Curing the Blues - 14 Feel-Good Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in awhile. The best cure is to be around people that you care about; family, friends; and keeping yourself busy enough to change your mind. Here are some "mood changers" to help you overcome those "down- in-the-dumps" feelings.

1. Less Fortunate

Visit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out small inexpensive surprises to the residents. They will enjoy the care and attention from something so unexpected.

2. Pamper Yourself

Pamper yourself with a candlelit bubble bath, then prepare your favorite gourmet meal while sipping on a glass of bubbly white wine in one of your special crystal glasses.

3. Something Special for Others

Plan some community work - help out at the local shelter, volunteer at your local church, work with other volunteers to spread some caring amongst your community. It'll make you feel better about yourself and happy that you've helped out others less fortunate than yourself.

4. All in the Family

Spend some quality fun time with your niece or nephew or other child in your family.

5. The Gift of Time

Offer to do some work to free-up some time for your spouse or parent. For example, cleaning Dad's garage or a full-house vacuuming for your wife. How about for your best friend - you can walk her dog or baby sit one evening.

6. Long-Distance Caring

Call your favorite aunt whom you haven't seen since she moved far away, or your best friend who transferred to another country - let them know you're thinking of them.

7. Just For You

Have you wanted that delicate pair of earrings for awhile but kept putting off the purchase? Give yourself a special gift - you deserve it!

8. Seize the Day!

It's a beautiful day! Invite a friend out for a walk to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air; the peaceful sounds of the birds and the wind blowing through the trees. Or go for an aerobic power walk with your friend or by yourself. It's a well-known fact that exercise releases endorphins, the body's "feel good hormones" which can calm and de-stress you and generally help to change your outlook on life.

9. A Movie Night

They say "laughter is the best medicine". Rent or go see a funny movie, either by yourself or with a friend.

10. Dance up a Storm

Go to a line dance class, one that you don't have to pay for a series of. You'll be amongst many happy people and you'll learn a few dance moves while you're at it!

11. Gym-Dandy

Go to the gym to work out (again, those endorphins!)

12. Holly Hobby

Get out your favorite hobby and start on that project you've been putting off - don't stress yourself about finishing it all in one day; at least start it and who knows...you might get into a feverish pitch and accomplish quite abit!

13. Tee-Time

Do you golf? Go to a putting range and hit a few. Or do another sport that you enjoy; invite a friend or relative..or go alone; you might make a new friend.

14. Thought Process

Start a journal - explain in detail why you feel "down". In a few months, read what you wrote on this day. Perhaps you will see everything in a new light and all those gloomy thoughts will have disappeared.

http://www.whimsies-online.com

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

About The Author

Heather Diodati's whimsically humorous personalized cartoons can bring a giggle or a smile to someone's lips. Choose one of her designs and request personal changes such as hair color, glasses or even a moustache, or order a custom personalized cartoon! Fr~ee - Personalized gift with any purchase. Sign up for our ezine, On A Whim for a little sunshine and laughter in your life!

http://www.whimsies-online.com

info@whimsies-online.com

In The News:

Practice, Practice, Practice

It may sound silly but the key to self-confidence and... Read More

Book Summary: If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

This #1 New York Times bestseller offers some useful and... Read More

Taking Responsibility

Taking action about our current station in life involves taking... Read More

Success: Its Really Pretty Simple

From the 'What You Need to Succeed' SeriesEvery once in... Read More

Being Determined - What Good Will That Do?

'Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability... Read More

What Makes You Special?

Many people are too busy today trying to fit themselves... Read More

After the Storm......

Have you ever wondered why is it that after we... Read More

8 Super Ways To Avoid Procrastination

We are all guilty of delaying what needs to be... Read More

These Are The Good Ole Days

I am sitting here at a public access wireless location... Read More

What Is Failing Forward?

What an absurd statement! Absurd or not, progress is not... Read More

My Grandmother Never Had a Degree

There were four generations sitting at the kitchen table, smacking... Read More

Resistance Is Natural - but Not Helpful - in Times of Change

Here are five feelings we all experience in changing times.... Read More

Victorious Living

How are things going for you? Are you sitting on... Read More

Dont Wait For All of Lifes Traffic Lights to Turn Green

Can you imagine getting into your motor vehicle, reversing out... Read More

Want Real Change in Your Life? Take Action!

It's easy to begin a year with analysis: months, days... Read More

Motivation; 5 Steps to Get the Changes You Want

Q: I just read your column in today's' Greensboro News... Read More

Christian Gladiators? Athletics as a Metaphor for the Christian Lifestyle

When Paul first arrived in Corinth in the middle of... Read More

Top 4 Reasons Women Ride The ?Emotional Roller-Coaster?

1. Women have learned and are in the habit of... Read More

2 Simple Ways To Cure Procrastination

Curing procrastination is not necessarily about will power or forcefully... Read More

Action vs. Apathy - Feeling Powerless? Get Moving!

How many times have you felt truly defeated by the... Read More

Three Simple Ways to Motivate Yourself Today!

Are you having a hard time getting things done? Are... Read More

Five Great Ideas From Aristotle

It was Socrates who said that the purpose of philosophy... Read More

Wisdom Comes to the Inquisitive Mind

Throughout my life I have observed many things and I... Read More

Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is more deadly than failure itself.... Read More

Chasing Your Dreams!

Friends, it is always a power of your dreams and... Read More