lift my spirits activity).

sparklestar 3 years 35 weeks

I go for a run!

sparklestar 3 years 35 weeks

I go for a run!

sourcherry 3 years 35 weeks

Writing in my journal. I should do it more often actually, because right after I'm done, whatever was putting me down immediately seems a lot more manageable.

Kimpossible 3 years 35 weeks

I have a small chest that I keep things that are very meaningful to me and that are always able to lift me out of a funk. I also browse through my many self-help/motivational books that I've highlighted favorite passages and/or quotes in. I listen to music, dance and/or clean. Often, simply getting up and moving even if it's just to walk across the room helps, just changing my position is a big help.

spicyaroma 3 years 35 weeks

Listening to music, especially The Killers. I find their songs uplifting :)Talking to my best friend Bradley or going for a nice long walk is also a good option :)

spicyaroma 3 years 35 weeks

Listening to music, especially The Killers. I find their songs uplifting :) Talking to my best friend Bradley or going for a nice long walk is also a good option :)

fashionplate525 3 years 35 weeks

Retail therapy, get a massage, play with my puppy, journal, etc.

mamasitamalita 3 years 35 weeks

Chrstne, LOVE the idea of making this an extra credit assignment! i bet you'll get some really great introspective responses

Vanonymous 3 years 35 weeks

My favorite from this list: No one is in charge of your happiness except you. It's easy to blame your bad moods on other people/events, but it's all about how you deal with the situations thrown at you.