CHEER UP

Life is unpredictable! It's made of so many unexpected and undesirable things. Sometimes, we're simply running out of positive energy and feel totally devastated. But expect the unexpected! There are a thousand reasons that can “pull us down” - unpaid bills, a dismissal from work, conflicts, an unrequited love, bad weather ... and there are as many ways which can help us improve our mood. Still, you shouldn't expect someone to do it for you. It is your responsibility and your job.

Thinking positively is important, but not sufficient. Despite all the possible bad things that might have happened, each day should be given a chance to turn into a nice, even a wonderful day. How can we improve our mood?

1.LISTEN TO YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC! Listening to your favorite music can definitely improve your mood. Let your favorite hits be always ready and at hand.

2.GO OUT AND EXPOSE YOURSELF TO SUNLIGHT! During the winter, especially in the far north of our planet, due to lack of sunlight, a large numbers of people suffers from the so-called seasonal depression. Depression retreats immediately after the appearance of the first sun rays in the sky. Although it's hard to believe that exposing ourselves to sunlight can bring us back to life, it's true. Fifteen minutes in the sun stimulates secretion of serotonin, a hormone of happiness as well as vitamin D, which stimulates our good mood.

3.EXERCISE! We're already familiar with the fact that exercise improves mood, stimulates the secretion of endorphin, the hormone that reduces appetite, anxiety and depression. If you are not able for longer exercise, even a ten minute stroll will make you feel better.

4.CALL A CLOSE FRIEND! Keep contact with your friends. Friends play an important role in life, as our advisers, relatives... Close social relationships are crucial for gaining satisfaction in life.

5.DO A GOOD DEED! Doing a good deed makes us feel good. Help someone, encourage someone, give compliment or praise, spend some time with friends, forgive someone's mistake, buy somebody a gift...

6.GO THROUGH YOUR PHOTO ALBUMS! They are treasures of happy memories that will remind you of all the beautiful things that happened in your life. Remember the precious memories, they'll enrich your life and inspire you...

7.WATCH A GOOD COMEDY! Good comedy will raise your spirits, and it's up to you to keep smiling. A sincere smile cures everything, even a forced smile will make you feel comfortable and appear more accessible to others.

8.PUT YOUR PERSONAL SPACE IN ORDER! Putting order into your personal space will make you feel much better.

9.DO ALL THE THINGS YOU'VE BEEN POSTPONING! Start doing things that you've been postponing earlier - a medical examination, filing, a purchase...

10.TAKE A NAP! Even a twenty minute nap can do the trick and help you restore energy and enable you to start afresh...

Shopping and a visiting a hairdresser are also considered to be women's favorite "antidepressants". I'm not very convinced of their effectiveness, in particular because of the large number of side effects... But the choice is yours. Everything else that I have mentioned is quite effective and without side effects. You can use these suggestions combined or one at a time an unlimited number of times. Do not hesitate - the moment you start feeling bad about yourself, you should spring into action... Perhaps I missed something? Feel free to add some good advice.