We’ve all been there. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Sometimes the stress of the week piles up. Sometimes, you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed or the holiday blues hit hard. Whatever it may be, here are some small ways to change your mood for the better and uplift you if you’re feeling down in the dumps.
Put Your Thoughts On Paper
Shrek put it best: Better out than in. Verbalising the issue may not solve any problems, but getting it out can definitely help in feeling lighter. Journaling is one way to get all those muddled thoughts out and get a clear head. Journaling, specifically journal prompts, can also help with reflection, motivation, and practising gratitude.
Move Your Body
Set some time apart from your day to visit a gym or attend a dance class. Moving your body releases endorphins that relieve pressure and stress. So if you’re feeling low or sluggish, it means it’s time to get out and move. If you’re unsure where to start, check out The PAD, a pilates and dance studio that offers classes at all fitness levels.
Take a Deep Stretch
Just like moving your body, stretching can help relieve stress. Normally, when we don’t stretch, our muscles tighten which leads to stiffness and pain. Stretching helps to ease that tension while also releasing serotonin, the hormone responsible for stabilising your mood and relieving stress. So even if you’re so low you can’t get out of bed, do some simple stretches lying down and that might make all the difference. But if you can, and want to have a full, complete stretch workout, visit TOPSTRETCHING, a one-of-a-kind stretching studio that’s dedicated to improving posture, flexibility, and physique through stretching.
Get Creative
Art can be a powerful tool for self-care. Whether you’re doodling, colouring, sketching, or painting, activating those creative juices can help to reduce cortisol and allow you to relax. If you don’t know where to start, check out Sketch Art Cafe in Boxpark Jumeirah. From tote bags to mugs to canvases to paper cups, you can draw to your heart’s content, no expert skill level needed.
Slip Into a Warm Bath
Bubbles, steam, some candles, and a trusty body scrub are a sure-fire way to improve a dull mood. There’s a reason why it’s called ‘self-care’. And if you’re looking to elevate the standard bath, then visit a Turkish hammam where you can clear out toxins and indulge in aromatherapy and other beauty rituals. We especially love the hammam at Anjana Spa!
Similarly, Take a Cold Plunge
If baths aren’t for you, then how about a cold shower? This 2-3 minute activity can reduce inflammation, increase endorphins in your brain, and decrease cortisol, which is the stress hormone responsible for making you feel in a slump. If you’ve just finished a workout and are looking for a way to relax your muscles, then give cold plunging a go. It involves immersing your body in cold water to reduce inflammation and boost blood circulation, giving you the same result as a cold shower. We recommend cold plunging at The PEAQ Club, where cold plunging is combined with a sauna to help with overall recovery.
Grab A Sweet Treat
It’s been joked to death that whenever life throws a curveball, we get a sweet treat. But, when done in moderation, eating something sweet can do more for you than you think! Keep it simple with fruit, or grab a piece of dark chocolate—the antioxidants and other nutrients help to lower blood pressure and boost the release of serotonin. And with plenty of cafes and coffee shops in Dubai, it’s not hard to find a sweet treat nearby.
