Let’s face it, sometimes we all feel a little more down in the dumps than usual. Maybe we’re in a slump or maybe suffering from a short term depression. (Please note: if you’ve been more tired than usual for several weeks, are having trouble sleeping, sleeping more than usual, feeling emotionally numb, and/or have lost interest in regular social and career activities, you may be experiencing a depression disorder and should consult with your doctor or a psychiatrist.) There are some very simple things we can do to feel better about ourselves and our lives. The following is a list of five things you can do on a daily basis to treat yourself like the special and unique person you are, motivate you to complete planned activities, and acknowledge the time and energy you spend attending to your needs and the needs of those around you.

1. Make a short list of things you want to accomplish and check off each item as you complete it.

This will give you a clear idea of your goals for the day and allow you to give yourself credit for the energy you spend attending to each task. Start with 4-8 tasks that you do on a daily basis already (i.e. washing dishes, making dinner, running an errand, making a phone call, weeding the garden, etc.). Netvibes.com is a homepage you assemble (it’s simple to use) that has a ‘to do’ list that is easy to use and crosses off items when you indicate you’ve completed them. (see image below of a sample To Do list on netvibes) You can, of course, hand write your To Do list.

2. Do something nice for yourself everyday.

At least one thing. Spend your lunch hour at the park. Buy or borrow a book you’ve been wanting to read. Set up alone time if you have kids or time to spend with your partner. Fix yourself a cup of tea before bed or a special cup of coffee in the morning. Get up a little early and enjoy the silence. Think about what makes you feel special. Add this to your To Do list for the day!

3. Acknowledge yourself each time you do something.

Make the bed. Run that errand you’ve been planning to run. Get the kids to bed on time. Choose to take a walk instead of lying in bed for 15 extra minutes, having a cigarette or eating that eclair. No matter how small the accomplishment may seem, you deserve a pat on the back for choosing to do it and then actually doing it!

4. Spend a little time outside everyday.

The sun is very important. It is the source of life on our planet and without it, no life would grow. Other than a few foods that have naturally have vitamin D and supplements in dairy and vitamins, being exposed to sunlight is the only way our bodies can make vitamin D. Without the proper amount of vitamin D the immune system can become weak, bones can become brittle and we can experience something similar to the exhaustion felt when we are iron deficient. Get outside and let the sun shine on your skin for even a few minutes a day!

5. Do something nice for someone else.

This is a good way to spread the goodness around and it can make you feel good about yourself for being a thoughtful, kind person. Call an elderly relative who you know would love to hear your voice. Fix a special dessert for your partner or children. Give up your seat on public transportation to someone who really needs it, i.e. a pregnant woman, person with small children, or elderly person. Give a homeless person a dollar or a piece of fruit.

Even if you only do one of these things each day and spend the other two days a week moping around, I think you’ll quickly find that you feel better about yourself and life in general in just a week or two. I don’t expect it to be a major life changing event, but I do think it might create a momentum that could lead to better physical and mental health!

Blessings on your journey and please, feel good about who you are. After all, there’s only one person like you in all the world. You deserve to feel special!!