By: Marcia King-Gamble
www.lovemarciakinggamble.com
Every time I turn on the news or look at a social media post it seems there is so little joy out there. The news is filled with just negatives. Celebrities we grew up with are passing away. There's a war that shows no signs of slowing down, or ending, despite what the pundits say. Women and minority wins are being stripped or taken away. Diplomacy, as we know it, seems not to exist.
Welcome to a brand new world where decorum and dinosaurs are both extinct.
What happened to:
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittensBrown paper packages tied up with strings
All of these used to be my favorite things.
It would be easy to throw my hands in the air or bury my head under the covers, sleeping for days, hoping when I wakeup, things would have changed. Not.
But what will negativity and apathy get me?
A recent article I read says staying positive ensures a longer life and also stalls the onset of Alzheimers, so there's that.
I have a few habits that may not work for everyone, but work for me. They keep me positive.
Writing got me through a divorce it was actually a catharsis. I did some of my best writing then. That's where I poured out my emotions.
Exercise was another life saver. Walking also does wonders. If you're not a fan of high impact exercise this is definitely the way to go. Just keep moving.
Travel. Even little day trips can make a difference. A change of environment does wonders for depression.
Having pets are great de-stressers. dogs or cats and low emotional maintenance friends can also boost your mood.
Then there's a warm shower or scented, long bubble bath.
If all else fails, remember to take deep breaths. Slowly breathe in, and out, and in again. It lowers your blood pressure.
Treat yourself to small gifts. They don't have to be expensive. But they can perk you up. It's important to practice selfcare.
You are worth it! Tomorrow is another day.
6 comments:
Awesome post, Marcia! My pets and friends help me cheer up, too. You are spot on with getting moving. Day trips are a great idea I'm going to try to do more.
Marcia, staying positive and engaging in self-care are definite strategies to keep moving forward. I don't have pets and I do have friends, however, none live close enough for anything impromptu. I'm looking forward to a walk on a bright spring day. Seven minutes of continuous motion is heart, mind and spirit healthy...also free and easy to manage most of the time.
I will be thinking about day trips or even half-day trips that I can do. I live in a beautiful part of the country with rivers, waterfalls, snow and sand within an hour or two of my house. Now that I'm feeling better, it's time for me to make some plans!
Great ideas, Marcia. Thank you and hang in there!
Sarah it's the little things that provide joy. You don't even have to spend money.
Judith you are so righ.t I envy you living in your region. Have lived in Washington State twice with frequent visits to Oregon. Definitely Gods Country. Getting outside walking, in fact any movement, is balm for the soul. A positive outlook is better than any prescribed medicine. Mind over Matter.
I'm trying Lynn. Keep your positive outlook,
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