7 Ways to Turn That Frown Upside down ...

1. Talk about It

The old saying that a problem shared is a problem halved is true. Sharing your thoughts out loud helps you assess what the problems are, so that you can start to solve them. Bottling your feelings up is unhealthy, so share the load with friends and family as you may be surprised how much better it will make you feel. I know that time spent playing with my niece and talking with my sister always helps me to feel better and turn that frown upside down.

2. Write It down

One of the easiest was to pick yourself up is to find solutions to things that are worrying you. On a blank piece of paper write down a list of the things that are upsetting you, and then for each item try to list a practical solution or something that can help. For example if you are unhappy with your job, your solution might be to update your CV, apply for new jobs or sign up to a new course that will help improve your current role. You don’t have to resolve everything in one go, but you can start to chip away at the problem.

3. Get Active

Sometimes if your life is going horribly wrong, rather than seek a solution, you need a distraction. If work is terrible, try to make the most of all your precious time out of the workplace. The simplest and often best solution is to get physical. Hit the gym, work the treadmill and you will feel a happy buzz of endorphins proven to block out negative thinking patterns.

4. Remember What You Love

Sometimes we lose track of the things we love and that really matter to us. I love swimming and writing and yet during my times of stress, I fail to prioritise these activities. Making time for the things you love is an easy win and mood booster, so what do you love to do?

5. Get Fresh

Fresh starts are a new lease of life. If your life is stagnant or boring, you may need to shake things up a bit. A fresh start could mean a new adventure or holiday, it could equate to joining a new language club you were interested in or simply trying new styles of cooking for dinner. You are never too old to start a new hobby, make a new friend or travel to new shores. You only have one life so make the most of it and try something different.

6. Spend Some Money

You would be surprised how good you might feel after buying the shoes you always wanted or paying for a fancy meal with your friend. One-off treats are rejuvenating and good for the soul. At my lowest, I treated myself to a full body massage and I felt instantly fabulous and happier for it.

7. Ride the Waves

Sometimes life is difficult and you just need to ride the waves until you arrive in calmer, less turbulent waters. As a final remedy, try taking some time alone to read your favourite books, watch back to back episodes of a funny TV show, paint your nails and eat a whole tub of ice-cream. Cherish some time alone to reboot and recharge, turning off all the problems that are bothering you. You will be surprised the difference a day can make. So turn up your favourite songs and shut out the world until tomorrow.

We all go through phases when were sad and low and need to turn that frown upside down. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone or helpless. Try to take joy in the little things in life, whilst setting goals to help you get back on track to where you want to be. If you set a goal today, just imagine where you could be with it by this time next year. Things will get better, as long as you choose to believe; do you believe?