Turn that frown upside down!

Today I've decided to shake off the beginnings of a pity party and get my ass into gear. It's time to blog something positive and fun! I've had a think about the things that help me get out of a bad mood funk, and luckily for you dear reader (assuming I still have any left?!) I'm willing to share my 'turn that frown upside down' know how. Some tips are ridiculous but that's exactly what makes them funny and uplifting... hopefully! So, having a bad time of it lately? Read on!

Treat yourself to a movie date

 I'm talking me on my sofa, wrapped in blankets, chocolate to hand and a cup of tea within easy reach, a stack of DVDs piled high and ready to go. If I'm really pushing the boat out I don one of those uber attractive blanket-with-sleeves thingys. Ultimate snuggle-age! For me, it has to be a juicy horror film, the bloodier and messier the better. I'm particularly fond of old school horrors like the original Friday the Thirteenth and Candy Man. Scary enough to make me jump a little but with seriously outdated graphics and special effects to prevent total terror, these are the ultimate relaxation tool for me. Which might sound a little strange, but I find it all very cathartic! I don't have time to stress about life's worries when I'm knee deep in blood and guts, shouting at Kevin Bacon to look under the bed and pleading with Virginia Madsen NOT to climb through the hidden opening in her bathroom wall. 

I also enjoy a good marathon of TLC's finest shows, including Beverly Hills Bridal, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Long Island Medium. I can lust after expensive wedding gowns and then cry watching Theresa Caputo's psychic readings all in one afternoon; I purposefully record every episode so I can binge now and again! Total relaxation. 

Shake it

When all else fails, turn up the volume and let loose. Dance like nobody's watching and have an absolute ball! My current favourite anxiety busting albums include Daft Punk's latest offering, particularly 'Lose Yourself to Dance' which features the dreamy vocals of Pharrell Williams. When I say let loose, I really mean let loose. I hate dancing in public but oh how I love dancing in the comfort of my own home! I sort of end up combining dance with a little gymnastics and aerobics (not something I'd ever want recorded!) and there's a lot of jumping, hair swishing and arm waving involved. Embarrassing, yes. Liberating? Absolutely! Shake it off, literally shake off your anxiety and worries, and get your heart pumping. Your mind and your body will thank you for it!

Pamper, pamper, pamper

Even on my meager budget I'm able to devise a little pampering routine for when times get rough. Face mask, toning spritz, deep conditioning hair mask and a nice body butter and I'm all set for some serious me-time. Grab a stack of magazines, run a hot bubble bath and you're good to go. There's something to be said for taking the time to care for yourself physically in order for your heart and soul to heal. Even if you're feeling super lazy and reluctant to do anything, I promise a spot of gentle pampering will help lift your spirits. 

'Me and the rest of my heathens'

The Nelly fans among you may recognise this lyric from 'Hot in Herre', the greatest Nelly song of all time. My fiance and I have discovered the perfect way to brush away wedding planning woes, and it involves one of us whispering any number of ridiculous lines from Hot In Herre, our current favourites being 'I was like, good gracious, ass is bodacious' and 'I'm leaving, please believe in, me and the rest of my heathens' before launching into singing. Why this particular song? For some reason it makes us collapse with laughter every time, and before we know it we've launched into a full blown rendition of the whole song, backing vocals and all. Pick a song, preferably one with ridiculous lyrics, and make it your 'happy song'. Don't be afraid to throw in some crazy dancing too!

Mix it up

 A change is as good as a rest, so the saying goes! Today I decided to have a rummage through my jewellery box with the intention of changing up my look, small a change as it is. Wearing a different pair of earrings to my usual pearl studs gave me a little boost, and made me realise I don't have to spend heaps of money on new clothes and what not to feel 'revived'. Mixing it up doesn't just apply to material things, though. Try taking a different route to work, or go for an autumnal walk over the weekend. See new things, bump in to new people and generally switch things up a little. It's amazing what a small change of scenery can do for a stagnant mood. 

Pictures, please 

While I haven't felt like blogging all that much lately I have been finding it easy to snap photos here and there. Instagram is my best friend at the moment! Quick, easy, satisfying and a nice way to take a peek at what friends and bloggers have been up to, I love having a browse and I enjoy finding reasons to snap a picture, even if it is just of my latest favourite lippie or a cheeky selfie. Why not?! You could even set yourself little Instagram challenges, such as recording 'a day in the life' or taking part in the #supergorgeousnov challenge. Having little tasks like this is really keeping me going at the moment and it's nice to stay connected when blogging has seemed like too much to handle. Plus, who doesn't enjoy looking through photographs? Making memories, baby! Here's a selection of my latest snaps!

Yup, there's the obligatory life affirming quote, engagement ring snap and selfie ;)

The history test

Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory got it right in last night's episode when trying to reassure Penny that Leonard was most definitely missing her while away/wasn't going to cheat on her with a randomer: 'In 100 years you'll both be dead and it won't matter anymore'. A little nudge of humour always helps lift the mood! Is what you're worrying about going to matter in a year? In five years? In a decade? In half a century? Is it an episode worthy of a chapter in your future biography, penned and published a hundred years after your death? No? Then try your best to shake it off and coax a smile, as living a life filled with joy is far more fun (and healthier) then one plagued with permanent worry. 

There you have it guys. My rather eclectic range of things I like to do to lift my mood and give me a boost when I'm feeling blue. I'd love to hear your tips and tricks for coaxing a smile, so please do share! Before I end I'd like to say a huge thank you to Mrs. ShuGar over at ShuGar Love blog whose kind words brought me immense comfort and relief yesterday. It's OK to admit that you're going through a tough time and perhaps the best tip I can give for turning that frown upside down is to share how you're feeling and reach out for support. 

Baci e abbracci, 

        

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