I’ve had another rough couple of weeks.  I’m not sleeping well even though I’m taking many meds to help me sleep.  Maybe that’s part of the problem.  Who knows. When I don’t sleep I don’t function well and all my fibromyalgia symptoms increase. Sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason as to why we’re feeling the way we are.  I’ve been trying to come up with simple ways to cheer me up when I’m sick or in a flare.  Here are five things I try to do when I’m feeling sick or having a bad day.

Buy Yourself Some Flowers

I have bought beautiful bouquets from Aldis for as little as 2.99.  There is something about having something living and colorful in your house.  Whenever I walk by my flowers on my kitchen table it puts a smile on my face and puts me a slightly more positive mood.  If you can’t get out of the house send your husband or close friend to the store.  Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a flower garden in your yard.

Spend Time with a Pet

I am blessed to have a toy poodle named Toby.  I love that little guy even though he can take a lot of work taking him out four times a day and cleaning up after him when he shreds paper. (Which he loves to do!) I feel he makes up for it by his warm snuggles and how he follows me around the house and is so excited to see me when I come home.  Even if you don’t have a pet maybe you could borrow one from a close friend.  There are also some organizations that will let you foster a pet.  Even gazing at colorful fish can improve your mood.

Talk to a Close Friend

Sometimes we just need to hear the voice of someone close to us.  I know when I’m feeling down and discouraged it helps to listen to someone who’s outside of my situation.  There are weeks that the only people I see or talk to are my children.  I love my children dearly, but it helps to talk to others and listen to what’s going on in their lives.  Sometimes I feel like I don’t even have the energy to talk to someone else, but when I actually do it I am so glad I did!

Watch a Funny Movie

I love watching movies.  I usually watch drama or comedy.  There are days when I have enough drama in my own house I don’t need to watch it!  It’s on these days that I reach for a comedy.  Some of my favorite comedies are from  the 90’s.  Some of my favorites are Mrs. Doubtfire, Groundhog Day and The Three Amigos.  There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and settling in for a movie!

Reach Out to Someone 

When I’m not feeling well the last thing that comes to my mind is reaching out to someone else.  If I am having trouble taking care of myself and my family how am I going to be there for someone else.  I’m not necessarily talking about leaving the house and running errands for someone. I’m talking about things you can do from home.  If you know someone who is going through a rough time why not write them an encouraging note or e-mail.  You could also call them and let them know you are thinking of them.  one thing that you can even do from bed is pray for the other person.  I know there are some days where we feel we can’t do much for others, but never underestimate the power of prayer!

Can you think of any other things we can do to cheer ourselves up on our down days?