10 Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better When You're Sad AF

7 June 2017, 13:26

Forlorn looking young woman
Nicky Idika

By Nicky Idika

If you've had a bad day...

Try as you might to feel okay, there are those times when you'd rather crawl into a hole and forget about the world. Of course sadness is a part of normal life, but that doesn't mean you can't kick your bad mood in the ass. 

1) Light some candles to shift your mood. 

Honestly, candles are so lit (pun intended). Aside from being kind of awesome, a study in Japan suggests that lemon scented candles can have an "anti stress" effect. Aside from that, aromatherapy is widely practiced all over the world and it's a cheap way to instantly lift your mood. 

via Unsplash


2) Write your troubles away.

Write. Write something. Write anything. Write a tweet; write a play; write some fanfic; write a freaking text. Journaling and writing for anti anxiety and stress purposes is widely recommended by mental health experts. But what should you write to immediately pick yourself up? Try a list of things you're thankful for. The part of the brain that processes "gratitude" can help to trigger the release of dopamine (the happy chemical)into your brain.


 

3) Wear your favourite scent 

Scents and aromas can have a powerful effect on our overall mood. If you're someone who wears Impulse fragrances when you're feeling confident, then don't hesitate to wear them when you need a little pick me up. "Scents can have positive effects on mood, stress reduction, sleep enhancement, self-confidence, and physical and cognitive performance," according to Psychology Today. 

Young woman near flowers

via iStock

4) Fix your bad mood by helping others.

Nothing feels quite as powerful as using your voice to help other people. One way to send your bad mood packing is by getting involved in a social cause that you feel passionate about. #iwill is a social initiative designed to inspire and empower communities across the UK. It aims to break down barriers for youth social action and give everyone, especially teens, the power to improve the lives of people living in communities just like theirs. Get in touch with #iwill and lift your mood by helping others. 

via iwill.org.

5) Cook your favourite comfort food. 

Why is cooking a mood booster? A couple of reasons. It's a mind focusing task with a rewarding outcome. Similar to tidying up, you feel better after you've cooked something for yourself because you've distracted your brain, focused it on something else, and can now enjoy the result of your labor. Cook a freaking grilled cheese sandwich and tell me it won't make you feel better. 

6) Treat yourself (you know you deserve it).

You shouldn't do this ALL the time but why wouldn't you treat yourself to something yummy or fun? Making it through each day deserves its own round of applause, so don't shy away from showing yourself some love. 


7) Put on some music and get in the bath.  Relaxing in a bath image

 

8) Get someone to give you 3 million in cash.

 

9) Explore your city. 

If you're feeling sad then here's what you should do: Throw a camera, notebook, and headphones into your backpack. Slip on some walking shoes and catch a bus into the center of the city where you live. And then explore. Explore, clear your mind, problem solve. Just see something you've never seen before. 


10) Unload your troubles. 

You may feel down because you're carrying around a lot of frustration, anxiety, and worry. There is no requirement for you to constantly feel alone and isolated. Talk to someone. Tell them why you're upset. Ask for advice. People can surprise you with their capacity for empathy and understanding. 

Two women chatting

via iStock

Find out more about Impulse’s new fragrance, Impulse Crush and how to #LiveLifeOnImpulse