Make two lists: one of your strengths and one of your achievements. Try to get a supportive friend or relative to help you with these lists, as people with low mood are not usually in the most objective frame of mind. Keep the lists in a safe place and read through them every morning.
Think positively about yourself. Remind yourself that, despite your problems, you are a unique, special, and valuable person, and that you deserve to feel good about yourself. Identify and challenge any negative thoughts about yourself such as ‘I never do anything right’, and ‘No one really likes me’.
Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself.
Eat good food as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Make meals a special time, even if you are eating alone. Turn off the TV, set the table, light a candle, and make a moment to feel grateful.
Exercise regularly. Go for a walk every day, even if it is cold or rainy, and take more vigorous exercise (exercise that makes you sweat) two or three times a week.
Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep.
Reduce your stress levels. Start looking at relaxation techniques, download a mindfulness app. Introduce yoga into your life. Stay in the present moment.
Do more of the things that you enjoy. Go ahead and spoil yourself. Do at least one thing that you enjoy every day.
Get artistic. Activities like music and dance, among many others, enable you to express and explore your emotions, interact positively with others, and reduce your levels of stress.
Set yourself a challenge that you can realistically complete. For example, take up yoga, learn to sing, or throw a dinner party for some friends.
Do some of the things that you have been putting off, such as filing the paperwork, repainting the kitchen, or clearing out the garden.
Be nice to people, and do nice things for them. Putting a smile on someone’s face is bound to put one on yours.
Support is around us. Tell your friends and relatives what you are going through and ask for their advice and support. Perhaps they too have similar problems. Join a support group or a talking therapy.
Spend more time with those you hold near and dear. At the same time, try to enlarge your social circle by making an effort to meet people.
Avoid people and places that treat you badly or make you feel bad about yourself. This could mean being more assertive (life coaching can help you with this).
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