When you get caught in a cycle of bad days, it can seem almost impossible to get out of the bad loop. I get it. I’ve been there. I also know this isn't something that happens to just content creators; it happens to people who have regular 9-5 jobs as well. Somehow, I feel a little more empathetic towards the latter 'cos I can't imagine having to go to work feeling like I'm about to crash. And because I've been through those days, I know how difficult it can be to get out of it. Worse still, it even harder to talk about. So, I've put together simple things that you can work into your daily routine that can help you elevate your mood.

Before I get into the tips, I want to issue some caveats:

my advice is not a substitute for professional help or therapy for depressive disorders. They are not to be considered medical advice - just an outline of things that have helped me on multiple occasions and I know can help you too!
these tips treat the symptom not the underlying cause. If your "funk" is frequently recurring, please seek help. And as you try these, I advise that you take the time to figure out why you're in that state and attend to the cause as well

Otherwise, let's move on:

5 Things That Elevate Your Mood

Move Your Body

When you're feeling down in the dumps, the last thing you'll want to do is work out, but it helps to move. Start by taking a walk. Notice how I didn't say run or jog or whatever. That's because I'm a firm believer in small steps being greater than giant leaps. Don't try to start with anything extensive, just 15 minutes to a half hour and your mood should being to improve. At the very least, your bones won't feel so heavy. You don’t need to commit to an hour long trek to reap the benefits of a brisk walk.

Then if you have more time, and you want to, take a longer walk and maybe add an exercise routine.

Another option is putting on some good music and dancing. I do that a lot...In private, but a lot. And to quote the phenomenal Elle Woods, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."

Brain Dump & Meditate

Basically, get everything out of your head, Get it out! For me, this usually starts with a prayer. Not so much the typically enigmatic prayers that we're taught to say in church. But just talking to God about how I feel and what's on my mind, and asking for help. The good things about this is that you can do it anywhere; in the bathroom, in bed, or even on your walk.

I often feel embarrassed about talking about my troubles. Sometimes, I don't even have the words to describe them. Often times, they seem ridiculous and invalid so I feel guilty for even having them. It's great to have perspective but you shouldn't invalidate your feelings. This is an issue for another blog post. So, if you can't talk to someone about them, put pen to paper or talk it out into your voice recorder. It helps to elevate your mood trust me.

Water

Drink it! Bathe in it!

I think because we're mostly made of water (45-60%), there is something about being in it or under it that ground us as human beings. But I have no scientific basis for this other than the fact that it grounds me...LOL.

For the most part, when we're in a terrible funk, our instinct is to STAY IN BED and look like the state we're in. That ends up doing more harm than good. Personally, I like water because:

bathing will make you feel clean - and BE clean. And you can play dress up too. Looking good or at least putting in the effort will make you feel more energetic, and make you feel good.
drinking water is great for you. This is like health tip 101. Water flushes out waste and toxins, so take care of those insides and hopefully the outsides will follow suit.

Reclaim Your Space

Try de-cluttering and reorganizing your space. I do so here. This includes cleaning out your closet, your room, or even something simple like your purse. Clearing out spaces and going through a process of organizing instills a sense of control and accomplishment. It also reduces stress and increases your productivity.

Play The Gratitude Game

It's great to have a gratitude journal. Yes! But, you don't need one in order to list the things that you are grateful for. You can literally open up a Notes app on your device and write out the things you are thankful for daily. It could be the small things too, they really count on days when we need to be reminded of our blessings. And that we ARE blessings to someone too, you know.

BONUS

Remember that music, playlist, book or podcast that encourages you and reminds you of who you really are, regardless of how you feel...REVIST THAT!

A song I'm always drawn to in times when I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders is Through Heavens Eyes by Brian Stokes Mitchel. Listen to it, and let the words embrace you. It makes everything (including you) seem small in comparison to all that you are and who you belong to. It helps, trust me!

I wish I could tell you that there’s a quick fix or a magical cure… That all you have to do is read this book or drink this remedy and poof worries disappear! Unfortunately, I have yet to find that magical cure naturally. I can say for sure that Jesus helps! When it comes to elevating your mood and getting joy, most of the work has to be done on the inside so I pray you continue to find the healing you need on a daily basis. Lord knows we all need it!

Anyhow, I hope you'll give these 5 tips a try, and see how they help you! But, I also want to know...Are there any tried and true methods that you use to get out of a funk or elevate your mood? Let me know in the comments section.

By Igho Eferere