Beating the Blues
Oct 13, 2010
It could be the change in seasons, or the upcoming election, or the fact that my future seems to be swirling in a vortex of entropy, but I’ve been feeling little down recently. Nothing serious, just a not-so-leisurely-dip in the deep end of the doldrums. It happens. And when I get to feeling down, I have a proven coping ritual.
Step 1: Drink Sangria, see photo below. It’s not so much about the alcohol (though, let’s not pretend, it helps), but that it is virtually impossible to stay depressed when drinking Sangria. Don’t believe me?
Next time you’re feeling blue, pop into Jaleo or Rosa Mexicana and order this fruity libation. Your outlook on life will improve markedly with every sip.
Step 2: Give money to charity. Sure, my intentions may not be purely altruistic, but do you think the charity cares why I’m giving them money? Of course not.
Favorite charities include Kiva.org (team Friends of Bob Harris), MercyCorps, Heifer International, the National Military Family Association and Holt International.
Step 3: Wear sequins (No.1: Vince Sequined Crop Tee, $295). Much like Sangria it is impossible to stay in a bad mood when you sparkle.
Step 4: Smell happy. What? You don’t think that it’s possible to smell happy? You can smell sultry or pretty, so why not happy? This cheery citrus scent from Fresh (No. 2, $75) is sure to lift spirits.
Step 5: Wear jewelry, the bigger the better. A cool statment piece like this faceted necklace from Charm & Chain (No. 3, $82) is sure to draw a few compliments, and compliments are essential to an improved outlook on life.
Step 6: Not only can bright pink blush (No. 4: Bobbi Brown, $22) make you look more awake, it can also make you look more vibrant. Basically, a colorful cheek (or lip if you prefer lipstick) can help you look cheery even when you’re not feeling it.
If none of these six steps work for you, then I have two suggestions: return to step one and apply liberally, and fake it until you make it. Sometimes pretending that you’re in a good mood can help you forget that your not. So do you ladies have any tips for beating the blues?
It the spirit of the season – jump around in a big pile of colorful leaves. Then, grab your closest friends and play board games. I suggest Apple to Apples and Scattergories.
It the spirit of the season – jump around in a big pile of colorful leaves. Then, grab your closest friends and play board games. I suggest Apple to Apples and Scattergories.
Bake!
Yes- time consuming, calorie ridden and includes a run to the grocery store
BUT– Who can be upset when your jamming to your favorite music in the kitchen? What coworker REALLY dislikes you after you bring in a plate of incredible cake? And who said raw cookie dough is the only cure to unhappiness? I hear it is pretty good cooked too!
So, take some sangria and a glittery apron and get in the kitchen!
Before getting in to your sparkles, go to the gym for an hour and release some endorphins! Plus it makes the going from grungy and down to pretty and perky that much more dramatic.
Also, try prosecco and pastries out with a friend or stay in for the night. Bubbles and best friends are definitely an instant pick up! Plus, since you went to they gym, you can eat something decadent and not feel the slightest bit guilty!
Great post! Sangria and sequins are my favorite fixes.
The only two additions I would make are going for a run and doing yard work. Both get the endorphins going, and both give a feeling of accomplishment.
Hope you get to feeling like your old self again soon!
Wear red shoes. Seriously. I'm a firm believer that red shoes have magical properties.
love the suggestions!
Getting outside is always helpful, especially now that we have lovely fall leaves to enjoy.
Spending some time on http://www.cuteoverload.com is a sure-fire way to beat the blues. How can you be sad with so much cuteness?
Journal writing, working out, and a big decadent meal with a friend or two or just curling up to watch a movie.
champagne and pedicures
It the spirit of the season – jump around in a big pile of colorful leaves. Then, grab your closest friends and play board games. I suggest Apple to Apples and Scattergories.