After a relationship break up it can feel a real challenge to stay positive and upbeat. Maybe it was a stressful day when the kids visited their Dad with his new partner; a disagreement with the ex over finances or even just an off day, feeling alone on the weekend — whatever it is, there are definitely things you can do to raise your vibe.
And dealing with a break up, it's absolutely normal to experience low vibe days.
Research shows that up to 40 percent can be controlled through our daily thoughts and actions.
This means that there are definitely a number of proactive things we can do when we start feeling ourselves getting down. I asked what the ladies in my Facebook Group do to raise their mood, so here are some of the things they do...
1. Listen To favourite Music
Just allow yourself to enjoy the experience. So don't be afraid to turn up the volume when you're feeling low and do a mad dance in the kitchen or when you're hoovering.
2. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine as it increases dopamine in our brains, which is a chemical that elevates mood. Laughter also increases oxygen to our bodies and cools down our stress response system, resulting in a positive, relaxed feeling. So the next time you're low or even in a bad mood, watch your favourite funny program, film or comedian!
3. Move Your Body
Studies show that people who get more light exposure during the day have fewer sleep problems and less depression, and evidence suggests that light can keep you alert and productive. Studies have shown that even mild exercise, about 40 percent of your max heart rate, can lift your mood. Do what FEELS right for you. If you don't fancy a walk, do some gardening or if you feel energetic put on YouTube and dance or do a Zumba class
4. Declutter
Clutter is a reminder of things that should be getting done, but aren't. It can fuel feelings of failure! Put things into stacks and piles for an instant boost in mood, or open a cupboard or drawer, empty it out and have a good sort out!
5. Give Someone A Hug
When you stimulate the pressure receptors in the skin, you lower stress hormones and also that touching others stimulates oxytocin, which also has positive effects on our mood. If you are on your own, rub your own forehead, hands, and neck, with self-massage, as this has been shown to decrease heart rate and reduce the stress-hormone cortisol in our systems.
6. Positive moments
Take time to reflect on three things that are going well or three positive moments in your day, and even replay them in your mind. Mentally revisiting these moments will help bring back the good mood and feelings they initially created.
7. Talk
Let go of negative emotions rather than keep them bottled up inside. Talking about how you feel, helps restore your equilibrium. So while you don't want to be the person at home or work who is always focusing on the negative, there is definitely a time and a place — not to mention a therapeutic reason — to speak out how you feel when needed. When you suppress your negative emotions they come out as dis-ease and that's the last thing you need!
There's no reason a bad mood should ruin your day — or even a portion of your day. Often times when we're down, a quick boost is definitely within your grasp; you just need a conscious desire to feel better and a willingness to take a few mindful steps towards it.
And if you're finding that your bad or low moods are lasting longer than they should, or as if you can't seem to shake them, never be afraid to reach out to a professional.