I keep this list handy, so that when I find myself feeling down, I don’t have to think about what to do to get back up. I often find that after doing just a couple of them, I’m already feeling better and ready to take on the world again.
– Music – I love reggae, jazz, and ambient electronic (somafm.com)
– Meaningful engagement with friends and family – I like to ask questions and let them tell me stories. Light stuff, but intentional and meaningful.
– Water – 1 liter+ At least a full glass as soon as I wake up and as often as I think about it during the day
– Sleep – 7+ hours. Melatonin and water at bedtime. F.lux to get rid of blue light from computer screen
– Green food / smoothie, preferably with friends
– Meditation – I like to focus on my breath in the shower 3-5 minutes
– Small victory – Something small that I can do in under an hour to feel like I’ve done something worthwhile
– Help someone – strangers are the best. helping with groceries or just open a door.
– Write – Writing forces me to collect my thoughts. Privately in my journal or publicly on my blog
– Group exercise – Getting a sweat where I can talk to other humans. Basket ball/hike/rugby
– Yoga – close to meditation, given the breath work and mind focus, but adding a physical component
– Read fiction – Fiction allows my brain to travel to another place. Non-fiction tends to make me add things to my work todo list
– Hug my dog – He doesn’t care at all about problems and is always eager to show me love
– Guard myself from takers – Energy suckers can wait 48 hours until I’m up again. When I am wounded, sick, and/or vulnerable I’m not interested in interacting with them
– Create art – I love to paint, sculpt, and build stuff (usually with electronics or wood)
– Hire help – Call for back up to get my house in order – laundry, cleaning, cooking
– Intentionally smile and breathe – Just do it
– Say good morning to strangers – Its nice and they almost always say it back. When they don’t I have a reason to laugh AT them for being so fussy
– Ask friends for help – That inner circle of 3-5 people that love you most. Yeah, they want to know when you need them. I’m not bothering them. That’s what friends are for.
– Reread The Four Agreements – 1) Be impeccable with your word 2) Don’t take things personal 3) Don’t make assumptions 4) Always do your best
– Return to the Up folder – When my crazy isn’t acting up I like to save interesting and inspiring tidbits from around the web (articles, posts, videos, pictures). When I’m in the pit of sorrow I have it right there to help.
Some of these things are habits. Others are not. But that is why the list is so good. I can read it without having to think when I’m down to be able to get back on top.
Aaron Davis
The Ultimate Answer 