28 suggestions for making yourself feel better when things aren’t going so well

We all have days when everything seems to go wrong. Stress mounts, frustrations pile up, and sometimes it’s just… too much. I call those days “POUET days”. A term that, I think, sums up the feeling pretty well. Wouldn’t you agree?

Whether it’s a long day at work or disagreements with loved ones, it’s essential to take a step back and offer ourselves a little tenderness. We call this Tender Loving Care (TLC). Taking care of ourselves doesn’t always mean grand gestures; often, it’s in the small daily actions that we find comfort.

Here are 28 simple suggestions to soothe the mind, recharge the body and nourish the soul. You’ll see, sometimes a little can go a long way!

And off we go!

To soothe the body: reconnect physically

1. Take a hot bath or relaxing shower
   Water has the magical power to take our tensions with it. Just the feel of running water can soothe you. Add essential oils for even greater relaxation.
2. Do 5 minutes of cardiac coherence
   Conscious breathing is a powerful tool. In just a few minutes, you’ll feel less stressed and more aligned. Try this cardiac coherence tutorial.
3. Stretching
   Take a few minutes to move your body. Stretching helps release accumulated tension and improve blood circulation.
4. Exercise
   Even 10 minutes is enough! Moving around helps relieve stress and stimulates the production of endorphins. Choose a physical activity you enjoy.
5. Drink water
   Hydration is often overlooked, but it’s crucial. By drinking more water, you improve not only your physical, but also your mental fitness.
6. Take a nap
   Taking 20 minutes to recharge your batteries can have a revitalizing effect and reset your mood.
7. Anchoring exercise
   If possible, walk barefoot on the grass for a few minutes. Reconnecting with the earth can help stabilize and calm the mind.
8. Wear comfortable clothes
   There’s nothing better than wearing something soft and pleasant to feel good about yourself. You deserve comfort!

To calm the mind: refocus on the essentials

9. Writing your feelings
   Writing is a therapeutic act. Put your thoughts and feelings on paper to free them. There’s no need to have a plan; just let the words flow.
10. Switch off your phone
    Take a break from social media and notifications. Digital disconnection allows your mind to rest, away from outside noise.
11. Read a good book
    Immersing yourself in a story allows you to escape for a while and release tension. Sometimes one chapter is enough to change your mood.
12. Try a new hobby
    Learning something new is a great way to take your mind off your worries and stimulate your creativity.
13. Eliminate clutter in a small space
    Tidy up a corner of your office, kitchen or living room. Making space physically also helps to clear the mind.
14. Write a list of gratitudes
    Acknowledging the beautiful things in your life, even the small ones, helps to focus on the positive. Writing down what you’re grateful for is a simple but transformative exercise.
15. Watch a funny video or show
    Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh. A video that makes you smile or a light-hearted series can brighten up a gloomy day.
16. Make someone happy
    Offering kindness to another person can lift your spirits. It’s a simple, yet gratifying act that spreads good feeling around you.

Feeding the soul: connecting with yourself and others

17. Get fresh air and walk
    Walking in nature or simply walking around the neighborhood can change your perspective. Take a deep breath, observe and reconnect with your surroundings.
18. Looking up at the sky
    Looking up at the sky helps us to put our worries into perspective and feel part of something bigger.
19. Spending time with a pet
    Animals offer unconditional love and soothing comfort. Spending time with them is an inexhaustible source of happiness.
20. Cooking something simple
    Make yourself a meal or snack that you enjoy. Cooking can be therapeutic, especially if you treat yourself to something sweet as a reward.
21. Light a scented candle
    The comforting scent of a candle can transform the ambiance of your space and soothe your senses. Try relaxing scents like lavender or cedarwood.
22. Put on some happy music
    Create or find a playlist that puts you in a good mood and let the music brighten up your day. Our Saturday MUSIKA playlist is here
23. Dance like nobody’s watching
    Let go, move to the rhythm of the music and let the moment take you. It’s a great way to release endorphins and feel lighter.

Creating an atmosphere of well-being: cocooning and comforting

24. Yoga or meditation
    A few minutes of yoga or meditation can restore your inner calm. It’s a gentle way to refocus.
25. Wrap yourself up in a comforter
    Snuggling up in a warm blanket brings a sense of security and comfort. It’s a simple yet incredibly soothing gesture.
26. Drink a hot beverage
    Hot beverages are comforting. Take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate with full awareness.
27. Intentional laughter
    Laughter is contagious and fills you with positive energy. Even intentionally, laughter activates systems in your body that improve mood and reduce stress. Try it out with a friend or join a laughter yoga session! MORAL BOOST is there for you too.
28. Do some housework
    Clear the clutter from a small area. Just enough to give space to your brain, which will also clear the clutter.

Conclusion: Doing good, one small gesture at a time

There’s no right or wrong way to take care of yourself. Whether you choose one, two or all of the suggestions on this list, the important thing is to find what makes you feel good. Life is made up of ups and downs, and sometimes all it takes is a little help to get back on track.

And if all else fails, don’t forget the 29th suggestion: eat chocolate! 🍫Chocolate helps secrete endorphins and can be a comforting balm during difficult times. A small square of your favorite chocolate can do wonders!

Take care of yourself, and above all, live each moment with lightness and kindness. You deserve it!

Closing the door to the world to stay in our warm cocoon has its advantages.

It’s a welcome respite from the worries of the world!

Take care of yourself!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda