Instant Pick Me Ups

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Often, when you have a disability or live on Social Security benefits, you can feel quite isolated. Maybe it’s difficult for you to leave the house to attend scheduled social events; maybe you have a social anxiety disorder that makes interacting with others a near impossibility; you might feel as if you’re not contributing to society because you’re unable to work. You’re not alone: Many people with disabilities feel sad and lonely or suffer from clinical depression.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many ways to give yourself a quick shot in the arm, if you’re willing to try. Here are 20 simple, sure-fire ways to experience an instant lift in your mood.

1. Talk to a friend. If you can’t get out and visit them, pick up the phone. Don’t wait for others to call you, make the call yourself. Who knows? Maybe they were just waiting to hear from you.
2. Explore old memories. Get your photo albums and diaries off the shelf and reminisce about your favorite memories of the past. Be happy about the life you’ve led and the experiences you’ve had.
3. Exercise. Exercise releases endorphins which make you happy.
4. Read a book. Getting absorbed in a good story can make you forget your own problems for a while.
5. Plan something fun. It could be your next vacation or simply making a date with a friend to visit a museum or go shopping. Having things to look forward to can instantly lift a bad mood.
6. Bake your favorite treat. Although you shouldn’t medicate sadness with food, sometimes baking your favorite cookie or cake recipe can be a great way to banish the blues. It’s even better if you can share the results with a friend or neighbor.
7. Listen to music. Turn on your favorite feel-good music – the kind that conjures up happy memories – and dance!
8. Learn something new. Sign up for a community class, visit the library or surf the Internet to keep your brain occupied with a new hobby or interest.
9. Pamper yourself. Do something indulgent: enjoy a bubble bath, apply a facial mask, get or give yourself a manicure or schedule a massage.
10. Volunteer. Doing something good for others will give your life new meaning. Contact your favorite local charities and ask if they need volunteers.
11. Clean. Tackle clutter on a countertop, sort through a cabinet, chest of drawers or kitchen junk drawer. You’ll finish with a tremendous sense of achievement.
12. Hang out with children. Children have an endless sense of wonder about the world and never fail to amaze and delight. Who knows – they just might teach you a trick or two!
13. Do something nice. Help your neighbor clean out his garage, send flowers to someone you love “just because” or pay for a stranger’s coffee at a restaurant. Doing nice things for someone else reminds us that there’s more to life than what’s going on in our own heads.
14. Enjoy nature. Sit in the yard, walk in the sunshine, relax under the trees, examine the colors of a beautiful garden.
15. Watch comedy. Whether you go out to a live show, put on a favorite DVD or watch something funny on TV, take time to laugh.
16. Decorate your home. Brighten up a room in your home with fresh paint, a new piece or artwork, or a fresh bunch of flowers. Consider a little redecorating by moving furniture around from room to room.
17. Do something silly. Blow bubbles, make a fort out of blankets in your living room, or go to the park and play on the swings.
18. Do something scary. Conquer a fear like skydiving, going on a spider encounter, or learning to swim.
19. Stop watching the news. Death, war, famine, and catastrophe – it’s on the news every night. Turn off the TV and do something peaceful instead.
20. Reach out. If you’re feeling sad, tell someone. If you need a hug, ask for one. People in your life are ready and willing to help you; all they need is your permission.

If you find yourself feeling sad all the time, or if activities that used to bring you joy now hold no interest, consider talking to a counselor or mental health professional. No one should feel bad about life, especially not you!