5 Things To Do Today To Feel Better

We all have those days … days when we are feeling “not quite tip-top.”

Here’s what to do!

1. Give yourself the day off

If you work for someone else, take a “sick” or “vacation” day. Edit your to-do list for today, postponing or eliminating any item you don’t truly feel like doing today.

2. Pamper yourself

Start with a warm bath or shower; use scented soap if you have it, and be sure that the water is hot enough to melt away any tension. Give yourself a facial or manicure, if you are so inclined. Dress in your favorite cheerful outfit.

Next, have a delicious, healthful breakfast. Be sure to eat it in the most pleasant spot you can find – for me, this is usually a sunny corner of my living room, or perhaps on the porch. Resolve to eat only healthful, delicious foods for all of today.

3. Devote some time to quiet reflection

Locate yourself to a quiet, pleasant spot – outdoors if weather permits – somewhere where you can sit or lie down comfortably. I suggest a three-part practice:

“Mindfulness is a way to live your life as if it really mattered. And that involves being in the present moment with open-hearted presence and kindness toward yourself.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn

Begin with mindfulness. Quiet your mind. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, take notice of smells (fresh air, fragrant flowers) and sounds (gentle breezes, bird songs). Open your eyes and really take notice of what’s around you. Spend several minutes in this mode – just be.

“It may sound corny, but the research clearly demonstrates that you would be happier if you cultivated an “attitude of gratitude.””— Sonja Lyubomirsky

Next, gratitude. Count your blessings. Simply contemplate each of your objects of gratitude and perhaps also to reflect on why you are grateful and how your life has been enriched.

Finally, practice a short loving-kindness meditation. This is the simple practice of extending feelings of compassion toward people, starting with yourself then branching out to someone close to you, then to an acquaintance, then to someone giving you a hard time, then finally to all beings everywhere. See Greater Happiness in 5 Minutes a Day by Christine Carter for instructions on how to do it.

4. Connect with others

Even if you are not feeling particularly “sociable,” you should know that spending time with happy and positive people has the power to elevate your mood. Here are a few ways to connect with others on your day off:

• Have a phone chat with a friend.
• Invite a friend on a “mystery day trip.” Plan a wonderful place for lunch (most important!) and a few interesting places to visit. Map out your route, pick up your friend, and surprise her with a mystery tour!
• If you really don’t feel like a lot of social interaction, that’s your prerogative. But I would encourage you to at least get out among people in a pleasant place. Offer a smile or a kind word to people you meet.

“Decades of research bear out the basic truth: your mood is elevated and your stress is reduced if you plaster a big smile on your face, even for a short period of time.” — Why Faking a Smile Is a Good Thing

5. Spend your day doing whatever you like, whenever you like

Here are a few general suggestions:

• Nothing soothes the soul like being in nature.
• A real happy meal is one that tastes great and makes you feel even better.
• Just sit and relax!