When the quarantine started, I got depressed. Days past and every single day was a battle with myself. 

I notice that Im not alone. Everyone is feeling the same way in this situation and since then I made tremendous progress on how view things by becoming more self-aware, practicing self-love, and noticing the infinite blessings and possibilities in my life but I’m not always self-aware, I don’t always love myself, and sometimes I agonize over everything I don’t have or haven’t accomplished.

I call these days “zombie days.” I’ll just completely shut down.

I suspect we all have zombie days from time to time. I think it’s important to give ourselves permission to not always be happy, but there are also simple ways to improve our mood when we’re feeling down.

Everybody is different, and everybody has different ways of dealing with it, but if you’re looking for suggestions, you may find these helpful:

1. Step back and self-reflect. Whenever I start feeling depressed, I try to stop, reflect, and get to the root of my feelings.  

2. Reach out to someone. I used to bottle up my feelings out of fear that I would be judged if I talked about them. I’ve since learned that reaching out to a loving, understanding person is one of the best things I can do.    

3. Listen to music. Music can heal, put you in a better mood, make you feel less alone, or take you on a mental journey.   

4. Cuddle or play with pets. I have really sweet and happy dogs that are always quick to shower me with love whenever they see me. Spending quality time with a loving pet can instantly make your heart and soul feel better.  

5. Go for a walk. Walking always helps me clear my head and shed negative energy. It’s especially therapeutic if you choose to walk for a couple of minutes. 

6. Write. Writing is usually the first thing I do when I’m feeling down. It always helps me get my thoughts and feelings out in front of me.   
 
7. Take a nap. Sometimes we just need to recharge. I always feel better after getting some rest. Take a mental vacation. Let your mind wander for a while.     

8. Plan a fun activity. Moping around never helps me feel any better, so it usually helps to plan something fun to do if I’m feeling up to it. It can be something as simple as creating my own vision board or thinking of ways to have business. Be it online selling or delivery. 

9. Prioritize. Sometimes I feel depressed when my priorities are out of balance. Focus on what truly matters to you. Sometimes I forget what matters to me and what isn’t that important. Some things just aren’t worth getting too upset over.  

10. Look through old photographs or snap some new ones. Sorting through old memories or capturing new ones usually puts a smile on my face.   

11. Hug someone. I am definitely a hugger. Hugs are such an easy way to express love and care without having to say a word.  

12. Express your feelings. You either laugh or cry. Laughing releases tension and has a natural ability to heal. Crying releases pain.
  
13. Reconnect with someone. Get back in touch with an old friend or a family member that you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Reconnecting with people almost always puts me in a good mood and fills my heart up with love. 

14. Cultivate gratitude. Practicing genuine gratitude on a daily basis has been a major source of healing in my life. When I step back and notice everything I have to be grateful for, it makes me feel like I have everything I need and that nothing is lacking. It makes me feel whole. 

15. Try to exercise. There are all kinds of exercises out there. Find one you like and do it whenever you’re feeling stressed or overly emotional.

What helps you improve your mood?