When healing after a break up, sometimes we need a little extra lift to feel better. Whether your current concern is getting stuck in the details, feeling lonely, or you just want a quick pick me up, try reviewing this list for ways to get happy and feel good about yourself. Then, write down your favorites somewhere handy, so you can refer to it whenever you're in need of a feel-better tonic.
Learn or Practice Karate
As a martial arts technique,
karate is well suited as a feel good activity because of its multiple outcomes: it gets you moving, it helps with concentration, it fosters community, and it enables those learning it to better defend themselves.
Reframe Your Experience
Frequently the unhappiness we feel about a specific situation has more to do with how we look at a something than what's actually occurring. Try reframing your experience to find an almost instant mood boost, such as telling yourself the experience is a challenge and not a threat.Call A Friend
Its hard not to feel good when you're out with friends or talking with someone on the phone, especially if they are the kind of person to make you laugh. And since several studies have shown that having and relying on a social support network can reduce one's risk towards depression, picking up the phone can only help.Play a Game
Games are an effective way to get your mind off your break up, and focused on relaxing and enjoying yourself again. And almost any game will do that engrosses you, such as
card games,
online games or even
non-addictive games.
Say an Affirmation
A simple tool to use when needing to change your negative self-talk into positive,
affirmations can be used anytime, anywhere, and have immediate impact. Just make sure to choose something that really resonates with you in order to receive the best feel good benefits.
Tap Yourself
A needle-free form of emotional acupuncture that has helped many people reduce their negative thoughts, emotions and memories to a point where they are no longer debilitating,
EFT offers fast feel good assistance to anyone who willing to read through the relatively simple and totally free how-to.
Clear Clutter
This get happy suggestion may take a bit more time than the others, but according to Feng Shui experts,
clearing clutter is the first step in getting unstuck from your past and moving forward.
Have a Nap
Sometimes all we need is a bit of rest and relaxation to feel better. Going to bed an hour earlier or sleeping in will provide the same benefits.Garden
Getting your hands in the earth and breathing in fresh air do wonders for many people in their attempt to feel better. Plus, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment by having grown something beautiful or edible.Laugh
Even the anticipation of laughter has shown to reduce stress in several studies, so just planning to watch a funny movie or see a comedian can do wonders for your mood.Spend Time With Animals
If you have a cat or dog, studies have shown that
pets reduce stress almost as well (if not better) than having a significant other. Don't have a pet? Then try volunteering at the local SPCA to walk some dogs, or offer to take care of a friend's animals while they are away to receive the same short-term get happy benefits.
