By Laura Caseley, writer at LittleThings.com
Are you feeling down, or stressed out from life in general? Are you just feeling like everything is kind of blah?
Maybe you're even beating yourself up about it. After all, your life is probably pretty good, so what do you have to feel bad about?
Whoa there. Stop that. Everyone feels blue sometimes, and it's okay! But it's also easy to get stuck in a loop of sadness, and that's no good either.
And while LittleThings has an awesome selection of touching stories that will lift your mood, we've also put together some easy steps to getting out of your funk.
Shaking off your blues can be a lot easier than you might think -- just as a clever exercise at a seminar showed its attendees.
Below, we've gathered some simple tips that are good to remember when it all seems like too much to bear.
Check out the tips below, and let us know what gets you by when you're feeling down in the comments!
1. Make Someone Else Smile
Everyone has bad days, just like you, and making someone smile can really help! And it makes you feel good to help out.
It's also a good way to train yourself to see and appreciate the positive. It's a win-win!
2. Enjoy The Silence
Take a break from the madness for a moment every day.
Put down your phone, turn off your screen, and just relax for a moment in silence. It will help you feel refreshed and clear your mind.
3. Don't Worry So Much About What Other People Think
Everyone has an opinion, but not all of them have to mean anything.
Besides, if you're constantly trying to get everyone to like you, you'll end up dissatisfied.
Sometimes you just have to let other people's opinions go.
4. Take Time To Dream
It's okay to have a daydream!
In fact, letting your mind wander can boost creativity and help you solve problems.
5. Sometimes It's Okay To Disagree
You don't have to "win" every argument (even on the Internet) -- and sometimes, having the last word can damage otherwise good relationships.
If it's not a major issue, let it go.
6. Don't Waste Time Hating People
If there's someone in your life causing you grief, maybe it's time to end that relationship.
At the same time, if you find yourself hating on people for small things, maybe it's time to reevaluate your hate-o-meter.
7. Stay In Touch With People Who Make You Happy
Just as you should distance yourself from people who make you unhappy, you should also stick with people who do make you happy -- and chances are, you make them happy, too!
8. Get Enough Sleep
Besides the physical health benefits, sleep is essential for your mood and outlook.
It's not a luxury. It's just as important as food and water.
9. Don't Dwell On The Past
You can't change the past, so stop worrying about it.
Everyone has regrets, but dwelling on them won't get you anywhere, and then you'll regret all your regretting later!
Operate in the present, and try thinking of your past mistakes as learning experiences.
10. Try New Things
You'll get bored if you stick with the same things over and over.
Whether it's something small or something big, try new things regularly. You'll expand your horizons and learn new things!
11. Stop Trying To Control Everything
There are tons of things beyond your control.
That sounds scary, but it's not.
It means that you're not responsible for them, so let some of that control go.
12. Learn to Say "No" Sometimes
You don't have to agree to everything.
If you're feeling tired, stretched thin, and overwhelmed, it's okay to turn down an invitation or a request.
Really. It's okay.
13. Don't Waste Time Being Jealous
Jealousy is pointless.
Be happy for people who have nice things, and let them inspire you to strive for nice things of your own.
Jealousy won't get you anything, but inspiration will.
14. Be Honest About Your Feelings
Sometimes you're going to be unhappy. That's okay. You're a human, and you have feelings.
But dealing with those feelings means taking responsibility for them, rather than lashing out or blaming others.
Saying, "I'm feeling kinda down" is okay, and you'll feel better just getting it off your chest. Feel your feelings, and they'll pass.
After all, if you never felt sad, how would you even know what happiness feels like?
15. Remember That Things Change
Everything changes, so even if everything seems like a mess now, it won't stay this way forever.
Life is always changing and growing -- and really, isn't that what makes life, well, life?
Please SHARE these tips with everyone you know to spread some peace and happiness!
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