Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Beating the blues :(

On my YouTube channel I get loads of comments about my "positive personality", my "cheerful nature", my "sunny disposition" or the like. It may seem like I am this perpetually happy person who rides a unicorn through a field of lollipops and rainbows day in and day out, but the truth of the matter is I have my bad days just like everyone else. I probably have a lot more of them than you think.

I tend to not film on those kind of days because the last thing I want to do is put out bad vibes into the universe, but they happen and I have to deal with them they do.

I was recently asked to do a video about this very topic but I decided a blog post might work instead, so here are a few FUN ways I deal with stress and over all feelings of negativity.

1. Feel the music.

For me music is an ultimate mood-changer. I can be feeling just blah one minute then my favourite song comes on and all of a sudden I am dancing around the room, singing at the top of my lungs like a lunatic (cue extreme embarrassment if this happens while grocery shopping....). I recommend anytime you find a song that brings an instant smile to your face add it to a playlist. That way when you're feeling not so smiley, you know exactly what to listen to.

My Mum thinks listening to Taylor Swift is like therapy.

2. Bake cupcakes, or cookies, or both.

Now don't just go out and buy a cupcake you actually have to make it. The process can be very calming and by thinking about what you are doing, you are less likely to be thinking about whatever was making you frown. Plus at the end of the whole process you are left with a batch of deliciously sweet goodness that is guaranteed to chase away the blues. Cookies work too!

Cute owl cupcakes I made last year.
Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the best!

3. Listen to babies laugh.

It may sound a little creepy but it's actually very therapeutic. There is something about the innate innocence of a child's laughter that just helps you remember simpler, happier times. Now if you don't have one of your own you can type "babies laughing" into the YouTude search engine and you'll find a plethora of giggling littles. I dare you not to smile when watching this!

 
 

4. Watch a Disney movie.

Happy endings only are allowed here. Disney movies have a special way of promoting happiness. It might be something to do with childhood nostalgia they incite or maybe it's the catchy tunes. Whatever it is, forget that you've kissed one too many frogs and instead concentrate on creating your own happily ever after.

Popcorn makes all movies better!

5. Go for a ride.

It's a well known fact that exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they don't. If I'm feeling down a nice bike ride in the sunshine can be just what I need to clear my head. I'll often ride to a nearby park, maybe take a swing on the swing set and after all is said and done, I usually feel better.

My yellow vintage bike.

Remember breathing is not just important, it's necessary. So when it all gets to be a bit too much stop, breathe, then work out how you're going to deal.

Also, don't underestimate the power of taking a little bit of time just for you (even if you have to schedule it into your diary), it can make a world of difference.

How do you deal with a stressful or bad day? 



P.S. When in doubt, Ryan Gosling makes everything better ;)


5 comments:

  1. Very good ideas. Music mostly does the trick for me :) But I'm kinda dissapointed you don't ride a unicorn ;)
    Oh, and can I change Ryan Gosling into Ian Somerhalder??

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  2. Sadly no Unicorn but yes Ian Somerhalder is an excellent substitution! ;) xx

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  3. Heya :) I love that you've started a blog! Great post :)
    Music is a pretty amazing thing... Reading is also a great way to just escape and distract yourself too. I'm not sure who said it, but I think it's really true that the written word is one of the most magical things - it can create and transport you to a whole new world :p

    Anyway, looking forward to more posts!

    Lauren
    xxx

    laurenloveslaughter.blogspot.com.au

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    1. I totally agree with you! I probably would have included reading if it wasn't for the fact I read all the time, no matter what mood I'm in :) I find reading, music and movies to all be fantastic ways to get out of your own head for a little bit.

      xox Rach

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  4. Hi Rachael :)
    I am a long term supporter of your channel and love all your videos especially your ones where you just chat about life and how you are feeling. For me personally you are so relatable and just so genuinely lovely and honest which I really respect.
    I only just found your blog and I love this post I totally do the disney movie thing too and your bike is so adorable :)
    I also highly recommend hugging a puppy even if you need to steal/borrow one for a minute lol!
    All great tips though and I really love your sense of humour and how you blog :) I would sadly need to trade Ryan Gosling out for Han Solo or George of the Jungle though but then I am a wierdo I suppose lol :)
    I know this is an old post but I hope your having a lovely week and finding lots of positive vibes too. I really appreciated your video on dealing with rejection, it was really good for me to know other people are going through similar things. I have been rejected from so many job interviews due too my lack of confidence or experience so really understand that feeling.
    Sorry for rambling on lol. I love your videos and now your blog and just want you to keep up the good work :) Ox

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