If you read the paper, online or an honest to goodness hold it in your hand newspaper, or watch the news on TV it's all enough to make you want to retreat from the world. Bad news in abundance, be it financial, economic or social, there's plenty of bad times all around. Need something to lift your mood? Read on for five things you can do to put you in a happier frame of mind.
1. Make that phone call, send that card or visit that neighbor.
Too many of us put off calling friends and generally keeping in touch because we're 'busy'. If that sounds like you, chances are you haven't talked to your best friend in a while, and you never did get around to sending that birthday card for another friend who lives across the country. As for your neighbors, you hardly remember what they look like! Stop the busyness and get reconnected. It's a known fact that regular social contact makes us happier, so get connecting!
2. Learn how to say no.
Do you complain about being 'dragged into' social or work commitments for which you really don't have time? Learn how to say no gracefully, and take back control of your time. Limit your obligations to those which you really need to do and don't feel bad about turning down a commitment when you know darned well that you won't be able to give it the attention it deserves. Saying something like "I'm sorry, I simply wouldn't be able to give this the time it deserves. When I do, I'll let you know" lets the person doing the asking down gently.
3. Stop and smell the roses, literally.
How often have you driven past a garden and wished you had the time to stop and really look at it? Just do it. Even ten minutes of gazing at the colors and inhaling the fragrances will lower your stress level and boost your endorphins.
4. Play that funky music yourself.
Lots of us took music lessons in childhood and let those skills fall by the wayside as we got older. Just like riding a bike, it's something you don't forget, though you may need some practice to get back up to speed. Dig out your old guitar, dust off the piano, oil your trumpet and get playing. If you've never played before and have always wanted to, what are you waiting for? Whether you're 16 or 76, it's never too late to learn how to play an instrument.
5. Learn a craft.
Perhaps your mother and your grandmother were expert knitters. Maybe your Dad was pretty handy at woodworking. But for some reason, you never followed in their footsteps. If you're fortunate to still have them in your life, ask them to teach you. They'll be thrilled that you asked, the time you'll spend together will never be forgotten by either of you, and you'll acquire a new skill that you can pass down to the next generation.
