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I woke up this morning feeling happy & then I got a message that took away my upbeat mood in an instant. It derailed plans I had and questioned the next steps that I thought I was going to take.
My first thought was screw this, my second was well now I have an excuse to have a drink tonight, and my third was STOP RIGHT THERE.
I am still me even in this terrible mood and I have decided not to drink (in January and beyond ...).
I haven't changed since yesterday, or since my happy mood this morning. External influences are always going to get in the way and push us to question our thoughts, beliefs, hopes, fears and intentions.
When we pay attention and notice how we feel, and recognise the mood we are trying to escape, we can intercept ourselves before we reach for a drink. Dry January still intact!
There are plenty of other ways, besides wine, to get yourself out of a bad mood and make yourself feel better. Listed below are some of my favourites:
1.Listen to your favourite music & dance around
I have a 'Positive playlist' saved to my Spotify. It's full of all my favourite songs. If I'm out of the house & need to pick myself up quickly, I'll put this on. If I'm in the office or at a friends, i'll go into the bathroom & have my own two-minute dance party!
2. Take yourself for a walk
Quite often going for a walk is the last thing you want to do, It's freezing (and knowing the UK probably raining too), but physically moving and getting outside can give you a whole new perspective on your day. Distracting yourself from your bad mood, make a point of actually noticing the scenery around you. If the walk alone doesn't help, ring a friend who makes you laugh.
3. Have a shower
An option when you're at home. Rather than hanging around the house feeling rubbish, have a shower and physically change your state. Taking a quick shower, especially one that alternates cold and hot water, can help increase circulation and help get rid of negative energy and bad moods.
4. Long bath and a cup of tea
Now I'm not suggesting you have a shower and a bath (although I have been known to do it) but if a shower doesn't feel right for you, boiling the kettle, making a cup of your favourite tea and running a hot bath can work wonders. If you can take 30 minutes out from your day, or evening, to get some headspace and have a bath then you can wash away even the worst of moods.
5. Restorative yoga
Don't roll your eyes. I'm not suggesting you do sun salutations and a headstand (although if you can). Taking 10 minutes, or 2 if that's all you've got, to relax into a restorative yoga pose can dissolve a bad mood.
Next time you're feeling rubbish, try Legs-Up-The-Wall.
Inspired to drink less and do more? Check out my blog: Girl and Tonic