10 Fixes for an Inexplicably Sad Day

Ever have a day when you wake up feeling positively, undoubtedly, inexplicably blue?

Well for me, that was today.

There was no particular reason why I should have been feeling sad, and yet, I definitely was. You know the feeling. It’s sort of like being covered in a sheet of gloominess and not feeling motivated to do much of anything.

What do you do on days like this? Here’s what I do on days like this: blog about it 🙂

And thus, here are 10 ideas for flipping the switch on sudden gloominess. I put two or three of them to work and it certainly did help! Bookmark this one for later and your future self will thank you 👍

Wear Bright Colors and/or Your Favorite Outfit

What was the first thing I did upon realizing my mood needed a makeover? Picked out an outfit in my favorite color, PINK. I find that wearing bright colors can help lift my mood. Or if you’re not a color lover, wear the outfit that makes you feel most awesome.

Listen to a Song

Here are a few of my go-to pick-me-up songs. I hope they work for you too!

Shower, Immediately

Maybe it’s obvious, but a good toothbrushing and thorough shower will always leave you feeling at least 10% better. Do it!

Take a Phone-Free Walk Outdoors

I like to take my dog out for a walk and leave my phone at home. It has a way of putting things in perspective and brings me back to the present moment.

Take Yourself on a Mini Shopping Trip

Sometimes a bouquet of flowers and your favorite treat can feel just right on a blue day. Whatever those spontaneous little purchases tend to be for you, today’s the day to go get them!

Fake It ‘Til You Make It

In the same way that putting your body into a Power Pose can make you feel more confident, “faking” a cheerful mood or disposition can sometimes make you actually feel more cheerful. It’s starting from the outside in. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Do a little dance. Set a timer for 5 minutes and laugh the whole way through. Fake it until you make it.

Practice Gratitude

What are you most grateful for in your life? Say it aloud. Write it down. Draw a picture of it. Whatever feels right to you, getting into a mindset of gratitude is consistently one of the best ways to move out of a low mood.

Raise Your Heart Rate

I can’t tell you how many mornings I may have woke up feeling a bit crummy but after my water aerobics class at the pool, I felt great and ready for the day! There is a science to this: an aerobic workout releases endorphins in your brain, making you feel better. So go run around the block or do whatever is your favorite activity to get your heart rate UP.

Spend Time With an Animal

Do you have a pet? Animals have a way of knowing when we’re sad and just their presence can make us feel better. So if you’re having a blue day, go have a snuggle session with your kitty or dog first thing.

Call a Friend

Who is someone in your life who always has a way of making you feel better when you’re down? Keep them on speed dial for those rough days! Be mindful about who these people are – and who they’re not. I have some great people in my life who I love dearly, and yet, I also know they’re not necessarily the ones to call when I’m feeling vulnerable (and that’s ok).

In Closing

Do you have something else that works well for you on sad days? Please do share it with everyone in the comments below 👇 Whatever the pick-me-ups are that work for you, keep a record of them somewhere so that on those sad days, when you’re ready, you can spring into action 🙂