Yesterday I got some news that made me feel awful. I don’t really understand why you would contact someone after a year to tell them something you lied about for so long. All it did was made me scream and cry. I felt actual hate and regret for something that made me feel so happy at one point. It seemed really funny that just the other day I posted about laying negative emotions to rest. I had to direct myself back to my own words, and it made me start thinking about what to do when you feel sad.
Whenever I’m feeling sad, my mind reverts to old patterns. I’ve posted about my experiences with mental health issues before, and even though I’ve come so far in the way of happiness and self care, it’s hard not to let instincts take over. The good news is that even if they do take over, my coping mechanisms kick in a little earlier each time. I want to share some ideas on how to prevent sadness and destructive tendencies, and kick in those happier moments.
Things To Do When You’re Sad
take a shower and belt out a song that really speaks to you over and over
hang out with your pet (and tell them all your problems)
eat ice cream, or some other delicious comfort food
vent to your best friends
watch the funny videos your friends send you
wear something that makes you feel fancy
take a drive to nowhere (if you’re emotionally stable enough)
YouTube video compilations of your favorite TV characters
look back at things you’ve written in your happy journal or radical self love bible to remind yourself of the good in your life
force yourself to dance for an entire song
move your mouth muscles into a smile and keep it like that for sixty seconds
make something for someone else
write down the advice you would give to your best friend who is sad
come up with at least one reason why the thing you’re upset about it actually good in its own way
buy something fun that you don’t necessarily need, like a sparkly shirt, craft supply, or stationery
scream and cry
hold an ice cube in your hand, snap a rubber band on your wrist, or draw on your skin if you feel like physically harming yourself
take preventative measures to not contact people you shouldn’t (maybe an anti-text app for an ex)
take a B-12 vitamin
allow your friends to try to cheer you up, and don’t feel like you’re wasting their time
do a guided imagery or meditation
stretch all your muscles
cut a bunch of things out of magazines
write yourself an e-mail to be delivered in the future, congratulating yourself on moving on
clean and organize your belongings
Is it easy to do? Almost never. It takes effort, support, and desire. Yesterday, I vented in e-mails to my best friends, drove to my friend’s house where he played me songs on his guitar while making strange faces, and cried a lot. I drove around, came home and showered while listening to “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel about six times. I sang it as loud as I possibly could. I got myself a Drumstick and let Bug have a lick of it while I brushed some of the glitter from my carpet off of his fur. I wore floral leggings instead of pajamas, put on a face mask, and overdosed on episodes of “New Girl”.
Is the pain gone? Kind of. The thing that happened still happened. I’m mad and extremely hurt over it. But I don’t feel numb anymore. I know that I can handle these things.
me making donut seed (Cheerios) angels on April’s kitchen floor
Something else that made me feel better was listening to the mini audio diary I made for myself back in December, on the way home from April’s party. I just wanted to document how I felt that night, and listening to it transports me back to those emotions.
Sometimes watching a favorite show or movie when I don’t feel like talking to anyone helps.
the only thing that cheers me up when i feel really down is listening to my favourite albums. but i will try some of the things on your list for sure!
I’m so sorry someone made you so upset! But you’re a true inspiration the way you can keep from wallowing in sadness. 🙂 I shall take your advice and ideas and keep them in mind for when I need it!
Cleaning up and organising is my go to. It’s the best way to get me out of bed wallowing in myself, and bed is the number one bad thing for me when I’m sad.
I’m sorry you’ve been upset. Idiot.
You ALWAYS inspire me, baby cakes!