Personal development: Feeling down? Here are 6 things you can do to lift your spirit up

It could just be that you are just feeling blue for no reason at all

As humans, we don't always have happy days which may be caused by internal or external factors.

It maybe as a result of a fight with your loved one, a friend or a colleague or some random person inside the public bus you take everyday, or internal factors like not having enough sleep due to insomnia caused by worry from family problems. Maybe it could be that you are just feeling blue for no reason at all.

Compiled by Beliefnet, here are things you can do to pull yourself back up from that sad state you are in:

1. Take Care of Yourself: This may seem like an obvious thing, but try your best to get a good night’s sleep and eat healthy foods when you’re hungry. Science shows that both of these things can have a huge positive impact on both your mood and your blood sugar. Consider setting an earlier bedtime than usual and stick to it. Make some nourishing snacks that you can easily grab instead of the sugary junk food. Fresh fruit, a piece of cheese, some cut up vegetables, homemade soup, whole grain crackers; they’re all quick and easy options to consider.
2. Choose to Be Happy: Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” There’s a lot of power in those words. Could you try it for a day? It may be a “fake it until you make it” proposition. A lot of research from behavioral psychology reports that when we intend to be happy, our thoughts and actions follow suit. We actually become happier. Try saying things to yourself such as “I want to feel better.” Or, “I know what I need in order to be happier and I’m going to do it.”
3. What’s Comforting to You?: If you’re going through a tough time, think about some healthy comforts that will make you feel better. Take a bike ride or go for a walk in nature. Treat yourself to a lunch at your favorite restaurant. Listen to some upbeat music. Call a friend. Watch a funny movie. Take a nap. Read a good book. The release from stress will add to your happiness quotient.
4. Make an Action Plan: Can you identify what’s making you unhappy? If so, you have a good chance at reversing it. What action can you take today or this week that will make you feel better and reverse the trend? You don’t have to figure out a whole plan for resolving your conflicts, simply taking some steps in the right direction will boost your good feelings.
5. Trust Your Gut: Take a quiet moment before you go to bed tonight and tune into yourself. Ask, “What’s bothering me?” Followed by, “What can I do to feel better?” Listen for the wisdom within. You may receive it via a feeling or a knowing. It may come as an “aha” moment or as an inner whisper. If the answer brings you peace or simply makes you feel better, you’ve got it!
6. This Too Shall Pass: What do you say to yourself when you’re going through a tough time? Beating yourself up is not helpful! Try saying things that are soothing to your heart and mind. Examples are, “It is what it is, let me just accept it and move on.” “I let go and let God.” “All I can do is put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.” “It will all work out.” And finally, “This too shall pass.”