I‘m generally an optimistic person: my glass is half full more often than half empty. Sometimes, however, I struggle and I’m sure many of you do, too. Moments of happiness often mean more when there are fewer of them and I want to share some things that help me find those moments.

I pray these will bless you, too.

1. Get Some Sunshine

Did you know that the absence of sunshine can make you feel blue? Take a walk or spend time outside on a sunny day.

Keeping the blinds and curtains open helps me, too.

2. Start a Project

Check out the DIY & Crafts category at Pinterest or Lowe’s Creative Ideas for an endless supply of ideas to keep your mind and hands busy. Completing a project is not only emotionally satisfying, but you might have a useful or decorative item—or even a room transformation—when you’re finished.

I made these curtains and some other cool stuff from tutorials online.

Listen to this story about Mozart and how he escaped life’s troubles through his art:

“This supreme figure among the great composers of the world never had good health, and his life was filled with difficulties. Yet we rarely see evidence of these hardships in his music. Mozart’s music is not autobiographical like that of Beethoven, for example. If Beethoven quarreled with a friend, you hear angry sounds in his music. Not so Mozart. He escaped into his music when the problems of life were the heaviest. In fact, his life was so full of cares that his music often has a carefree spirit.” ~ Jane Stewart Smith & Betty Carlson, The Gift of Music

3. Exercise

Exercise improves your physical and mental well-being. I’ve started the 30 Day Shred again and though I have to talk myself into doing it most days, I always feel better afterwards.

My spring goals include walking laps at the park during my boys’ baseball practices and dusting off the bike I bought last summer.

4. Spend Time Doing Things You Enjoy and Do Well

What are you good at? What do you enjoy? Whether your thing is cooking, photography, sewing, crafting, writing, gardening, or whatever, allow time for it.

{Sometimes I start cooking and end up taking pictures.}

5. Me Time

Does spending time alone sound downright decadent? Curl up with a good book or spend the afternoon at your favorite book store or coffee shop.

It’s a great way to rest and recharge when you need to get away.

6. Do Some Good for Someone Else

As important as it is to take some time just for you, it’s equally important to spend time focusing on the needs of others. Send cards to friends who are sick or in need of encouragement. Take a meal to a family with sickness or a new baby, or just surprise a neighbor and bless their day!

“Are you one looking for encouragement and appreciation? Then I have a suggestion for you: Encourage someone around you. Give to them what you are looking to receive, and you will be surprised how it will return back to you a hundredfold. . . many a time a word of praise of thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.” ~ Dr. K.P. Yohannan, Stay Encouraged

7. Reduce Chaos

A messy house makes me feel stressed and out of control. Although I rarely have a house as clean as I would like, even focusing on one area helps me feel better. Cleaned and sponged kitchen counter tops are my biggie.

Decluttering can be done day-by-day in manageable baby steps. Donate useful items to a local charity thrift store.

{Did you notice I didn’t show you a picture of my messy house?}

8. Start a Bible Journal

I keep a journal for writing down favorite verses from my Bible reading. The YouVersion Bible app has a variety of plans and tips for making the most of them. You can even set the app to send you text reminders at the time of day you like to read (do it within the plan’s settings on your phone, not from the website) or email you the day’s devotional content.

I really enjoyed the Proverbs devotional plan, 31 chapters for a 31 day month.

9. TV Time

When life gets me down, I enjoy getting lost in a good movie or streaming a TV series on Netflix. It’s a great distraction!

Here’s a list of some of my favorites.

10. Create an Upbeat Playlist

I created a playlist and named it Happy, and then added the most fun and upbeat songs in my iTunes collection to it. It’s on my computer, phone, and iPad so I can hear it almost any time, anywhere.

Music has a powerful effect on our emotions.

I hope you found something here that will help you when you’re feeling low. Although it’s not included, prayer is always part of my list.

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

by Dawn Camp, My Home Sweet Home

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ABOUT DAWN CAMP

Dawn is a homeschooling mother of eight and online shop owner who lives life with a camera in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. A Photoshop...

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