We all go through things at various points in our life, things that make everyday tasks a challenge. They can make us down, stressed or unenergetic and sometimes it seems like there's very little, if anything, that we can do to combat it. However, there are some simple things we can do to improve our mind set and give ourselves a chance to destress even if just for a short while. I'm guilty of forgetting to do these things as often as I should but when I do do them, I find them to be rather effective so hopefully you will too!

1. Listen to music- Sometimes you just don't feel like doing anything, so how about you have a little lie down/sit down and just put on a playlist of your choice- I know when I'm in a lowish mood, I often don't like to listen to upbeat, jolly music, which is where my 'bad day' playlist comes in. If, like me, you struggle to listen to your normal playlist, why not create one for those moments and then you have it on standby just in case.
2. Read a book, blog, magazine... anything- Reading can help to distract from whatever is going on in the real world, especially if it's fiction and you get the opportunity to live a characters life for a bit. However, sometimes I struggle to read as my mind wanders too much or I lack the energy, in which case, another activity in this post would probably be a better option. Alternatively, if reading isn't for you, why not give an audiobook I go, I personally don't like them but I know some find them great alternatives.
3. Watch a TV series or a film- Like reading, watching something can help you to escape the real world for a little bit and enjoy whatever you're watching, I find this to be the case for TV series in particular. Watching one of your favourite films can also be an instant mood lightener if you opt for a comedy or feel good film, or watching a sad film can help to release the tears you've been storing, which can also make you feel a lot better.
4. Go to the gym- Exercising can do wonders for you and your body during times of stress, especially as stress can cause you to gain weight, which is not a problem unless it is then going to cause issues regarding self esteem. Exercising can help prevent this from happening or can control the effects, plus it keeps you as healthy as possible. The endorphins released from exercise can also help to improve your mood. If you don't have a gym membership, you could always try going for a run, hike or doing a home workout. Despite the difficulty that can arise when trying to motivate yourself to go, it is worth it, even if just for twenty minutes (but I know that's easier said than done especially if you lack the time or can only go at inconvenient times).
5. Run a bubble bath and have a nice soak- There's something very relaxing and destressing about a nice, hot bath filled with a concoction of bath salts, bath soaks and bath bombs. To be able to sit and have a bit of time to yourself, enjoying the aromas and the peacefulness is a lovely thing. If the bath alone won't help, taking a book in might also make a good relaxing activity or, if you have the room, take your laptop, tablet or phone in, place it on a surface such as a chair and catch up on a TV show whilst you soak. (If you do the latter, be very careful with where you place things as electricity and water are not a great combination!)
6. Get your hands on an adult colouring book (or any other colouring book you chose) and have a colouring session- I was reluctant to try this at first as I thought the pressure to colour neatly would make it more stressful than it is relaxing but it was actually a lot better than I thought. It's not my preferred relaxing/calming activity but it's definitely a good one to try.
7. Watch YouTube- There are so many different videos and even types of videos on YouTube that there's bound to be something you'll enjoy, whether it's a daily vlog, a challenge video, a sketch or a fails video, odds are something is going to put a smile on your face and probably make you laugh... and they do say that laughter is the best medicine!
8. Write- Sharing thoughts on a blog can be quite therapeutic; linking to the quote, 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. Getting things off your chest can help lift the pressure a bit. Alternatively, writing about something you love can bring back the positive feeling towards that thing back, helping to improve your mood. Helping others by sharing some knowledge or tips can also be a mood builder. If you don't think a blog is for you but like to write anyway, you could give fiction or poetry writing a go, you may discover a hidden talent!
9. Swim- Going for a swim is an activity that I find particularly useful when I feel a bit down or stressed. The endorphins released really help improve your mood, you feel better knowing you've done some exercise and it can be quite fun. It's nice to spend time in your own bubble- if you'll pardon the pun- without much distraction from anyone/thing else, particularly if you time it right as then you can have a lane to yourself and sometimes even the pool to yourself, which is a tad intimidating but also quite refreshing.
10. Go out- Walk a pet (or just yourself), meet a friend for coffee (or another,- in my opinion- nicer drink), do some shopping, whatever you want to do to get yourself out the house and escape for a bit doing something you enjoy. Fresh air and a bit of movement could be a simple way to help yourself clear your head and destress, plus it could end up being a lot more fun than you first expected.
BONUS: Baking- Some find baking to be a relaxing activity and the pro with that is the treats you are left with afterwards. If baking is an activity you enjoy, rekindle the passion and try out a new recipe or an old favourite. Personally, I find baking to be quite stressful, which is why I've added it as a bonus rather than in my recommended ten things, but if it works for you, it's a great one to try!

Thank you for reading this post, I hope you've found it useful and that it's given you some ideas for effective activities to try when life's a bit suckish! If you have any other activities that you recommend, share them in the comments and we can all help each other. If you liked this post and want to see more from me, you can follow my social media links in the top right hand corner of my blog to see when I next upload.

Love, Steph x