How to Keep Negative Moods From Running Your Life as a Young Woman
I can attest to the horror that can be life as a teen or twenty-something year old woman. You're a kid (trying to) do adult things. You've still got a ton of growing as a person, even if you don't believe it, and are entering a whole new world of responsibilities, peer pressure, and college credit. It can be extremely difficult to keep your mental stability, be the person you know you want to be, keep your grades up, and maintain a "social life", which is so important in your mind. (I'm 23 and now avoid any type of social situation at all costs). Once you graduate college with your $50,000 piece of paper, you're met with a whole new scheme of stresses and responsibilities, and it doesn't get easier. You're wondering where you're supposed to be and what your purpose is, and when you're going to land your dream job and perfect family. You can often seem stuck and confused why God is doing what he is doing, and some days it gets hard to trust God's plan. It's not realistic to think there is a certain magical age where everything should fall into place in life, but we all find ourselves comparing ourselves to our peers and how the timeline of their life is going. All your friends are getting college scholarships, finding great jobs, getting engaged, having kids, and living their best life (according to Instagram). With all the stresses that is high school, college, and early adulthood, it is easy to let negative thoughts and feelings overcome you and convince you you're in the wrong place in life or that you're alone. Sounds dramatic, but I know it happens all too often, and it seems like there isn't always someone there to talk to.
For such a complicated problem, I've learned there are simple tricks to kick these negative thoughts and emotions. If you make these tricks into habits, you will live a happier and healthier life, physically and mentally.
1. Kick negative friends and replace with uplifting positive ones. This is one of the most important points of all of them. I put it first just in case you get bored and stopped reading. My mom always told me that you will become who you surround yourself with. It's also been said that we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with. That is scary. If you have a friend who is constantly pointing out the negatives, bringing other people down, or walks around looking like Eeyore, you're going to start doing the same. You may think you can uplift this friend with your positive outlook and vibes, but negativity is harmful and contagious. Misery loves company. Find some friends that lift you up, compliment others, talks nice about people behind their backs, and share the same values as you.
2. Get vitamin C. People really do underestimate the power of getting outside. Sometimes you don't realize you're trapped in the darkened power of your mind because you're literally trapped in the darkened back room of the office or you go home and sit in your dark bedroom. Go on a run, walk the dog, go on a hike, build a snowman, rake some leaves, or just get some fresh air.
3. Go to the gym. Studies have shown that physical activity reduces stress, releases endorphins (happy chemicals), reduces anxiety, improves self image, boosts your brain power, and MORE. If you want to read the rest of the benefits visit The Huffington Post. Here's a pic of me the last time I went to the gym (2011).
4. Make lists. Keeping lists makes your brains job easier. For me personally, I feel like I can let that section of my brain relax once I get my list done because I won't spend all my time trying to remember my to-do's. Keep a short term and long term list.
5. Do a project. MAKE some time to do something you enjoy. Paint something, refurnish something, or bake something. Projects, for me personally, can turn into more stress than joy. It's another thing on my to-do list, and I have to get it done immediately. If you're like me, I would skip #5. Don't add more to your list than is necessary unless you enjoy it.
6. Clean. You will immediately feel better if your room is clean, your laundry is done, and your bed is made. "Tidy home, tidy mind!"
7. Go to church. It can seem like a struggle to get yourself dressed and to church on your only day at home, I get it. Sometimes, you have to make yourself go, and you feel guilty for that. Many Christians struggle with the idea of church attendance and if it really matters. However, the bible mentions that meeting together to worship is an important part of your growing relationship with the Lord. There is one obvious and main benefit of church- to worship and learn about God, and worshiping with other believers is a powerful thing. The closer you become with God and the more you learn about his Word, the better you will feel. Besides this huge benefit, church also challenges you mentally, broadens your knowledge, provides fellowship, presents opportunities to serve, and much more.
8. Write it down. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be extremely therapeutic. You can gain clarity in your writing be real with yourself about what you're feeling and why. You also may go back in a week or two and realize it was silly to be so emotional over a situation.
9. Pray about it. This is where you give your stresses, fears, and worries up to God. Don't expect to completely overcome these things on your own.
10. Change up your routine. Even if your routine is working. If you feel mentally, emotionally, or physically drained, try changing up your routine. Try to get more sleep. Try changing your diet. Try reading a book instead of watching TV. Try going to the dog park and making friends instead of going home and watching How I Met Your Mother. You'll have more energy, thus being more productive. You'll also have new experiences and feel happier. Personally, the dog park is my favorite. I always meet like-minded dog mom freaks and get a kick out of all the pups. (And wear sweats and sandals apparently)
11. Get a pet. Pet's have actually been found to lower stress levels, positively impacting your blood pressure. You're also less likely to suffer from clinical depression. THIS IS OBVIOUS. Pets are the best. If you can't get a pet, I recommend going somewhere where you can play with someone elses pet. Or, you can text me and I'll send you pictures of my cat in a sweater, because apparently this is a normal thing and I support it.
