by Tami Erickson

Created on: May 15, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2011

We've all been there; a bad moment in life when things just don't go your way. It doesn't matter who you are, those moments will find you every now and again and you need to be prepared. You wouldn't take a trip around the world without packing the essentials to get you through the journey, so why haven't you packed appropriately for your journey through life?

Here are ten basic essentials to take with you on your trip that will lift your spirits when you hit those bumps along the way:

Laughter

That old adage, "Laughter is the best medicine" is as true today as it ever was. It doesn't matter what circumstance you find yourself in, finding even a tiny bit of humor in a situation can make a difference in how you handle it.

Hugs

No matter how bad the day was, hugs can make you feel better. Connect with someone who cares about you and get a hug. It can give you the strength to keep you moving forward.

Play

Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. Learn to play again! Instead of going home and yelling at the people you love or "kicking the dog" seek them out to lift your spirits. Let the radiance of your baby's smile; the innocence of your toddler's chatter; the triumphs of your teenager's day; or the simple wagging of your dog's tail cheer you up. Play with them and remember what's really important in life!

Take a walk outside

Walk along a meandering brook, a beach or a hiking trail. Spending time in nature can be very soothing. The exercise helps your body release endorphins, a natural hormone that can help alleviate stress and pain, while providing quiet time to think and put things into perspective.

Exercising is another great way to feel better

Working out will release those endorphins also and once that stress and tension is gone, let your spirits soar!

Relax

A quiet evening in front of the fireplace; taking time to day-dream; or taking a luxurious bubble bath can help you relax and will nurture your spirit. Meditation or yoga can do the same.

Surround yourself with family and friends

Okay, so sometimes they're the reason you're gloomy in the first place, but most times the opposite is true. Let those who love you help you when you're down in the dumps. They know you and care about you and will help.

Vent

The stress has been building a long time. You feel like you're going to blow! Allowing negative thoughts to ricochet around in your mind or ruminating on earlier events can increase your anxiety. Find a safe person to "vent" to. Ask them to lend an ear without the need to find you a solution. Releasing your thoughts in a safe way can alleviate the stress and cheer you up.

Listen to music

Tune into your favorite artist and let the music wash over you. Music can lift your spirits on even the dreariest days! Raise your spirits even higher by singing along or dancing to your favorite tunes.

Pray

Prayer can do amazing things! There are many who pray faithfully every day and others who pray contingent on what's happening in their life at any given moment. Regardless of how often you pray, or how you pray, prayer is powerful and can lift your spirits even when your nights are darkest!

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