"Seven Suggestions for Escaping Icky Moods"

"Moods are a normal part of life. People who experience the blues aren't broken, just normal. The key to a healthy, nurturing emotional health is to not get lost in or overtaken by the blues."

In an article by Roger Stark, ksl.com contributor, we learn about seven helpful suggestions in combating the blahs, the blues, and those icky moods. Here's what he advises:

1) Live in the Moment

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have... Living in the past generates guilt, shame and disappointment. Those lost in the future create anxiety and fear by their endless worry... The greater part of human pain is unnecessary. It is self-created. Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose. Spend your emotional capitol living in the present moment, not in the past which we cannot change, or the future which is not yet real."

2) Exercise

"Exercise is a mood buster. Along with improved mood, increased ability to handle stress, and improved self esteem, exercise results in increased feelings of energy and the decrease in symptoms of depression.”

3) Practice Service

“Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction... a natural sense of accomplishment... A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.”

4) Remember Your 10 Worst Days

"Sometimes feeling better is all about perspective. I keep a list of my 10 worst days on the wall above my desk. I review occasionally when things aren’t going so well... Reviewing the list gives me hope and courage. I survived all those days, some of them have turned out to be blessings. It helps me remember my own strengths, and encourages me that “this too shall pass.” "

5) Watch Your Favorite Movie

"Just the act of taking care of self by allowing the taking of time to watch one’s favorite movie can change mood... Taking a moment of enjoyment for self sends a rather clear message, “I deserve this, and I am worth it!” "

6) Connect Spiritually

"No matter what our sense of God or religion is, connecting to the powers that guide our universe can bring comfort, peace and serenity into our lives."

7) Take Others With You

"One of our human quirks is that we are often chameleons when it comes to mood. We tend to take on the mood of those around us, or at least be affected by them. By avoiding down moods and being healthy in our approach to life, we can effectively raise the mood of those in our sphere of influence... Individuals that learn good mood management techniques... serve as healthy emotional tuning forks whose "good vibrations" are shared by all that come in contact with them."

To view the article in its entirety, please click here.

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