Feel Good Tips For That Summer Slump

Feeling a little down lately? Don't worry - you're not alone. Although Summer is the szn of fun, you may find yourself not at your best. Though this may not be the cure to 'turn that frown upside down', these are some helpful tips and suggestions, you and anyone can try, to help get some motivation into your day! 

Morning

Lemon Water - I'm sure one of the first things you do in the morning is check your phone - don't worry, we all do it. But simply waking up and grabbing a glass of lemon water before you grab your phone can be a really big improvement to your morning! By simply drinking a glass of lemon water right as you start your day, you're already improving your digestive system, helping your joints, increasing your liver functions, helping your body fight infections, regulating your blood pressure and the list goes on! There's many benefits to simply starting your day by drinking lemon water. It's a great way to get out on the RIGHT side of the bed!

 Morning Run - Finding time to workout is tough - especially if you have a busy schedule as it is! By adding a morning run to your day, you're being active & getting oxygen to your brain. Helping you to 'seize the day' as best you can!

Breakfast - We've all heard, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" - and it's TRUE! A great way to change your mood is with a breakfast filled with all your favourite breakfast foods. Whether it be pancakes, french toast, bacon, an omelette - or even Lucky Charms cereal! Simply starting your day with your meal of choice can improve your overall mood. Emotions and Food really do go hand in hand. So why not change your mood with your fave foods? 

Afternoon

Lunch - Try making a plan with a friend to go out for lunch, or make lunch at home. Just getting out of the house sometimes helps you get out of a "funk" when you've been alone in your room for a few days. Being in the company of a close friend can also help change your #currentmood. Even if you decide to stay in, making a homemade pizza or some fresh nachos is some good quality time as well!

Movie - You might have already done this while you were by yourself, but sometimes when i'm in a funk, I NEED to watch a movie. But not just a random movie from my list or suggestions on Netflix. It has to be one of my favourite movies of all time - that i've probably already seen 800 times - OR an inspirational movie, to change my mind set and recenter my emotions. Movies that I've watched when I felt this way have been:
- Silver Lining Playbook
- This Is Where I Leave You Now
- Laggies 

Cleaning / Re organizing - WARNING, this next suggestion may not be for everyone - but it does help! Sometimes, when I feel lost or when I'm in a slump, I clean and re organize my room. For me personally, I need my person space to be clean and organized. When it's not, or I've been too busy to keep it clean and organized, I can feel my life slowly falling apart (figuratively that is). And when things in life aren't going exactly the way you want them to, the one thing you can control is your bedroom! I like to throughout things I haven't used / worn in forever, clean my bedsheets, vacuum. Basically make my room as fresh as possible, to make me feel at ease. 

Night

Breakfast For Dinner - Breakfast is one of my favourite meals of the day. So if I'm still feeling in a slump as the day goes on, I'll try to make breakfast for dinner. Whether it be an omelette, pancakes, french toast, waffles, anything goes! Its a great change for the usual dinner meal, it's having a meal you really enjoy!

Chill Out How You Do Best - Sometimes when I've been in a slump and I need to be alone, I tend to lock myself away from the rest of the world. Not in a negative way, but I need chill out, and take some time for myself to think. In this time, I might take a long shower, listen to my favourite songs, read a book. Being away from people, and staying away from using my phone really helps me avoid drowning in my thoughts, and allows me to take control and evaluate how I can improve any situation.

SLEEP - As simple as this last one is, NOT getting enough sleep can really effect our lives in a very negative way. If you're ever feeling anxious, or too in your thoughts, or just in a slump, sleeping it off can actually help you to feel better. If I'm ever feeling in a slump, I'll pick a day where I know I can sleep in, I'll have some tea before bed, and try to get to bed early. Getting over 8 hours of sleep can really help you not only feel better, but think better too!

Whatever it is you might be dealing with, I really hope these tips and suggestions help you. Everyone has their good days and everyone has their bad days. Though these may not be the "cure" to your sadness, I hope whatever it is you're dealing with, you're able to feel your best soon. And if you ever feel like you can't do something alone, reach out to a close friend or family member that you feel would be best suited to help you. If you ever feel like there's no one you can turn to, there is support avaialbel 24/7 for you.  

Mental Health Helpline (Canada): 

http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/

Call 1-866-531-2600