Curing the Blues - 14 "Feel-Good" Ways to Get Out of the Dumps
 by: Heather Diodati

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.

By Heather Diodati
http://www.whimsies-online.com

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