The Happy List

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I had started a post that was me banging on about how miserable I am and various reasons why. I don't want to post that. I have been really sad and down this week. It's possibly a combination of vicious female hormones and the fact I've had four job rejections land in my lap this week. My 2015 goals have never felt so far from happening, it's really getting on top of me. Instead of wallowing, I thought I'd put together a list of things I do to try and cheer myself up.

1. Listen to some happy music 
I've talked about this here, but if I'm sad I'll be there cracking out the ballads in order to make myself feel even worse. But, in anticipation of Slam Dunk next month I've been listening to a lot more pop punk. Pop punk just makes me feel like summer is well and truly on the way. I'd highly recommend treating your ears to As It Is' album stream of Never Happy, Ever After. But, definitely go and buy it when it comes out next week, too!

2. Watch something that makes you feel better 
And don't feel bad about wasting a whole day doing this. We have whole series' of 2 Broke Girls saved onto the Sky planner and sometimes I like to watch a couple of old episodes before work. I like watching 'reality' TV like Made in Chelsea, TOWIE etc. it's nice to escape into their little dramas instead of thinking about your own. Even starting to watch something new can give you a focus, especially if it's really good.

3. Read 
Similar to the above point, read that book you've been putting off. Or re-read something you love. I used to re-read a specific chapter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when I was younger, because it always made me feel better.

4. Paint your nails 
Or put on a face/hair mask. Do something to properly pamper yourself. I think if you feel like you look better, you'll genuinely start to feel it. Like everything else, it gives you something to focus and concentrate on. And, who doesn't like looking at freshly painted nails, preferably in a bright/pastel colour.

5. Buy yourself a present 
It doesn't have to be anything extravagant. Little pick me ups are a good way of cheering yourself up. A new outfit for a night out gives you an excuse to organise one. Buying some new books for your Kindle gives you something to do in your spare time. Or even something small, like a box of chocolates, it's all a little treat and it probably won't cure how you're feeling, but it'll banish it for a while.

6. Remove yourself from situations 
Don't put yourself in a position where you're going to feel low. It's difficult if work is making you feel down, as it is with me. But, try to put a positive spin on it. How many days are left before the weekend? How many jobs did you apply for recently? If you have interviews coming up, set time aside to research and plan some questions and answers. Try and chat with your work pals and organise something with them. Last weekend, I found myself leaving a pizza night at my pal's house earlier than usual because another friend was unknowingly upsetting me. So, I got a taxi home, had a Rekorderlig and watched a film.

7. Have something to look forward to 
Plan things with your family and your friends. Put all your holidays in at work and sort fun things to do on your days off. It can be lunch with an old friend, a holiday or festival, a trip to the cinema or theatre or a day out to the seaside. Put the dates in your diary and focus on what's coming up next. Whenever I feel low at work, I try and keep in mind the next time I'll be off or the next gig I'm going to. It gives you a point to work towards.

It's pretty self explanatory. You've got to do things for yourself. That's something I'm slowly learning. I'm feeling down and out this week, but next week it'll probably be a completely different story. This list isn't very original or thought provoking, but if it helps someone to feel a little bit better, then that's great.

What do you do to cheer yourself up?