"Raindrops on Roses": 7 Ways to Overcome the Blues

Let's face it, it happens to everyone. We all have those days where nothing seems to go right or we simply wake up feeling blah. Today has been one of those days for me. I didn't sleep well, I feel like I'm coming down with a cold, and I woke up to discover that it's raining and overcast again . I am so ready for spring...

The following is a list of the things that have helped me to overcome my blues in the past. Who knows, they might work for you too!

1. Cartoons (and other Family-Friendly Films)

Okay, so this may sound strange coming from an adult (especially one without any children), but it works! First off, there are literally hundreds of cartoon films to choose from. Second, if nothing else, the movies will give you a chance to escape reality and your own personal problems and lose yourself in a story. Third, they're designed for children-- which means they come with a few guarantees: they'll put a smile on your face, they'll make you laugh, and they'll have a happy ending. Finally, these movies comes with a lesson. No matter how bad things get in the middle, everything will work itself out in the end. The same rings true for your own life. Cartoons can help put your own life in perspective.

A few of my favorites: Lilo & Stitch, The Iron Giant, Meet the Robinsons, Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and How to Train Your Dragon.

2. Fresh Air & Nature

I realize that you've probably heard this one a dozen times, but it's true. One of the best ways to overcome a funk is to go outside, breath in some fresh air, feel the sun on your face, and admire nature that surrounds you. We live on an exceptionally beautiful planet; but, these days with our modern conveniences and city lives, it's so easy to forget.

I love to takes walks through my neighborhood. I love admiring the different architectural styles of my neighbor's houses and their blooming gardens. I often return home feeling energized enough to grab my work gloves and get to work weeding and pruning my own yard!

3. Read a Book

I find that one of the best ways to overcome a blah mood is to go get lost in a book. Like the cartoons previously mentioned, it sometimes helps to lose myself in another world for a while. The combination of the interesting characters, drama, and storylines can't help but improve my mood. They also help put my own problems in perspective.

I love that I have the option of visiting so many places at my fingertips. Depending on my mood, I can spend the afternoon with Miss Elizabeth Bennett, Harry Potter, Stephanie Plum, Artemis Fowl, or dozens of other beloved fictional friends.

4. Listen to Music

Let's begin with a few instructions. Step 1: select a CD, press play, and crank the volume. Step 2: rock out! I dare you! Sing at the top of your lungs! Pretend to be a rock store! Pretend your hairbrush (or comb) is a microphone!

It feels good, doesn't it? A great CD can lighten any mood. I find that there are two types of music: the ones that wind you up and the ones that calm you down.

"Rowdy" music-- There are times that we just need to get it all off of our chests. Screaming along to Linkin Park or another kick-ass band can be extremely therapeutic. Personally, I find it helps to play "One step closer" a few times while driving to visit my mother. (A little sample: "everything you say to me... brings me one step closer to the edge... and I'm about to break!") A little radio venting is sure to make any interaction with my relatives a little more tolerable.

Calming music-- There are other times when we need easy listening, classical, country western, or pop music to help calm us down.

5. Comfort Foods

At the top of my list of comfort foods (and drinks) is a hot cup of tea. There's just something comforting about sipping the warm beverage. As an added bonus, they sell a lot of herbal teas that have stress relieving properties (ie: chamomile, lavender).

I realize that a dietician would disagree with me, but I also find home baked goodies comforting on a bad day. I'm a big fan of chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and banana bread. However, when I'm in the mood for something more substantial than dessert, bring on the pasta and potatoes! I love spaghetti, lasagna, and pretty much every other Italian dish served with a salad and garlic bread. Not only does the food fill my belly, but there's something comforting about it. Maybe it's because generations of Italian mothers have lovingly prepared the dishes and served the food to their children.

6. Snuggles

There's nothing like a hug when you're feeling down. So, go find a friend, relative, or the family pet and hug away. In my experience, dogs and kittens are the best snuggling buddies. Most humans look at your funny when you walk up and give them a big hug. This behavior is usually followed by a funny look and an "Are you feeling all right?"

7. "Raindrops on Roses"

If all else fails, I suggest that you find a copy of the song "Raindrops on Roses" (the Julie Andrews version). It doesn't matter if it's on a CD, YouTube, or you have to play the "Sound of Music" movie on your television. Just find a copy of the song, crank up the volume, and sing!

Okay, so at first glance, this advice may seem a little bit crazy. However, there's a popular saying "Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is living, and love like you've never been hurt before." There are a few variations, but the basic message is this: Live, Laugh, and Love.

So, turn on the song and sing and dance along. Be goofy-- it's therapeutic. And then, when you're feeling better, go face the day!

We all have bad days. It's part of life. Every once in a while we'll all have mornings where we really, really don't want to crawl out of bed. But, when it comes down to it, life is for living. So, we pull the covers off of our heads, get up, and get ready to face the day. After all, for all of those bad days, we have a 50/50 chance of having a good one. That's pretty good odds, don't you think?