1. Smile
Smiling is a good way to let go of negative emotions, get back to your happy self, stop depression in its tracks, and overcome difficult situations or embarrassing moments.
You could say that, when you feel down, the last thing on your mind, it’s smiling. Yet, (you see?) you get all the benefits of smiling even if, in the beginning, it’s a forced or fake smile. When your facial muscles are contracting with a smile, your brain chemistry changes instantly, releasing endorphins.
There is a simple and inexpensive prop to use when you just can’t make yourself to slime: a pencil. Keep it in your mouth to force your facial muscles to mimic a smile. Depending on how down you feel, this exercise improves your mental state in an instant, or it could take a few minutes.
Use this exercise to lift your mood when you feel down or when you anticipate a stressful situation.
For example:
- A job interview,
- A meeting with difficult people or people you want to impress (if you’re a bit shy),
- An exam or other challenges.