9 Ways to Cope with the Blues.
By Miroslava Pradella , LCSW CASAC
Winter has made the blues an all too familiar occurrence. In 2021, there is even more to deal with the current challenges. But there’s no reason for you to continue feeling that way the entire time. You have the power within you to beat those blues! The rest is all just a matter of how?
Consider trying the following ways:
1. Avoid fixating in your problems. If there’s a specific issue that is causing you to feel down, avoid dwelling on this issue. Take action to resolve the challenge.
2. Keep busy with things you enjoy. If you have free time, why not fill it up with things you like? Go with the tried and true activities that you enjoy doing. Chances are that you’ll have a smile back on your face in no time.
3. Seek out the company of others. You may get the blues because you feel lonely. There’s probably somebody out there that you can spend some time with, even if it’s not one of your close friends. Come up with an activity that you both enjoy doing or just sit and chat. Use chat or FaceTime to stay connected. No need to deal with blues on your own.
4. Pursue a new hobby. Are you feeling blue because you’re bored? Start a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try. You might even embark on a new lifetime of enjoyment through this new activity. For example, you may want to try painting, yoga, stretching, coloring mandalas or start side business you have been thinking about. This is your time and you can do whatever you desire-no judgement.
5. Take a class. Pick a subject that you have interest in and sign up. If you get yourself jazzed up about a new class, you’ll likely leave your blues behind in the process. There are some great courses on LinkedIn, Coursera (I just think they are really good-not an affiliate) or check the free database in your public library. You may be surprise of how many courses are available nowadays.
6. Clean up your social media. For the most part, we all have some sort of social media outlet. Make sure that your feed is keeping you positive. You may have to put some social media friends in a pause. If this is not enough consider a social media break-a day or even a week off, can give you some relief. You can always go back.
7. Start new adventures. Try something new with your friends. If you prefer to be alone, you can always go on a solo adventure. Let your mind go wild with fun ideas. Your blues will dissipate as you begin planning an exciting new journey.
8. Activate your muscles. You can beat the blues just by becoming more active. Even taking a walk in the fresh air can improve your mood. Your blues mindset might tell you that you don’t feel like it or you’re too tired, but chances are that once you get moving, you’ll be glad that you went out of your way to get some exercise.
9. Get in touch with your spiritual side. Even if you’re not a religious person, you can contemplate the answers to life’s big questions. When you focus on the big picture, sometimes your own challenges don’t feel as large anymore.
Try these strategies the next time the blues bring you down. Just one of these tips may be just the thing to help you turn that frown upside down!
*This post is not a replacement for professional services.
Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise.
