10 ways to lift your spirits

 
I've been very tired lately. I don't know if I'm tired or sad but I know I'm not acting normal. My softball coach even noticed. Is there anything I can do to lift my spirits up again?
We all feel a bit blah from time to time, but those blues certainly don’t have to stick around forever. Give one—or all—of our ten best mood-boosters a try. We’ll get ya whistlin’ a happy tune in no time!
Go for a physical. From hormone imbalances to vitamin deficiencies to illnesses, there are a lot of body-related problems that could be causing your fatigue. Schedule an annual checkup with your physician and be sure to tell him how you’ve been feeling. Certain tests might be able to pinpoint the cause.
Talk it out. Even if this bout of the blahs seems to be coming from left field, there might be a problem at school or home or with your friends that’s making you feel down. Chatting with someone you trust, whether it’s your BFF, your mom, your guidance counselor or your coach, could help you get down to the heart of the matter.
Plan a night with your besties. Feeling stressed? A night out—or in—with your very best girl friends could be just the thing you need to take your mind off of exams, your softball tourney and sibling feuds. Do it up right with your favorite activities, movies and food.
Get creative. Maybe the time has come for a new hobby. Artistic activities, like painting, ceramics and writing, can channel emotions fantastically well, helping you deal with the things you don’t want to think about in any other context. Give it a shot. Maybe you’ll be the next Georgia O’Keefe!
Revise your eating habits. Given the world we live in, it’s very likely that your diet is bogging you down. Toss the processed foods and usher in lean proteins and whole foods, like fruits and veggies. Yum!
Crank up the music. You know how you feel when your fave song comes on at the end of a seriously bad day? Create a “great day” playlist and get that same feeling on demand. Turn on the tunes whenever you need a pick-me-up and watch the blues fade away.
Make a puppy play date. Studies have shown that contact with pets can alleviate stress and anxiety. Cuddle up to Fido or Fluffy. Don’t have a pet of your own? Hitch a ride to your bestie’s house or try dog walking for neighbors.
Grow a green thumb. Being surrounded by the great outdoors, even if it’s just a potted violet on your desk, can elevate your mood and your productivity. Mark off some space for your own personal garden, or bring a plant inside to decorate your room.
Revamp your workout routine. We’ve all heard that the hormones released when you exercise, namely epinephrine and adrenaline, make you feel happy. If softball isn’t giving you the boost you need, try adding in something new, like a kickboxing class, kickball with your neighborhood friends or biking after school.
Start a diary. Go ahead and do the tell-all deal, but also be sure to keep track of your emotions. Track how you feel throughout the day for a week. At the end of seven days, reread your entries and see if there are any consistencies. Do you feel sad at a certain time of day? After your worst class or before you hang out with a particular friend? Record your observations and then try to alter your behavior. If a class is bumming you out, promise yourself a reward for getting through it and doing well. If a friend isn’t making you happy, try to chill out with other people.
Still feeling down? Head back to your doctor or make an appointment with a mental health specialist. Prolonged feelings of depression could be signs of a greater problem best treated by the pros.
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by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016
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